12 Days of My Family History Discoveries – Day 2

I’ve always felt deeply connected to my family through cherished photos and memories. My official research journey didn’t begin until 2011. In these past 14 years, I have made some wonderful discoveries that I will be sharing to celebrate the holiday season

The Butler Center for Arkansas History is one of my favorite repositories to visit. It is located in downtown Little Rock, so I often make time for some research while I’m there visiting family. It was here that I found a photo of my grandfather’s singing group, the United Harmonizers in 2015.

I had learned about the United Harmonizers while reading the James Morgan Collection finding aid. When I asked my mother about the singing group, she said oh yeah, I thought I told you about that. I then learned that my grandfather, Gus Hatchett, was a member of the gospel group that was founded in the 1940s. They were the first African Americans to have a show on our local radio station, KNBY.

One thing I have learned on this research journey is that not all history makers are named in books. Some history makers within our families are waiting for us to tell their stories.

Click HERE to read more about the United Harmonizers