September Program: Diane L. Richard, MEng, MBA – Finding Females: Ledgers are a Unique Looking Glass into Women’s Lives

Surviving small business ledgers document everyday business transactions that involved our ancestors, including our female ancestors—usually underrepresented in governmental records. Almost every kind of ledger examined mentions women transacting business, regardless of station in life and ethnicity. This webinar focuses on the many kinds of ledgers used by small businesses and discoverable by researchers. We will explore ledgers of general stores, physicians, cotton/tobacco pickers, and midwives (along with other female-owned/operated businesses), just to name a few. In addition to placing individuals and families in space and time, relationship information is sometimes noted. Life events are occasionally documented. Entries for free people of color (FPOC), the enslaved, and so many others are included! Incredible details to fill in your FAN club abound. We’ll also explore how you can identify the existence of these genealogy gems to support your own research.

Diane L. Richard, MEng & MBA, is a professional genealogist and the owner of Mosaic Research and Project Management. In 2025, she received the Helen F. M. Leary Award for Outstanding Contribution to NC Genealogy from NCGS. With over 35 years of experience, she’s a renowned speaker, author, and editor. Diane has written over 600 articles and edited numerous publications. Since 2016, she has been the editor of the NCGS Journal. She regularly speaks in person and virtually. She’s a specialist in researching southern ancestors, formerly enslaved people, female ancestors, and more, while using unique records underexplored by most genealogists. She also emphasizes online resources (available 24/7 while in our jammies)—sharing platforms often ignored by genealogists—that are all genealogically leverageable. Her inner teacher ensures she always includes tips, tricks, and strategies to benefit your research in her talks and articles. Diane co-founded GenWebinars and Tar Heel Discoveries, is a NC Historical Records Online board member, and has appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? The Bryan Cranston Episode.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/GRIVALedgersSep2026