Author Connie Lapollo will be telling of her search for her ancestors, Joan Pierce and her daughter Cecily who were among the very earliest settlers in Jamestown, Virginia.  She will explain her research, her serendipitous moments and unusual stirrings which resulted in three historical fiction novels, Dark Enough To See The Stars, When the Moon Has No More Silver and The Sun Is But A Morning Star.

Zoom Meeting -  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88968060333?pwd=TmIrZWJwckttR1lRRytsb0hvMm80QT09 

Dependence on tobacco shaped the social, economic, and physical development of the five Southern Maryland counties for more than 300 years, spanning from their founding until its demise by the end of the 20th century.  The Southern Maryland Tobacco Barn Survey is a two-year project aimed at identifying and documenting the dwindling numbers of the region’s surviving pre-1870 air-cured tobacco barns.  The survey is a partnership between the University of Maryland and the Maryland Historical Trust, supported by an award to the university from the MHT Non-Capital Grant Fund.  Dr. Dennis Pogue and Chris Bryan, project staff working for the University, will share their findings and offer new insights into both the past and the future of these iconic features of the cultural landscape. This presentation is sponsored by the St. Mary's County Historic Preservation Commission.

Rachel Frazier of the Maryland State Archives will provide information on researching Maryland Land Records through deeds.  She will also address equity records, probate records, and even Provincial Court records, as other ways to find clues about land records.

Tom McCarrier, will give an overview of using DNA as a tool for genealogy research. He will also tell of new DNA testing company features or third party tools that were announced at RootsTech 2025. Tom is co-chair of the DNA Special Interest Group of th Anne Arundel County Genealogy Society.