This Librarian Can Help Trace Your Ancestry
This Black History Month, we wondered: how do we find our OWN history?
Depending on your family history, it can be hard to track down records. Black and indigenous families were often overlooked in official histories, not counted in early censuses and lack historical property records to draw upon. And DNA tests can throw you real curve balls. You never know what surprises might be in your family tree. So how do you even begin?
Luckily, if you live in Madison, you have one of the country’s most extensive historical research centers in your backyard. Meet Lori Bessler, reference librarian at the Wisconsin Historical Society.
🔎 Check out their upcoming free webinars and tips.
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram!
Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
City Threatens Police Monitor’s Independence, Beagles Stay at Ridglan, and Delays at Public Market
Tuesday, Madison’s City Council heard hours of public comment and debate before ultimately punting a proposal to tighten regulations for...
Your Guide to Madison Coffee Shops
Here in Madison, we’re blessed with dozens of great coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for a quick jolt of caffeine or a spot to hang o...
How Happy is Madison, Really?
Last month, WalletHub released a study that ranked Madison the 12th happiest city in the US. Is Madison actually that happy? We asked YOU...
Miss Wisconsin and BGC’s Michael Johnson on Leading the Next Gen
What does it take to lead young people through anxious, high-stakes times? City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin talks with Miss Wisconsin...
Charlie Berens on Wisconsin Grandpas, Data Centers, and Running for Office
Oh hey der. Did you know that comedian and Wisconsin legend Charlie Berens will be performing on May 7 and 8 at the Overture? He is known...
'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Madison
Could public financing get more Madisonians involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouc...
Extreme Weather, UW Athletics Shakeup, and Olbrich's Expansion Contested
Madison was just hammered by extreme weather — flooding, high winds, hail the size of baseballs, and possibly (maybe) even a tornado?! Ho...
The Neighborhood Bars That Hold Madison Together
Madison has no shortage of cocktail bars and dives to satisfy your need to imbibe. But there’s something extra special about those neighb...
How Isthmus Keeps It Real, 50 Years In
Longevity in the media industry is hard to come by. Longevity for a local alternative weekly is an even tougher task. But Isthmus has man...
How Safe Are Our Streets?
How safe are Madison’s streets? After several high profile crashes this year, including one that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old h...