Finding hidden evidence is theme of August class

The Revolution, Reconstruction also focus of talks.

Finding hidden evidence with new techniques is the theme of the Augusta Genealogical Society’s seminar running 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 20.

Noted South Carolina genealogist Brent Holcomb will speak on “South Carolina Vital Records and Their Substitutes,” and “South Carolina Land Records, More than Plats and Deeds.” Tamika Strong of DeKalb County will speak on “Tracing African-American Genealogy from 1940 Back to the 1870 Brick Wall.” Elyse Hill of Atlanta will speak on “African-American Genealogy Research: Breaking Through the 1870 Brick Wall.”

The event will be held at First Baptist Church, 3500 Walton Way Extension, Augusta. Cost is $40 for AGS members and $45 for nonmembers. Registration must be postmarked by Aug. 13 to guarantee space, lunch and a syllabus. Mail checks to AGS Homecoming, P.O. Box 3743, Augusta, GA 30914-3743. For further information, check augusta gensociety.org or call 706722-4073.

Revolution in South Georgia

Jim Piecuch, a history professor at Kennesaw State University, will speak Aug. 12 at the Georgia Archives Lunch and Learn on “Fort Morris, Sunbury, and the American Revolution in South Georgia.”

The free event begins at noon; bring your own lunch. For more information, go to georgiaarchives.org or call 678-364-3710.

Reconstruction in DeKalb, Atlanta

The DeKalb History Center will hold a symposium on Reconstruction in DeKalb County and Atlanta 10 a.m.1:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Old Courthouse on the square in Decatur.

Wendy Venet and Glenn Eskew of Georgia State University and Brian Wills of Kennesaw State University will offer scholarly presentations and discussions about the aftermath of the Civil War in the metro area.

The cost is $35 for DHC members and $45 for nonmembers, including a catered lunch. For more information and to register (the earlier, the better), see dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088, Ext. 20.

Venet is the author of “A Changing Wind: Commerce and Conflict in Civil War Atlanta.” Wills is director of the Center for the Study of the Civil War Era.