On Tuesday, February 14, 1 PM, Activity Center/Navajo, please join us for an exciting genealogy adventure with Robert M. Wilbanks.
UNITED STATES CIVIL WAR HISTORY & GENEALOGY RESEARCH
[Special Topic; Intermediate-Advanced]
Presentation about researching the Civil War ancestor; emphasizing the importance of military records as research tool for furthering genealogical research in general, and obtaining more details regarding the Civil War ancestor in specific. Includes fascinating and unique historical facts and statistics related to the Civil War as a research tool for furthering genealogical research. These Civil War facts are presented primarily in relationship to the common Civil War soldier, so as to provide hints and clues, research tips and analytical approaches.
Brief Biography
ROBERT M. WILBANKS IV
Genealogist & Historian
Robert Martin Wilbanks IV is a long time genealogist who discovered genealogy at the
age of 12 with the advent of the television mini-series Roots in January 1977. Having
been interested in history since the 4 th grade, with Roots he realized how he personally
connects to the “Great American Experience” through his ancestors. He instantly became
a fervent genealogist and considers Alex Haley the most influential person in his life.
With much library research experience before entering college, working in libraries was a
natural direction for him. He earned a library para-professional degree, as well as a B.A.
in History. Since 1982 he has experience working in Community College libraries, city
libraries, a law library, business library and currently works in a medical school library.
Robert began his genealogy profession in 1988 as editor and publisher of two family
newsletters, followed by authoring several books, and then became editor of a genealogy
society newsletter, and a quarterly. In the late 1990s he wrote a genealogy column for the
Desert Shamrock Phoenix Irish bi-monthly publication. Robert gave his first genealogy
presentation in 1989 speaking continuously ever since. Throughout the 90s he was
involved in local genealogy societies and attended many local seminars and National
conferences. He helped start the East Valley, Tempe and Scottsdale Chapters of the
Family History Society of Arizona, holding the office of President for the latter for two
years. He also chartered two local chapters of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, holding
the office of Commander for 5 years. He attended the annual one week program at the
Institute of Genealogy and History at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama from
1989 to 1991, learning sophisticated genealogical research and analysis; techniques he
strongly encourages and practices today. Now a professional genealogist for over 26
years he founded Ancestral Pride: Professional Genealogy Services in 2009 and
continues speaking, researching, writing, and has developed several websites. He had
regularly taught an 8 week beginning genealogy course for the City of Phoenix, and
annually teaches a 6 week beginning Irish-American genealogy course for the Irish
Cultural Center. Robert is a member of three national recognized genealogical
organizations: National Genealogical Society, Association of Professional Genealogists
and the Genealogical Speakers’ Guild. Currently, Robert is President of the Arizona
Council of Professional Genealogists. He is also the Chief Genealogist and Historian for
The Caledonian Society of Arizona. Robert’s most noted areas of expertise are United
States military history and records, the American Civil War, the Old South and Colonial
Virginia, United States history and genealogy in general, and genealogy and history of
the British Isles.
