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{{AfrAm-sidebar}}''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[African American Genealogy|African American Genealogy]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Researching_African_American_Genealogy|Research ]]''
{{AfrAm-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
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| link2=[[African American Genealogy|African American Genealogy]]
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| link5=[[Researching African American Genealogy|Research Steps]]
}}<div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[African American Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div>


{{Click|Image:AA_ORP.png|African_American_Online_Genealogy_Records}}<br><br>
== Introduction ==
African American research in the United States is similar to other U.S. genealogical projects until 1870 and earlier. 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. Leave those tiny slips of paper alone and get software to help you keep track of which branches actually have leaves and which ones do not. There are a good number of quality Family Tree software companies who will allow you to download their software for free. Take advantage of the opportunity and get started today!<br><br>
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!


== 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 Pedigree Chart. You will need to know the full name (including maiden names for women) and dates and locations for birth, death, and marriage.  
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 home sources (birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds, etc.) and family information. Look in the homes of parents, grandparents, and other relatives. Gather records that show family names; dates of birth, marriage, and death; places; or relationships. Older relatives will likely have more records and information than others.
Records may include:
*Bibles
*Newspaper clippings
*Birth, marriage, death certificates
*Diaries
*Letters
*Scrapbooks
Also look at compiled sources for any information about the family.


Gather your records (Birth, Marriage, Deeds, etc.).  
=== Step Three: Interview Your Relatives  ===
Interview relatives, both those who live nearby and those who live faraway. Interview them either by phone or in person. Make sure to interview the eldest living relatives; their knowledge can often fill in gaps when records become scarce.


*Interview immediate family members; compare your memories with those of your siblings, parents, cousins, grandparents, etc.  
When conducting oral interviews:
*Ask when and where things happened to get an understanding of "place" and "time"- remember, location is key in genealogical research.  
*Set up appointment (by phone for those who live far away and in person for those who live near).
*Record Record the information you get from these interviews.  
*Prepare questions beforehand.
*Fill Fill in a Family Group Sheet to organize your ancestors according to marriages.
*Record the interview (ask for permission beforehand).
*Write down notes during the interview and afterward.
*Compare memories between relatives.
*Fill out family group sheets to organize ancestors according to the information learned.


=== Step Three: Contact Your Relatives  ===
Topics to cover in interviews:
*'''When''' and '''where''' things happened. Location is key in genealogical research.
*Relationships
*Names (including maiden names, nicknames, spellings, etc.)


For relatives who live in other states, start with a phone call and follow up with a letter. For relatives nearby, make plans to visit at their convenience. Ask for permission to record the conversation or to use videotape prior to interview.  
Be aware of sensitive topics for the interviewee.


=== Step Four: Write for Copies of Records  ===
=== Step Four: Order Copies of Records  ===
With the information learned from the records found and interviews conducted, obtain copies of more records. These records will help prove relationships and extend the family line further. Some may be online, but others may need to be ordered from county courthouses or state vital records offices.


*Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce
Such records include:
*Birth, death, marriage, divorce
*Courthouse Information  
*Courthouse Information  
*Land/Probate Deeds, Conveyances, Affidavit of Heirship, Guardianship
*Land/probate deeds, conveyances, affidavit of heirship, guardianship
*Tax Records (includes slave information)  
*Tax records (includes information about enslaved persons)
*Voter Registration
*Voter registration
*Social Security Administration
*Social Security Administration


=== Step Five: Follow Up On Death Record Clues  ===
=== Step Five: Follow Up on Death Record Clues  ===


*Legal name of descendant  
*Legal name of descendant  
*Marital status  
*Marital status  
*Parent(s) Names(s)  
*Parent(s) names(s)  
*Parent’s birthplaces
*Date and place of birth and death  
*Date and place of birth and death  
*Who verified death  
*Who verified death  
*Funeral Home that handled remains  
*Funeral home that handled remains  
*Cemetery  
*Cemetery  
*Verification of social security number
*Verification of social security number


=== Step Six: Search the Census ===
=== Step Six: Search the Census ===
 
Federal Census Records are taken every ten years and are available from 1790 through 1940. Some local and state census records are also available depending upon the venue.


Census records contain: name, age, race, occupation, house number, occupants, literacy, military experience, home/farm ownership, value of property, neighbors and much more.  
Federal census records are taken every ten years and are available from 1790 through 1950. Only the head of household was listed from 1790 to 1840. Starting in 1850, every member of the household was listed, but this did not include enslaved persons. Starting in 1880, relationships to the head of household were added. The 1870 census is the first one in which all African Americans were listed by name.  Before 1870 African Americans were listed by age, but not name. Some state census records are also available depending on the state.  


Begin searching with the name of a person you know who would have been included in the 1940 census.
Census records usually list:
*Name, age, and perceived race
*Relationship to head of household
*Occupation
*House number
*Literacy
*Military experience
*Home/farm ownership
*Value of property


If you have trouble finding the person, look for siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. Most families lived only a few doors from each other.
Begin searching with the name of a person you know who would have been included in the 1950 census. If you have trouble finding the person, look for siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Many extended family members lived only a few doors from each other.


=== Step Seven: Search at the State and County Level ===
==== Search Other Federal Records - National Archives ====
*[https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans  African American Research]
*[https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/reference-reports African Americans- Reference Reports]
*[https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/guide/record-groups Guide to Black History: Record Group Clusters]
*[https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/slavery-records.html Records that pertain to American Slavery and the International Slave Trade]
*[https://www.archives.gov/files/publications/ref-info-papers/rip108.pdf Black Family Research. Records of Post Civil War Federal Agencies at the National Archives.  Reference Information Paper 108]
*''Black History: A Guide to Civilian Records in the National Archives.'' Debra L. Newman. '''''Online at:''''' {{FSDL|378575}}.


In many cases, state and local records are the best sources for finding information. For example, many jurisdictions completed census records annually in addition to the 10-year Federal Census
''' Records of African American History '''
*[https://www.archives.gov/atlanta/finding-aids/black-history.html National Archives at Atlanta]


Records also include voter registration cards, tax information (this is important for slavery research), land grants, deeds, wills and probate, some vital records, cemetery listings and transcriptions, criminal and civil proceedings, etc.
Besides the census, there are other federal records to look for:
*Military records (especially pension records)
*Mortality and veteran schedules
*Social Security Death Index


Most states have an Archives Office that each county routinely sends information to. This is done to free space at the local level as well as to preserve the history of each locale.
=== Step Seven: Search State and County Records ===


=== What You Will Find  ===
In many cases, state and county records are the best sources for finding information. Most states and counties have an archives office. Many of these records are online, but some may only be accessible at the archives.


What you will find in interviewing members of the family is that African Americans often use nicknames instead of proper birth names. Many of us don't know the "real" names of our family members. This tradition is a direct result of slavery. Families in bondage gave each child a "secret" name so that if the family were ever separated and later rejoined, this "secret" name would be the unique identifier for reuniting.
State and county records may include:
*State censuses
*Church records
*Cemetery records
*Vital records
*Land and property records
*Narratives, histories
*Directories
*Voter registration cards
*Tax lists (this is important for slavery research)
*Wills and probate
*Criminal and civil proceedings


An additional benefit of having a "secret" name was to deter an unsuspecting blood brother and sister from procreation or likewise, father and daughter. Unfortunately, this unique survival technique hundreds of years later creates yet another obstacle for the researcher who uses official records to trace lineage.
== Societies ==
*[https://www.aahgs.org/ Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society]
*[https://sdusmp.org/New2/ Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage]


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 ==
*'' Starting Your African American Research.'' Char McCargo Bah. NGS Magazine 33 #4 (October-December 2007): 20-22.
*''Black Slavery Emancipation Research in the Northern States.'' James Petty. National Genealogical Society Quarterly 100 #4 (December 2012): 293-304. {{FSC|1984200|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 B2ng.}}


=== External Links ===
== Websites ==


*http://www.afrigeneas.com/  
*[https://www.americanancestors.org/education/learning-resources/read/african-american-research AmericanAncestors] by NEHGS
*http://www.accessgenealogy.com/african/
*[https://www.accessgenealogy.com/black-genealogy AccessGenealogy]
*http://www.genealinks.com/africanamerican.htm
*[http://caagri.org/ Center for African American Genealogy Research]
*http://caagri.org/  
*[https://www.thoughtco.com/african-american-history-4133344 African American History] at ThoughtCo.
*http://www.nypl.org/research/sc/sc.html
*http://genealogy.about.com/cs/africanamerican/


=== Resources  ===
== Resources  ==
*[https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/georgia_archive/vol6/iss1/5/''A note on the Pitfalls of Black Genealogy: The Origins of Black Surnames,''] Kenneth H. Thomas, Jr.,  "Georgia Archives," Volume 6, number 1, Spring 1978:23-30.


*Thomas, Kenneth H., Jr. "A note on the Pitfalls of Black Genealogy: The Origins of Black Surnames." Georgia Archives 6 (Spring 1978:23-30.
*[https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1997/summer/institutions-of-memory.html '' Institutions of Memory and the Documentation of African Americans in Federal Records.''] Walter B. Hill, Jr., "Prolog Magazine," Summer 1997, Vol. 29, No. 2.


{{African American|African American}}


[[Category:African American Records]]
[[Category:African American Records]]

Latest revision as of 19:41, 15 July 2025

African American Genealogy Wiki Topics
African American Image 5.jpg
Beginning Research
Original Records
Compiled Sources
Background Information
Finding Aids

Introduction

African American research in the United States is similar to other U.S. genealogical projects until 1870 and earlier. 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!

Research Steps

There are seven easy steps to begin your research:

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 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

Gather home sources (birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds, etc.) and family information. Look in the homes of parents, grandparents, and other relatives. Gather records that show family names; dates of birth, marriage, and death; places; or relationships. Older relatives will likely have more records and information than others.

Records may include:

  • Bibles
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Birth, marriage, death certificates
  • Diaries
  • Letters
  • Scrapbooks

Also look at compiled sources for any information about the family.

Step Three: Interview Your Relatives

Interview relatives, both those who live nearby and those who live faraway. Interview them either by phone or in person. Make sure to interview the eldest living relatives; their knowledge can often fill in gaps when records become scarce.

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.
  • Record the interview (ask for permission beforehand).
  • Write down notes during the interview and afterward.
  • 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.)

Be aware of sensitive topics for the interviewee.

Step Four: Order Copies of Records

With the information learned from the records found and interviews conducted, obtain copies of more records. These records will help prove relationships and extend the family line further. Some may be online, but others may need to be ordered from county courthouses or state vital records offices.

Such records include:

  • Birth, death, marriage, divorce
  • Courthouse Information
  • Land/probate deeds, conveyances, affidavit of heirship, guardianship
  • Tax records (includes information about enslaved persons)
  • Voter registration
  • Social Security Administration

Step Five: Follow Up on Death Record Clues

  • Legal name of descendant
  • Marital status
  • Parent(s) names(s)
  • Parent’s birthplaces
  • Date and place of birth and death
  • Who verified death
  • Funeral home that handled remains
  • Cemetery
  • Verification of social security number

Step Six: Search the Census

Federal census records are taken every ten years and are available from 1790 through 1950. Only the head of household was listed from 1790 to 1840. Starting in 1850, every member of the household was listed, but this did not include enslaved persons. Starting in 1880, relationships to the head of household were added. The 1870 census is the first one in which all African Americans were listed by name. Before 1870 African Americans were listed by age, but not name. Some state census records are also available depending on the state.

Census records usually list:

  • Name, age, and perceived race
  • Relationship to head of household
  • Occupation
  • House number
  • Literacy
  • Military experience
  • Home/farm ownership
  • Value of property

Begin searching with the name of a person you know who would have been included in the 1950 census. If you have trouble finding the person, look for siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Many extended family members lived only a few doors from each other.

Search Other Federal Records - National Archives

Records of African American History

Besides the census, there are other federal records to look for:

  • Military records (especially pension records)
  • Mortality and veteran schedules
  • Social Security Death Index

Step Seven: Search State and County Records

In many cases, state and county records are the best sources for finding information. Most states and counties have an archives office. Many of these records are online, but some may only be accessible at the archives.

State and county records may include:

  • State censuses
  • Church records
  • Cemetery records
  • Vital records
  • Land and property records
  • Narratives, histories
  • Directories
  • Voter registration cards
  • Tax lists (this is important for slavery research)
  • Wills and probate
  • Criminal and civil proceedings

Societies

Related Articles

  • Starting Your African American Research. Char McCargo Bah. NGS Magazine 33 #4 (October-December 2007): 20-22.
  • Black Slavery Emancipation Research in the Northern States. James Petty. National Genealogical Society Quarterly 100 #4 (December 2012): 293-304. FS Catalog book 973 B2ng.

Websites

Resources

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