Discovering Your Native American Heritage: Free Genealogy Workshops in Germantown, MD

Learn how to investigate possible Native American ancestry through family stories, oral traditions, and historical records at Discovering Your Native American Heritage, a free genealogy event hosted by the Seneca MD FamilySearch Center in Germantown, Maryland.

Taking place on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the program brings together a keynote presentation, research workshops, and opportunities to explore the center’s family history resources. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

Keynote speaker: Brenda Beyal

Brenda Beyal, a Diné (Navajo) educator and coordinator of the Native American Curriculum Initiative, will discuss how learning about ancestors, family traditions, and past experiences can deepen our understanding of family history and identity.

Workshop highlights

• Native American research strategies: Teddra Penland will examine how U.S. Indian policies affect genealogical research and the records researchers encounter.
• Tracing family connections through records: LeRoy Gishi will introduce resources for documenting ancestry, including historical rolls and indexes associated with the Five Tribes and other Tribal Nations.
• Tribal enrollment eligibility and resources: Explore enrollment requirements, blood quantum, and information available through tribal websites.

Topics throughout the event include Indian census rolls, historical enrollment records, research methods, and ways to connect family accounts with documentary evidence.

FamilySearch Center social

From noon to 1 p.m., enjoy light refreshments and conversation, along with demonstrations and tours of the FamilySearch Center.

Who should attend?

The event is open to anyone interested in learning how to research possible Native American ancestry. Admission is free, and walk-ins are welcome. Advance registration is preferred to help organizers plan.

Family history research and tribal citizenship are distinct: each Tribal Nation determines its own citizenship or enrollment requirements, and documenting ancestry does not automatically establish eligibility.

Location

Seneca MD FamilySearch Center
18900 Kingsview Road
Germantown, MD 20874