African American Genealogy

Freedmen’s Bureau Records: A Genealogist’s Guide

Freedmen’s Bureau records are more accessible now than ever, online at sites like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch. Learn what you can uncover in them.

Overcoming Challenges in African American Genealogy Research — An Interview with Shamele Jordon

In this episode, Family Tree University instructor Shamele Jordon joins us to discuss challenges in African American genealogy research and how family historians can overcome them. Plus we explore websites for French genealogy records, newspaper research and a new online storytelling tool.

8 Steps for Tracing Enslaved Ancestors Using Slave Schedules

Follow these steps for using 1850 and 1860 slave schedules to trace your slave ancestors.

Charleston’s IAAM Museum Tells the Stories of People and Places

Positioned at the wharf where many enslaved Africans arrived to America, the new museum sheds light on the history of African Americans.

Case Study: Research Clues from Understanding Slavery Law

The free “Slavery in America and the World” digital library at Hein Online has surpassed a million pages. Here's one example of how understanding slavery law can reveal clues for your genealogy research.