Professional genealogist Mica Anders will present the program, “Tracing African American Legacies in Minnesota” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Lyon County Museum.

Anders will present more about African American life in Minnesota during the formative years from the 1850s when it was still a territory to early statehood in the through the 1880s. This presentation explores the stories of communities and individuals who contributed to the region’s early development. The multifaceted roles of the early residents as homesteaders, barbers, shop owners, Civil War veterans, and more will be explored. Through a blend of personal narratives and historical records, the challenges and triumphs of these early residents will be examined.

Anders is a professional genealogist specializing in African American genealogy with almost 20 years of experience. As the first-ever history fellow at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum, she conducted pioneering research on early African American communities, earning the Minnesota Genealogical Society’s Pioneer Award for her work.

The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Programs at the Lyon County Museum are sponsored by members.