Local genealogist Kate Penney Howard will explore challenges and resources for tracing ancestors who faced religious persecution. She will cover key historical periods of faith-based oppression, including the Spanish Inquisition, European wars of religion, and Soviet anti-religious campaigns. Other topics will include: specialized archives that can reveal details about persecuted individuals; interpreting coded religious references in documents; and identifying name changes adopted to avoid detection. The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context and religious practices to accurately trace family lines. Lastly, it addresses the emotional aspects of uncovering ancestral trauma and suggests ethical ways to honor these stories.
