The next Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL series webinar is on Friday (a members-only event). Learn more here. 

The next Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL series webinar is on Friday (a members-only event). Learn more here. 

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African Diaspora Historical Records Quaker Records Places and Ethnicities African American

McMasters’ Will: The Scheme That Made Us Virtually Free

Calvin Dark
May 6, 2022
537 views
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Syllabus
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Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 40s
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Speaker's Introduction
1m 26s
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Introduction
6m 19s
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Origins
12m 44s
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Quakers
18m 59s
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Freedom
26m 10s
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Announcements / prizes
3m 16s
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Questions / answers
10m 15s

About this webinar

Calvin Dark presents the story of his Great-Great Grandfather, Aaron McMasters, born enslaved around 1814 in North Carolina. When he was 20 years old, he convinced his master and biological father, Simeon McMasters, to free him but North Carolina law wouldn’t allow it. This presentation will shed light on aspects of slavery (including manumission, emancipation, anti-slavery vs. abolitionist groups, Underground Railroad, Quakers, and Black Codes), Reconstruction, and African American history in North Carolina that are lesser-known and largely omitted from mainstream teaching and discourse about the period. The presentation will also provide tips and lessons learned for using genetic genealogy to uncover and discover valuable family history.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Calvin Dark
Calvin Dark is a writer and historian who regularly gives presentations and leads discussion groups on genealogy, African American folklore, and history. He is the author of the forthcoming book, McMasters’ Will: The Scheme that Almost Freed U
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  1. CH
    Claire Hoffer
    2 years ago

    This was such an enjoyable presentation.

    Reply
  2. LM
    Lynda M Sampson
    3 years ago

    This webinar is one of the best I have ever attended. It is truly what genealogical or family history research is all about. It is more than names and dates on trees. It is documents, sources, pictures and more that recreate the lives of our ancestors. Thank you for introducing your family to us, but more importantly reminding us that every detail can lead us deeper into the lives of our ancestors.

    Reply
  3. TS
    Traci S. Kape Thysell-McPherson
    3 years ago

    What a brilliant genealogy Calvin, Thanks for a great presentation.

    Reply
  4. CB
    Cyndy Bray
    3 years ago

    Amazing story so well told

    Reply
  5. VH
    Valerie Hunter
    3 years ago

    The speaker was awesome and very knowledgeable with the information he provided. Very enlightening.

    Reply
  6. MC
    Maria Capaldi
    3 years ago

    I hope you have Calvin back it was fantastic, thank you!!!

    Reply
  7. KG
    Kathie Grover-Miller
    3 years ago

    Excellent session by Calvin Dark! Thank you for sharing your family’s story and teaching us in the process. It remind me also that the fight for equality remains a necessity today.

    Reply
  8. RF
    Robin Foster
    3 years ago

    Calvin’s presentation showed how well he uncovered sources. His delivery of all his information was clear, concise, and kept me on the edge of my seat.

    Reply
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