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| Researchers in
African-American family history are confronted with unique challenges when
they attempt to trace their lineage. But the challenges are not
insurmountable. This exhibit explores just a few of the many types of records
of interest to family historians. Many are found in surprising places, but all
can help you uncover roots that run deep!
African-American genealogical resources may be found in government archives, local historical societies, among the records of organizations, in family collections and in a variety of print and electronic publications. Follow the links below to discover a sampling of the possibilities. | ||
| Federal Government | The Federal Government is the nation's largest recordkeeper. The first census of 1790 lists African-Americans slave and free, but usually often by first name. After 1865 marriages of previous slaves were recorded. Later census records listed heads of household, wives, children with ages and sometimes states or territories of birth. War records from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War document enrollments and pension requests, and veterans' records of the 20th century are extensive. Appointments to federal civil service are available as are petitions for naturalization from the foreign-born. Ex-slave narratives were recorded and transcribed by the WPA in the 1930's. | |
| State Government | The governments of most states maintain official archives. These contain state censuses; vital records - birth, death and marriage (most not recorded until the 20th century); civil service records; lists of patients in state orphanages, schools, hospitals and institutions; elected and appointed officials; and some veteran records. | |
| County Government | In many states the county government has compiled a treasure trove of information. Some contain duplicate vital records, copies of state censuses, copies of federal naturalization records, civil service lists and voter enrollment and juror lists. Payers and non-payers of school and property tax are recorded. Some school records list family names and numbers of school-age children. Where schools were segregated, black children may be separately listed. Wills and deeds document family members and friends who were the recipients of property or served as witnesses. Court records document disputes; and incorporation records show business establishment, and fraternal and religious organization founders. | |
| Local Government | Local governments often touch the lives of individuals more closely than any other level of government. Town and villages record local tax and property lists, some building permits, registries of professional trades, parties to local court actions, owners of licensed pets, and elected and appointed officials. And local maps give house and settlement details, like churches, schools and cemeteries. | |
| Historical Societies | While governments systematically collect factual information about citizens, it is to Historical Societies that the researcher must look for more personal sources of information. Old ledgers of country store owners may list customers and their orders, the daily weather in a town, and sometimes the barter used in rural areas for payment. Doctor and midwife records may contain names of complete families. Accounts of travel to sell agricultural products or move westward may reveal many personal details. Some religious groups encouraged members to keep spiritual diaries and some schools required personal journals to be kept. Local newspapers record births, deaths and marriages, as well as local politics and climatic events. Local maps may identify homes, land owned, and settlement details. | |
| Organizations | Schools, churches and other public and private organizations often write histories about their founding and the early members. Some collect information about their members, such as age, local addresses, and attendance figures. Meeting minutes describe the interests and disagreements of participants and may illuminate projects undertaken out of the local area or in foreign lands. Budgets may list supplies and accoutrements and photographs are often present. | |
| Family Papers | Researchers should never overlook the potential trove of records maintained by their own families. Family bibles and record books may be the only source for births, deaths, marriages and children's' names. School reports give interesting insights into studiousness and deportment. Collections of letters saved may fill in the gaps of reasons for moving, or remarriages or family disagreements. Family albums can be shared at family gatherings to identify unknown persons. Military service awards, medals, union and fraternal membership cards, passports and old date and address books may reveal activities and persons in missing time periods. | |
| Publications | Published materials from books to pamphlets may offer important leads to genealogists. Families may have collected and printed family history and memorabilia and given it to a local library. Local magazines and newspapers are valuable records of current events. Village, town or city histories may mention persons or neighborhoods of interest. Some areas or industries have been the subject of scholarly university projects and can be found in college libraries. | |
| The Internet | The Internet has become an important source of genealogical information. Many lists of subscribers are public and may be the source for lost or missing family members. Lists of family names and telephone numbers are available world-wide, as is the Social Security Death Index. Library research catalogues are recorded on-line. Family research groups can communicate instantly across country or continent and share information and family trees with Family Home Pages and genealogical software. | |
| Exhibit Credits | ||
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