June 8-13, 2008

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B.A., History, Benedictine College
M.A., Teaching, Webster University

Lecturer: Course 11, Evening Session


Ruth Ann (Abels) Hager is a Reference Specialist and Web Designer at St. Louis County Library's Special Collections Department where she works extensively with the Julius K. Hunter & Friends African American Research Collection. Prior to joining the library staff, she conducted genealogical research for clients, taught genealogy classes at St. Louis Community College, and served as co-webmaster for the St. Louis Genealogical Society's web site.

In 2006, Hager found the exact dates and places of death and burial for Harriet, widow of Dred Scott-information previously unknown to scholars. Dred Scott was the slave whose suit for freedom was rejected in the 1857 landmark Supreme Court Decision, Dred Scott v. Sanford. The resulting outcry further fueled the division between pro-slavery and anti-slavery supporters and contributed to the beginning of the Civil War. An analytical chart resulting from Hager's research is on display at the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri, the site of Scott's first historic trial, as part of the National Park Service's exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision.

Certified as a Genealogical Record Specialist (CGRS) in 1995 and as a Genealogical Lecturer (CGL) in 2001, Ruth Ann has lectured at national, state and local conferences, and has been on the IGHR faculty since 2005. Hager authored The Hager Family (1983) and The Schieber Family History (1986); edited Jefferson Township Cemeteries, Nodaway County, Missouri (1988) and A Schieber Research Journal (1991); co-authored the National Genealogical Society Quarterly article "Slaves, Soldiers, and Citizens: Special Civil War Recruitment Lists" (June 2003); and authored a number of articles for the St. Louis Genealogical Society Quarterly and other genealogical periodicals.

Her educational background includes a BA in history from Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas; Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri; Genealogical Institute of Mid-America (1994); National Institute on Genealogical Research (1999); Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (2004-2007).

Ruth Ann is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, Missouri State Genealogical Association, and is a Life Member of the St. Louis Genealogical Society.


Related Links:

• A Legacy of Courage -- website of the National Park Service's Dred Scott Decision anniversary exhibit.
• The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation -- official website.