No issue more bitterly impacted early America than slavery. Defended by some and decried by others, slavery left its mark on the laws of the nation and all the states, enslaved or free. The records created by those laws provide critical clues for genealogists, whether descended from enslaved or enslaver.

Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist®, is a genealogist with a law degree who provides expert guidance through the murky territory where law and family history intersect. An internationally-known lecturer and award-winning writer, she holds credentials as a Certified Genealogist® and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ from the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. Her blog is at https://www.legalgenealogist.com.

Judy will be presenting virtually via Zoom. You can register for the Zoom event here: https://santaclaraca-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SocwLfXfRV2pCzpo5U3I4g.

There will also be the option to view the virtual program in the Redwood Room at the Central Park Library. The Library closes at 7 p.m.; please arrive on time to gain admission to the in-person viewing event. Please do not park in the underground garage; it closes at 7:15 p.m. and your vehicle will not be accessible after the event. There is plenty of surface parking available.

This free program is hosted jointly between the Santa Clara City Library and the Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society.