What is maagi?
MAAGI is the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute. The purpose is to educate and train those persons who have an interest in studying and documenting the history of African American families. Persons of all background are welcome to participate. The goal is to highlight those research techniques and strategies that are unique to family history of Americans of African Ancestry. MAAGI is first institute of its kind that was hosted by an historically Black institution. Harris-Stowe State University hosted the inaugural event in 2013, and hosted it for two more consecutive years. In 2016 MAAGI took the structure of this institute on the road, and MAAGI's new home is The Genealogy Center at the Allen County Public Library. This is one of the largest genealogy libraries and holds the largest North American collection. The MAAGI staff is delighted that the Genealogy Center at ACPL hosts the in-person the institute, and we look forward to the future as this unique institute expands.
Who should attend maagi?
Persons of all backgrounds are welcome to attend MAAGI. Those of African American ancestry are welcome. Those who are not African American and who research African American history and genealogy are welcome. Professional genealogists who research the African American family story are welcome. Our participants have consisted of researchers, authors, librarians, educators and individuals from many careers and backgrounds. MAAGI is also open to everyone regardless race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, or political affiliation.
What are the tracks?
For 2023, MAAGI is organized into 4 tracks:
Students may change tracks until June 15, 2023. Track assignments will not be accepted after that date unless it is due to an error by MAAGI or prerequisites for participation are not met.
Stay tuned for the announcement of tracks for MAAGI 2024.
- Track 1a: Fundamental Methods & Strategies
- Track 1b: Methods and Strategies for Slave Research
- Track 2a: Beginning DNA & Genealogy
- Track 2b: Intermediate DNA & Genealogy
- Track 3: Intermediate Genealogy - Pre & Post Slavery Era Research
- Track 4: African-Native Genealogy
Students may change tracks until June 15, 2023. Track assignments will not be accepted after that date unless it is due to an error by MAAGI or prerequisites for participation are not met.
Stay tuned for the announcement of tracks for MAAGI 2024.
When does MAAGI take place?
The 2022 Institute took place July 12-14, 2022. The event was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2023 Institute will take place July 11-13, 2023. The event will be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2023 Institute will take place July 11-13, 2023. The event will be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where is the institute held?
MAAGI 2023 is virtual.
Stay tuned for whether or not MAAGI 2024 will be virtual or in person.
Stay tuned for whether or not MAAGI 2024 will be virtual or in person.
What is the daily schedule of classes?
Classes at MAAGI begin at 8:30am Eastern Time each day, and will end most days at 4:30 pm Eastern Time.
What is the cost of attending MAAGI?
The cost for registration is $325 for 12 classes on three full days. Online registration is subject to a convenience fee.
How do I register for MAAGI?
Registration for MAAGI 2023 opened on July 5, 2021.
Students are able to pay in full or pay with a deposit. Registrations secured with a deposit must be paid by July 1, 2023. The online registration system will charge the remaining due to the same card used to place the deposit if the remaining due. In order to avoid this, or to make a change in the method of payment, create an account and update your payment information before the final payment due date.
Students are able to pay in full or pay with a deposit. Registrations secured with a deposit must be paid by July 1, 2023. The online registration system will charge the remaining due to the same card used to place the deposit if the remaining due. In order to avoid this, or to make a change in the method of payment, create an account and update your payment information before the final payment due date.
How do I attend virtual classes?
You will receive a link by email with access information for the track in which you are registered.
Will I be able to interact with instructors and other participants?
There will be opportunity to interact and ask questions of instructors and also fellow students via virtual chat rooms and Google Classroom.
Will there be a syllabus for MAAGI?
Yes, all materials are available in Google Classroom.
Policies
Track Selections
Track selections can be changed until June 15, 2023. Changes will not be made to track assignments after June 15, 2023 unless it's to address an error made by the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI).
Cancellations and Refunds
The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) hopes everyone who registers for the Institute will be able to attend; however, MAAGI knows extenuating circumstances do occur. The MAAGI Cancellation and Refund Policies are as follows:
Institute registration canceled in writing, by phone, or online on or before July 1, 2023 is refundable. Refund requests received after July 1, 2023 will be subject to a $50 administrative fee.
In the event MAAGI must cancel the Institute due to unforeseen circumstances, MAAGI will refund the cost of registration. However MAAGI does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses; to include, charges made for travel and lodging. Unforeseen circumstances is used to describe an event that is unexpected and prevents MAAGI from continuing the Institute. Examples of such circumstances can include, but are not limited to, inclement weather or other natural disasters, site unavailability, technology challenges, and presenter absence.
Deposits
Registrations secured with a deposit must be paid in full by July 1, 2023. Payment for the remaining due can be made online only.
The online registration system will charge the remaining due to the same card used to place the deposit if the remaining due has not been previously paid by July 1, 2023. In order to avoid this or to use an alternate form of payment, please create an account to make changes or contact us to make the final payment before the final payment due date.
Release of Liability
MAAGI participants, staff, faculty, and volunteers assume the risk of participating and/or volunteering for the event, including by way of example and not limitation, any risks that may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities being released, from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by them, or because of their possible liability without fault.I certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems that preclude my participation in this activity or event. I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form be used by the event holders, sponsors, and organizers of the activity or event in which I may participate, and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said activity or event. In consideration of my application and permitting me to participate in this event, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows:
(A) I WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE from any and all liability, including but not limited to, liability arising from the negligence or fault of the entities or persons released, for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me including my traveling to and from this event, THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), Allen County Public Library, and/or their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, and agents, the activity or event holders, activity or event sponsors, activity or event volunteers;
(B) I INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event, whether caused by the negligence of release or otherwise. I acknowledge that Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), and their directors, officers, volunteers, representatives, and agents are NOT responsible for the errors, omissions, acts, or failures to act of any party or entity conducting a specific event or activity on behalf of Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI). I hereby consent to receive medical treatment that may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, and/or illness during this activity or event.
Track selections can be changed until June 15, 2023. Changes will not be made to track assignments after June 15, 2023 unless it's to address an error made by the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI).
Cancellations and Refunds
The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) hopes everyone who registers for the Institute will be able to attend; however, MAAGI knows extenuating circumstances do occur. The MAAGI Cancellation and Refund Policies are as follows:
Institute registration canceled in writing, by phone, or online on or before July 1, 2023 is refundable. Refund requests received after July 1, 2023 will be subject to a $50 administrative fee.
In the event MAAGI must cancel the Institute due to unforeseen circumstances, MAAGI will refund the cost of registration. However MAAGI does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses; to include, charges made for travel and lodging. Unforeseen circumstances is used to describe an event that is unexpected and prevents MAAGI from continuing the Institute. Examples of such circumstances can include, but are not limited to, inclement weather or other natural disasters, site unavailability, technology challenges, and presenter absence.
Deposits
Registrations secured with a deposit must be paid in full by July 1, 2023. Payment for the remaining due can be made online only.
The online registration system will charge the remaining due to the same card used to place the deposit if the remaining due has not been previously paid by July 1, 2023. In order to avoid this or to use an alternate form of payment, please create an account to make changes or contact us to make the final payment before the final payment due date.
Release of Liability
MAAGI participants, staff, faculty, and volunteers assume the risk of participating and/or volunteering for the event, including by way of example and not limitation, any risks that may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities being released, from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned, maintained, or controlled by them, or because of their possible liability without fault.I certify that there are no health-related reasons or problems that preclude my participation in this activity or event. I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form be used by the event holders, sponsors, and organizers of the activity or event in which I may participate, and that it will govern my actions and responsibilities at said activity or event. In consideration of my application and permitting me to participate in this event, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows:
(A) I WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE from any and all liability, including but not limited to, liability arising from the negligence or fault of the entities or persons released, for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to me including my traveling to and from this event, THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), Allen County Public Library, and/or their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, and agents, the activity or event holders, activity or event sponsors, activity or event volunteers;
(B) I INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE NOT TO SUE the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made as a result of participation in this activity or event, whether caused by the negligence of release or otherwise. I acknowledge that Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI), and their directors, officers, volunteers, representatives, and agents are NOT responsible for the errors, omissions, acts, or failures to act of any party or entity conducting a specific event or activity on behalf of Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI). I hereby consent to receive medical treatment that may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, and/or illness during this activity or event.
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