“For African-Americans, especially for my generation and older, most of them shied away from history, especially because of the past,” she said. “Our forefathers didn’t want to talk to us — they would say it’s too painful.”

Now, she said, “my generation is realizing how valuable that history is to pass down. The children are hurting to know who they are.”

Her advice for people interested in starting their own family tree: Start by talking to older relatives. Many other resources are available online — participants in the Galesville project were able to dig up census reports, obituaries and more.

Benson stopped by the Galesville event to see the results of the community’s research. Participants traded stories as they flipped through old photo albums and pored over long scrolls of tapedtogether sheets that formed sprawling family trees.

Many have been Galesville residents for generations; keepers of their neighborhood’s history as well as their own.

“This is the most wonderful community — it’s so full of love,” Benson said. “It’s like family.” ayeager@capgaznews.com