Have you ever wondered how your family’s past connects to larger moments in history?
Discover how your personal story fits into the bigger social picture in two sessions from the Ely-Winton Historical Society facilitated by MN North Sociology instructor Claire Anderson.
Both sessions will be from 5-7 p.m. in Vermilion classroom 146.
Session 1- April 21, Exploring family history using your sociological imagination American sociologist C. Wright Mills introduced the groundbreaking concept of the sociological imagination, a powerful way to understand how individual lives and historical forces shape one another.
In this session:
• Introduce Mills’s sociological imagination framework • Explore how individuals both shape and are shaped by society
• Share insights from her doctoral research on World War II memory, identity, and trans-Atlantic family histories
• Gain a deeper understanding of how your family story connects to larger social currents.
Session 2- April 28: Conducting genealogical research using the sociological imagination Build on the last session and apply it to your own family research.
In this interactive session:
• Demonstrate how sociological tools enhance genealogical research
• Share practical research strategies and resources
• Guide you in exploring your own family tree For this session bring:
• A specific ancestor, family branch, or research question
• Your laptop, tablet, or electronic device for handson exploration No need to attend Session 1 to participate in Session 2. Events are free and no sign up is required.
