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Researching African American Genealogy: Difference between revisions
Researching African American Genealogy (view source)
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== Introduction == | |||
African American research in the United States is similar to other U.S. genealogical projects until about 1870. In genealogy, always start with the known and work towards the unknown. | |||
It is important to note that no matter how much time and money you spend on your research, unless you are organized, you will frustrate yourself and your opportunity for finding the truth about your family. There are many free, quality family tree software programs that can be used to organize your research. Take advantage of the opportunity and get started today! | |||
It is important to note that no matter how much time and money you spend on your research, unless you are organized, you will frustrate yourself and your opportunity for finding the truth about your family | |||
== Research Steps == | == Research Steps == | ||
There are seven easy steps to begin your research: | There are seven easy steps to begin your research: | ||
=== Step One: Start With Yourself === | === Step One: Start With Yourself === | ||
Identify what you already know. Start with yourself and work backward in time by filling in as much information as you can, by memory, on a | Identify what you already know. Start with yourself and work backward in time by filling in as much information as you can, by memory, on a pedigree chart. Try to fill out full names (including maiden names for women), relationships, and dates and locations for births, marriages, and deaths. | ||
=== Step Two: Gather Family Information === | === Step Two: Gather Family Information === | ||
Gather your records (birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds, etc.) from home sources. Ask relatives for records as well. Older relatives will likely have more records and information than others. | |||
=== Step Three: Interview Your Relatives === | |||
Interview relatives, both those who live nearby and those who live faraway. For relatives who live in other states, a phone call and a follow-up letter will work. For nearby relatives, interview them in person at their convenience. | |||
* | Remember when conducting oral interviews: | ||
* | *Set up appointment (by phone for those who live far away and in person for those who live near). | ||
* | *Prepare questions beforehand. | ||
*Fill | *Record the interview (ask for permission beforehand). | ||
*Write down notes afterwards. | |||
*Compare memories between relatives. | |||
*Fill out family group sheets to organize ancestors according to the information learned. | |||
Topics to cover in interviews: | |||
*'''When''' and '''where''' things happened. Location is key in genealogical research. | |||
*Relationships | |||
*Names (including maiden names, nicknames, spellings, etc.) | |||
=== Step Four: Write for Copies of Records === | === Step Four: Write for Copies of Records === | ||
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As you prepare for the interview, be mindful that there are some very deep, embarrassing, painful family secrets that relatives might not be willing to share right away, so tread lightly. For you, stirring up pain, waking the dead, shaking the leaves and branches of your tree might not be your intention but for the person who hasn't let go and or chooses to forget...it isn't just that simple. Establishing a mutually trusting, caring relationship must come first and hopefully one day you'll learn the real reason of how and why Uncle Joe was your uncle and your grandfather. | As you prepare for the interview, be mindful that there are some very deep, embarrassing, painful family secrets that relatives might not be willing to share right away, so tread lightly. For you, stirring up pain, waking the dead, shaking the leaves and branches of your tree might not be your intention but for the person who hasn't let go and or chooses to forget...it isn't just that simple. Establishing a mutually trusting, caring relationship must come first and hopefully one day you'll learn the real reason of how and why Uncle Joe was your uncle and your grandfather. | ||
== Related Articles == | |||
*Char McCargo Bah. '' Starting Your African American Research.'' NGS Magazine 33 #4 (October-December 2007): 20-22. | |||
*James Petty. ''Black Slavery Emancipation Research in the Northern States.'' National Genealogical Society Quarterly 100 #4 (December 2012): 293-304 FHL 973 B2ng | |||
== Websites == | == Websites == | ||