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Beyond the Census: Uncovering Ancestor Stories

Census records provide valuable snapshots, but they rarely tell the full story of an ancestor’s life.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to move beyond census data to find the stories that census records can’t tell. Using alternative sources such as historical encyclopedias, newspapers, city and business directories and more, we will work to shape your ancestors' stories. Through practical examples, attendees will discover how these records can add context, personality, and depth to ancestor profiles—transforming names and dates into meaningful life stories.

Regan Richardson is the managing editor of The Arkansas Family Historian, co-managing editor of Generations, and newsletter editor for AAHGS News. With a deep commitment to uncovering the human stories behind historical records, Regan specializes in transforming traditional research—such as census data—into rich, contextual family narratives. She works with researchers and writers to strengthen historical storytelling while maintaining rigorous documentation standards. Regan encourages genealogists and family historians to look beyond the records and discover the lived experiences that bring ancestors fully to life.