Genealogical and Historical Research

Genealogy Overview

Marian Pierre-Louis, the principal researcher for Fieldstone Historic Research, is a genealogical instructor, lecturer and writer. Her primary areas of focus include Southern New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island), African Americans in New England and Norfolk County, Massachusetts. While Marian no longer accepts private clients for genealogical research she is still taking clients for house histories and photo identification.

Genealogical Research

Marian Pierre-Louis actively performs genealogical research in her specific areas of expertise, including African Americans in New England and Norfolk County, Massachusetts. The fruits of her research are shared during her classes, lectures and writing.

African American Research

Typically, African American research is focused on the southern states and the subsequent migration states. African American history in New England is not as frequently highlighted. Yet New England has a rich and lengthy African American heritage. Marian hopes to bring the stories of New England's forgotten African American heritage back to life.

One main goal is to make African American research easier by providing lists of resources for research. Additionally, genealogical research is more understandable when put into social context. Therefore a historical bibliography and a genealogical bibliography are provided to increase a strong research foundation.

Some of Marian's specific research has included Ishmael Coffee (Medway, MA), Jethro Jones and Cesar Chelor (Norfolk Co.) and James G. Barbadoes, the early Boston Civil Rights activist. Marian maintains a database of African Americans in New England and has a broad interest in researching and understanding the life and plight of African Americans up to the 20th century.

Vine Lake Cemetery

Marian is also working with the Vine Lake Preservation Trust which provides programs for historical Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield, Massachusetts. Marian is one of several genealogists researching famous and noteworthy individuals in the cemetery for inclusion in a future walking tour of the cemetery. The individuals that Marian is researching include: William Smith Tilden (historian), Joseph Baxter (2nd Minister of Medfield), Thomas Prentiss (4th Minister of Medfield), Hannah Ellis Rockwell (first white female born in Medfield, 1651), John Plimpton, Jr. (soldier who fought in King Philip's War), Peter Warren (African American Revolutionary War Veteran), Ephraim Wheelock (military leader), Johnson Mason (straw manufacturer), and Samuel Green.

Genealogy Lectures

Marian Pierre-Louis, regularly lectures on a variety of New England topics. She lectures at genealogical societies, historical societies, libraries, museums or anywhere where there are people keen to get excited about history and genealogy.

Check here for the Lecture Schedule

Genealogy Classes

Marian Pierre-Louis, the principal researcher for Fieldstone Historic Research, teaches several genealogy classes in community education programs around Norfolk County, Massachusetts. Come learn the basics from an enthusiastic instructor!

Check here for the Spring 2009 Class Schedule