PGC250 is a grassroots civic initiative of several community and cultural organizations created to respond to the timely opportunity for Marylanders to explore authentic American history during the U.S. Semiquincentennial (2026). 

We began convening professionals and volunteers working in history, education, parks, and placemaking to plan the regional commemoration of the 250th in 2024, and Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, serves as fiscal sponsor.

GENEAOLOGY FOR ALL 

Together, the group has chosen “We The People” as the lens of our approach with a focus on the contributions of Prince Georgians, past and present, to the ongoing American Experiment. Along those lines, we are offering a 4-part genealogy learning series from January to March 2026. 

Attend one or all of the sessions!

Three sessions will be online and a final in-person event will bring attendees directly to genealogy repositories. This series is perfect for people who are new to genealogical research, seeking comradery in their research or are interested in using genealogy to expand perspectives to historical narratives. 

Virtual Workshops

Made You Look: Genealogy Research 101
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 7PM-8:30PM
Presented on Zoom
Lead by Heather Olsen, Vice President, Prince George’s Genealogical Society
RSVP HERE

Finding Family Veterans: Genealogy 201
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 7PM-8:30PM
Presented on Zoom
Lead by Craig R. Scott, MA, CG, FUGA, President and CEO of Heritage Books, Inc.
RSVP HERE

Researching Your Roots: Genealogical Research 201
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7PM-8:30PM
Presented on Zoom
Lead by Pat Neal, President, Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., Prince George's County Maryland Chapter
RSVP HERE 

In-Person

Genealogy Research Bus Tour
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10AM-3PM
Start and end at Hyattsville Library
Free, optional donations welcome
REGISTER HERE

During the in-person event on Saturday, March 7, 2026, attendees will start the day at the Hyattsville Branch Library's Prince George's Room and then board an ADA-accessible bus with bathroom, to Prince George's County Historical Society (Greenbelt), Marietta House Museum (Glenn Dale), and Prince George's Genealogical Society (Bowie) before returning to the Hyattsville Library. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

At each location, attendees will be met by expert librarians, genealogical researchers, and fellow history enthusiasts. We recommend that you bring your existing genealogical research and a questions that may be used as examples during the visits, however, this tour will not be the right opportunity to conduct genealogical research.

Lunch will be provided. Please contact grace@anacostiatrails.org if you have any dietary restrictions and/or need any accessibility accommodations. The 55-passenger bus has a lift and the locations are all ADA-accessible and serviceable by wheelchair or scooter. 

QUESTIONS?

Attend one or all of the sessions! All sessions are free. Contact Grace Harness, Program Coordinator, Anacostia Trails Heritage Area at grace@anacostiatrails.org for more information.