"Know Your Org" is an informational series designed to spotlight some of the wonderful organizations in our community. This month, we are highlighting the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society.
The Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society (FHWGS) in Detroit is more than just a group dedicated to researching family histories. As the oldest African American genealogical society in Michigan, it brings people together and works to heal the past.
A Mission to Help and Preserve
The FHWGS was founded by librarian and archivist Margaret McCall Thomas Ward, who was dedicated to preserving African American family histories and stories.
The group has been meeting at the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library but switched to Zoom in 2020 and continues to meet that way. Meeting digitally has had the bonus that people can be anywhere and participate in the meeting, including places such as Alabama and California.
A Quarter Century of Research
The society’s current president, Omer Jean Winborn, is no stranger to digging into records to find answers to family questions. Omer has been researching for over 25 years and has made some amazing discoveries along the way.
As a former social worker, Omer states that she is busier now than when she was working. She is a member of the FHWGS and a founder of the Washtenaw County African American Genealogical Society with her cousin, Cheryl. She is also on the Ypsilanti Public Library board.
Some of her most significant research revelations were finding that she is a descendant of Loyalists who sided with the British after the Revolutionary War and emigrated to Canada, later finding their way to Michigan to settle in Ypsilanti. She has also found relatives she didn’t realize she had, including her cousin, Cheryl, with whom she has been friends for many years.
Omer admits that African American genealogy can be tricky since enslaved people were bought and sold. Researchers often need to do extra work to find not only the enslaved ancestor but the families that owned them.
Omer Jean states that she has learned so much—not only about her family, but history in general—by being an avid genealogist. She says that genealogy has opened her eyes to so many events, including Detroit's first riot in 1831 (Nat Turner's Revolt), and she continues to learn about the Underground Railroad.
Actively Seeking History and Encouraging Members
The FHWGS is an active group whose members enjoy listening to speakers on many genealogy topics and discussing books. Past speakers have included nationally known genealogist Ari Wilkins, author Bridgett M. Davis, and Jamon Jordan, who is the official historian for the City of Detroit.
The group also takes an annual field trip to a historical site or organization. Some previous trips include the Motown Museum, Elmwood Cemetery, the Genealogy Center at Allen County Public Library and Eastern Michigan University Library’s Motown Collection. They look for places that are significant for African American history so that they can experience their heritage firsthand.
More information can be found on the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society website, including links to order their book, which was published to tell their members' stories. Omer Jean encourages people to join, stating, “It’s a wonderful group of people, and it’s for everybody.”
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