Many of us face challenges when conducting African American genealogy research. We begin with relatives closest to us, or known information about subject families, and follow trails that hopefully lead to the nineteenth century and beyond. The 1870 population census is a great source, as it enumerated many African Americans, for the first time by name. 1870 census schedules may also present discrepancies or conflicts with historical family data. Given names and/or surnames, and specific … [Read more...]
7 Resources for African American Genealogy Research
African American genealogy research can be difficult and sometimes requires thinking outside of the box. There are several resources outside of U.S. Census records that can provide information or clues to further your research.Freedmen’s Bureau Records – The Bureau was created to provide assistance to the thousands of newly freed slaves and impoverished whites of the south and Washington, DC. The records span 1865 to 1878 and include marriages, military records, complaints, and requests for … [Read more...]
DNA: Transforming African American Genealogy
In 2006, PBS aired a television program called African American Lives in which Henry Louis Gates Jr. explored the genealogies of prominent African-Americans. In this mini-series, Gates used traditional genealogical research in combination with DNA analysis to reveal secrets about his guests’ family histories.[1]As a genetic genealogist myself, this series was both awe-inspiring and eye-opening. It was a key factor in my own decision to pursue a career in genetic genealogy. To think that each … [Read more...]
