Black History Month Resources
From the National Genealogical Society:Black History Month in the United States can trace its roots nearly 100 years back to a 1926 celebration of Black history held on the second week in February, which coincided with the birth dates of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Although the names and dates of the recognition have evolved over the past century, the purpose remains to honor the contributions of the Black community in American history.
Genealogical advances and the availability of records that were difficult or impossible to access in the past make this the best time in history to research African American heritage.
If you’re looking for help getting started, check out ConferenceKeeper.org for upcoming events that relate to African American research. This month there are many events spotlighting the importance and the how-tos of Black genealogy. There are also guides such as African American Genealogy on the FamilySearch Wiki and the African American category on Cyndi’s List.
Below are additional resources that may be valuable to family history research.
- 10 Million Names (a collaborative project dedicated to remembering the estimated 10 million enslaved individuals in the US)
- African American Newspapers (Chronicling America, Library of Congress)
- Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874 (FamilySearch)
- Southern Claims Commission (FamilySearch guide to the records with links to some online available records)
- Mapping the Freedmen’s Bureau (a mapping project designed for genealogy and local history researchers)
- Freedmen’s Bureau Records (FamilySearch)
- Civil War Soldiers and Sailors database (National Parks Service)
- African American Heritage (National Archives and Records Administration)
- Rediscovering Black History (NARA blog)
- Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (and AAHGS local chapters)
- National Museum of African American History & Culture (Smithsonian)
- Center for Family History (International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina)
This list represents a fraction of what you can find for African American family history research. Remember, always check collections for new records and resources.