Ancestor's Footprints with Bernice Alexander Bennett
Welcome to Ancestor's Footprints—the podcast where the past comes alive! Whether you're a curious beginner, an avid genealogist, or someone who believes that uncovering family history is a lifelong journey, this show is for you. With each episode, we'll bring you incredible stories, expert insights, and practical tips to help you trace your roots and connect with your heritage. I’ve lined up passionate experts who will not only share their knowledge and resources but also answer your most pressing genealogy questions. Together, we’ll uncover the hidden gems in your family’s history and inspire you to take the next step in your journey. So, get ready to explore, discover, and honor the footprints your ancestors left behind. Your story starts here. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ancestor-s-footprints-with-bernice-alexander-bennett--6436157/support.
Episodes
May 21, 2025 • 39 mins
Searching for my American cousins with Martine Brennan
Over a decade ago, Irish woman Martine Brennan took a DNA test which surprisingly revealed that she had unknown African American cousins. With no family oral history to guide her she began the search to find her connection to her cousins.
Martine Brennan is an London-born Irish woman, public historian & genealogist. Creator of the database of Irish slaveholders in South Caro...
Over a decade ago, Irish woman Martine Brennan took a DNA test which surprisingly revealed that she had unknown African American cousins. With no family oral history to guide her she began the search to find her connection to her cousins.
Martine Brennan is an London-born Irish woman, public historian & genealogist. Creator of the database of Irish slaveholders in South Caro...
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May 15, 2025 • 40 mins
The Front Porch Genealogist
In this episode, genealogist and legacy coach Terri Ward, known as The Front Porch Genealogist, provides a heart-centered conversation about the many ways people show up to do the work of family history. Drawing from her work in Coastal Georgia, and her unique framework of four genealogy archetypes: Porch Sitters, Torch Tenders, Root Tenders, and Lineage Liberators, Terri explores how identity, curiosity,...
In this episode, genealogist and legacy coach Terri Ward, known as The Front Porch Genealogist, provides a heart-centered conversation about the many ways people show up to do the work of family history. Drawing from her work in Coastal Georgia, and her unique framework of four genealogy archetypes: Porch Sitters, Torch Tenders, Root Tenders, and Lineage Liberators, Terri explores how identity, curiosity,...
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The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) is an educational institute dedicated to advancing African American genealogical research through structured, in-depth training. Since its founding nearly 13 years ago, MAAGI has provided a unique and immersive learning experience, bringing together researchers, historians, and genealogists at all levels. MAAGI’s mission is to equip family historians & genealogists with ...
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The McGowan Funeral Home Collection: Rescuing & Reviving Community Memories
The McGowan Funeral Home Collection Project is an effort to safeguard historical records, stories, and legacies that might otherwise have been lost, and to breathe new life into these memories for current and future generations. The collection holds significance in showcasing Dallas's cultural, familial, and historical identity, emphasizing the importan...
The McGowan Funeral Home Collection Project is an effort to safeguard historical records, stories, and legacies that might otherwise have been lost, and to breathe new life into these memories for current and future generations. The collection holds significance in showcasing Dallas's cultural, familial, and historical identity, emphasizing the importan...
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April 29, 2025 • 38 mins
In My Ancestors’ Footsteps: DNA, Documents, and Descendants
From Adgateville to Africa
Join Patricia Glover-Howard on a personal journey to trace her ancestors from Adgateville, Jasper County, Georgia, to Africa. At the age of 13, the movie Roots ignited her passion for uncovering her family’s history. Years later, a DNA test revealed long-lost ancestral ties, leading her to connect with cousins across generations and continents. Thr...
From Adgateville to Africa
Join Patricia Glover-Howard on a personal journey to trace her ancestors from Adgateville, Jasper County, Georgia, to Africa. At the age of 13, the movie Roots ignited her passion for uncovering her family’s history. Years later, a DNA test revealed long-lost ancestral ties, leading her to connect with cousins across generations and continents. Thr...
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April 23, 2025 • 24 mins
Own Your Narrative: Tell Your Story or Someone Else Will Tell It For You
If you don’t share your story, someone else will—through assumptions, incomplete facts, or their own biases. Owning your narrative means preserving your truth, your experiences, and your legacy, exactly as you want it to be remembered. It’s about reclaiming your voice and making sure your story is told authentically, before it’s rewritten or forgotten.
Anita He...
If you don’t share your story, someone else will—through assumptions, incomplete facts, or their own biases. Owning your narrative means preserving your truth, your experiences, and your legacy, exactly as you want it to be remembered. It’s about reclaiming your voice and making sure your story is told authentically, before it’s rewritten or forgotten.
Anita He...
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April 16, 2025 • 39 mins
A Free Man of Color of Charleston: Abraham Ashe
What do the Haitian Revolution, the War of 1812, and Denmark Vesey’s planned revolt have in common? Abraham Ashe—an enslaved man turned free person of color in Charleston whose life touched every corner of Black Atlantic history.In this episode, researcher and storyteller Joel Johnson uncovers the extraordinary story of his 5th great-grandfather, Abraham Ashe. Visiting Charleston and m...
What do the Haitian Revolution, the War of 1812, and Denmark Vesey’s planned revolt have in common? Abraham Ashe—an enslaved man turned free person of color in Charleston whose life touched every corner of Black Atlantic history.In this episode, researcher and storyteller Joel Johnson uncovers the extraordinary story of his 5th great-grandfather, Abraham Ashe. Visiting Charleston and m...
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April 7, 2025 • 26 mins
"The Life and Legacy of Dr. Matilda Evans, South Carolina's first African American woman licensed to practice medicine"
The show will discuss the research and remarkable life of Dr. Matilda Evans, the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina.
Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr. obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. In 2018, he established Renaissance ...
The show will discuss the research and remarkable life of Dr. Matilda Evans, the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina.
Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr. obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. In 2018, he established Renaissance ...
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March 27, 2025 • 33 mins
The Legacy of Malery Quitman Wells: Perserverance, Character and Hope
The life story of a Black Homesteader in Mississippi
The descendants of Malery Quitman Wells are proud of his legacy and contributions to American history. His perseverance, courage, and astuteness are an illustration of how human resiliency lives on and is our rich heritage. Although Quitman was born a slave, he survived Mississippi during the difficulties of the ...
The life story of a Black Homesteader in Mississippi
The descendants of Malery Quitman Wells are proud of his legacy and contributions to American history. His perseverance, courage, and astuteness are an illustration of how human resiliency lives on and is our rich heritage. Although Quitman was born a slave, he survived Mississippi during the difficulties of the ...
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March 24, 2025 • 16 mins
Moses Williams (1776-1830), his Family & Gradual Emancipation
Moses Williams (1776-1830) was the first Black museum professional. Both he and his family went through various states of unfreedom, structured by the Gradual Emancipation Act of 1780. My recent article reconstructs three generations of his family's genealogy and takes a closer look at how the indentures authorized by the 1780 Act affected the family.
Dr. Ellen Fer...
Moses Williams (1776-1830) was the first Black museum professional. Both he and his family went through various states of unfreedom, structured by the Gradual Emancipation Act of 1780. My recent article reconstructs three generations of his family's genealogy and takes a closer look at how the indentures authorized by the 1780 Act affected the family.
Dr. Ellen Fer...
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March 20, 2025 • 42 mins
Written in the Waters: A Conversation with National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts Join Tara Roberts, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, for an unforgettable evening as she discusses her powerful memoir, Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging.
A National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Tara Roberts spent the last few years following, diving with, and telling stories about a group of ...
A National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Tara Roberts spent the last few years following, diving with, and telling stories about a group of ...
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March 13, 2025 • 33 mins
Confessions of a Black Academic: A Memoir
This compelling memoir chronicles a higher education career that spans more than four decades. Dr. Schexnider’s college years ran parallel to the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War—both of which shaped his life and career in profound ways. He also explores the evolution of public policy, from affirmative action and equal employment opportunity (AA/EEO) to today’s efforts to dismantle ...
This compelling memoir chronicles a higher education career that spans more than four decades. Dr. Schexnider’s college years ran parallel to the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War—both of which shaped his life and career in profound ways. He also explores the evolution of public policy, from affirmative action and equal employment opportunity (AA/EEO) to today’s efforts to dismantle ...
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March 6, 2025 • 40 mins
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March 4, 2025 • 39 mins
Karen Branan will share the many twists and turns her work for racial justice has taken since the book’s release in 2016. This includes meeting and building relationships with Black and White cousins she’d never known of, joining the movement for Lynching Remembrance and Reparations, and working with others to do the kind of research she did for her book. Karen Branan is a long-time investigative reporter and documentary filmmaker ...
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February 24, 2025 • 31 mins
It is essential when attempting to trace enslaved ancestors that one become familiar with the laws of each pertinent state or territory regarding the institution of slavery. Without such a survey of the laws, valuable information can often be overlooked. Knowledge of laws and their associated records can alert the researcher to more obscure sources of information.
Victoria Robinson is an experienced genealogist who, while growing ...
Victoria Robinson is an experienced genealogist who, while growing ...
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February 16, 2025 • 16 mins
The Gulfside Assembly Story Documentary: A Beacon of Hope and Unity
The Gulfside Assembly Story is a powerful and evocative documentary that chronicles the rich history and enduring legacy of Gulfside Assembly, a historic retreat founded in 1923 by Bishop Robert Elijah Jones in Waveland, Mississippi. Against the backdrop of segregation and racial injustice, Gulfside Assembly became a sanctuary for African Americans, offering spirit...
The Gulfside Assembly Story is a powerful and evocative documentary that chronicles the rich history and enduring legacy of Gulfside Assembly, a historic retreat founded in 1923 by Bishop Robert Elijah Jones in Waveland, Mississippi. Against the backdrop of segregation and racial injustice, Gulfside Assembly became a sanctuary for African Americans, offering spirit...
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February 16, 2025 • 21 mins
This podcast is about an extraordinary story of persistence, loss, and discovery. It's a story about a buried family secret, the search for truth, and the emotional journey of reclaiming one woman's place in history.
Hiram Johnson, is a researcher who has spent years piecing together his family's story, one that took him from oral history, dusty archives, DNA test, all the way to a prison where his grandmother's life changed forever...
Hiram Johnson, is a researcher who has spent years piecing together his family's story, one that took him from oral history, dusty archives, DNA test, all the way to a prison where his grandmother's life changed forever...
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February 16, 2025 • 28 mins
In 1879, Islay Walden, born enslaved and visually impaired, returned to North Carolina after a twelve-year odyssey in search of an education. It was a journey that would take him from emancipation in Randolph County, North Carolina to Washington, D. C., where he earned a teaching degree from Howard University, then to the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, in New Jersey. Along the way, he published two volumes of poetry and found...
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February 16, 2025 • 40 mins
Being an African American woman researching and working on plantations, Ja'el often gets the question: why work at a place with such an horrific history? There are no slave costumes or reenactments for her; this is real life. Whether she is being interrogated to see if she is teaching the watered down version or being met with the unspoken hope that she actually will water it down; every single encounter is unique. Nothing will ev...
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February 15, 2025 • 45 mins
Did your ancestors own land under the Homestead Act of 1862? Join the Descendants of African American Homesteaders to hear about their research and land-owning ancestor's stories. Margo Lee Williams is the great-granddaughter of Florida Homesteader, Randel Farnell and his wife, Sallie Jacobs Farnell. Williams is an award-winning author and genealogist/family historian, having published three books. She is currently the Deputy Regis...
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