5 Lies About African American Genealogy and Family History Research Are you new to African American genealogy and family history? Are you having a hard time sifting through all the noise online? Here's a quick video to help you escape some of the most common misconceptions about this line of research and how you can start to more accurately tell our stories. Runtime: 20 Minutes Play Video
5 Truths About DNA Tests (23andMe, Ancestry DNA, Family Tree DNA, MyHeritage DNA, LivingDNA) Want to take a DNA test, but you aren't sure what you're getting into? Watch and learn what you can and can't get from DNA tests for genealogy. Need help understanding your results or getting to the bottom of your family history? Runtime: 5min Play Video
"Grandma Was... " Why It's Not Showing Up In Your DNA Results Is something missing from your percentages on your DNA test results? Is what your family says not matching up with what you got back? Watch to learn the top 3 reasons why this happens. Runtime: 4 min Play Video
Documenting the Enslaved in Your Family Tree | Ancestry Join Crista Cowan for a look at how those with ancestors who were slaveholders can assist our African American friends and family by documenting the lives of those enslaved. Runtime: 36 min Play Video
The Ultimate Genealogical Brick Wall Buster - James Tanner Do you feel stuck in your research? See what tips James has for busting through those brick walls. Runtime: 1 hour Play Video
How Do I Know I'm Right? Some Genealogy Basics | Ancestry There is a lot of information out there. But how do you determine if what you have is correct ? How do you prove you are right? Ancestry Anne walks you through the basics. Runtime: 21 min Play Video
AF-001: 5 Ways To Tell If Your Genealogy Research Is Accurate | Ancestral Findings Podcast How do you know your genealogy research is accurate? Use these five tips to be as sure as you can be in the world of genealogy. Runtime: 30 min Play Video
Genealogy Brainstorming: I'm Stuck. Now What? | Ancestry There are times when we could all use a little help with our family history. Join Crista as she explains the best ways to share your research challenges to generate ideas for what to do next to break through those brick walls. Runtime: 24 min Play Video
Researching Newspapers for Genealogy for Free There are an ever increasing number of websites that contain digitized newspapers, which is excellent for genealogy and family history research. There are also an excellent collection of sites that include links that help you find where some of these digital collections can be found. This video helps you find where newspapers can be searched for free and without a subscription. Runtime: 18 min Play Video
Same Name - Different Man | Ancestry Just because your ancestor may have a unique name does not make him the only person in the world with that name. He might not even be the only one in his town with that name. Join Crista Cowan for some quick tips about how to know if the John Smith you are tracking is YOUR John Smith. Runtime: 28 min Play Video
Using the Google Goldmine for Genealogy - James Tanner Learn how to use the all features google has to offer to help you do your family history Runtime: 1 hour Play Video
Using the Internet Archive for Genealogy - James Tanner Learn how the Internet Archives, a huge collection of various records, can help you with your Genealogy research Runtime: 54 min Play Video
When You Can't Find a Birth Record | Ancestry We all know the importance of finding documentation about the facts we put into our family tree. But, what happens when you can't find the records you need? Join Crista Cowan for a look at alternative places to find birth information. Runtime: 30 min Play Video
When You Can't Find a Marriage Record | Ancestry We all know the importance of finding documentation about the facts we put into our family tree. But, what happens when you can't find the marriage records you need? Runtime: 30 min Play Video
When You Can't Find A Death Record | Ancestry We all know the importance of finding documentation about the facts we put into our family tree. But, what happens when you can't find the records you need? Runtime: 25 min Play Video
Finding Unindexed Records at FamilySearch There are millions of digital images at FamilySearch that have not yet been indexed. Learn to find and access them with this quick tutorial. In particular, U.S. probate records are plentiful using this method. Runtime: 6 min Play Video
Finding Digitized Microfilm Online at FamilySearch You may not have to order that microfilm from Salt Lake City after all! Many of the Family History Library's microfilm reels are being digitized and put online at FamilySearch. They are not always indexed, so you need to know how to find them. This short video will show you how! Runtime: 6 min Play Video
Finding Missing Children: Genealogy Technique for FamilySearch Do you suspect there is a missing child or two in the family tree? Use this special technique to locate missing persons. Genealogy and family history research is easy to do with these amazing tips! Play Video
Introducing CFH: Our Kiosks, Research Area, Reference Library & Rack Cards In this Introducing CFH segment, which did not air, researcher Whitney Day talks about the Center's kiosks, research area, reference library, and rack cards. Runtime: 3 Minutes Play Video
Knights of the Razor: Black Barbers in Slavery and Freedom (Webinar) Black barbers may have been the only men in their community who enjoyed, at all times, the privilege of free speech. The reason lay in their temporary—but absolute—power over a client. With a flick of the wrist, they could have slit the throats of the white men they shaved. In "Knights of the Razor", Douglas Walter Bristol, Jr., explores this extraordinary relationship in the largely untold story of African American barbers, North and South, from the American Revolution to the First World War. Runtime: 1 Hour Play Video
Researching Ancestral Pathways of Enslavement in the U.S. This presentation is for Intermediate to Advanced level enslaved African American researchers. It does not introduce new types of genealogical records or resources for enslaved people – although you will need to be familiar with what these are and where to find them. Runtime: 30 Minutes Play Video
Getting to Know FamilySearch This webinar featured a panel of expert speakers who will guide attendees through the rich resources available on FamilySearch, with a focus on African American genealogy. Runtime: 2 Hours Play Video
Introducing the IAAM's Center for Family History's Resources & Services You will discover, and ask questions about, the African American research resources, services, and support the CFH team provides to the public. Runtime: 1 Hour Play Video
African Americans in World War I and World War II (webinar) This webinar explored the pivotal roles African Americans played in the monumental chapters of World War I and World War II. It delves into their diverse services, ranging from gallant frontline soldiers to indispensable support staff, and addresses the formidable challenges they encountered due to pervasive segregation and discrimination. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
The Role of African American Women in the Civil War This webinar focused on the vital and often underrepresented role of African American women in the military. It traces their journey from early wartime support roles to active service in various branches of the armed forces. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
The Role of African Americans in the Civil War with Nicka Sewell-Smith & Darius Brown African American men and women played a critical and transformative role in the Civil War. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting their significant contributions not only as soldiers but also as laborers, spies, and nurses. These roles were crucial to the Union’s triumph. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
From Revolution to Valor: The Legacy of African Americans Military Service for the U.S. The Center for Family History kicked off Black History Month 2024 with a webinar about the heroism and patriotism of African Americans in the military. Runtime: 1 Hour Play Video
AAM Center for Family History: "In Search of...Organizing Your Genealogy Research" In this short video, Dr. Shelley Murphy discussed the importance of organizing your genealogy & family history research files. Runtime: 2 minutes Play Video
IAAM Center for Family History: "In Search of.. Cohabitation Records" In this short video, Renate Yarborough-Sanders talked about Cohabitation Records, records that were created to legitimize, solemnize, and legalize the unions of formerly enslaved people who had been living as man and wife. "Slave marriages" were not legal. Unions forged during slavery had no legal standing after Emancipation. Runtime: 12 minutes Play Video
IAAM Center for Family History: "In Search of...Identifying An Enslaver" with Megan Smolenyak In this short video, Megan Smolenyak discussed ways to identify an enslaver. She covered slavery-related records as well as post-Emancipation records (e.g., Freedmen's Records, Confederate Citizens Files, USCT Pension Applications, etc.) which provide Antebellum information about formerly enslaved people. Runtime: 6 minutes Play Video
IAAM Center for Family History: "In Search of...Slavery in the Northern Colonies & States" In this short video, Judy Russell (The Legal Genealogist) talked about slavery in the Northern British American Colonies and in the Northern States during the early decades of the United States Republic. Runtime: 6 minutes Play Video
IAAM Center for Family History: "In Search of...Pullman Porter Railroad Records" In this short video, Jourdan Brunson shared why the Pullman Porter Railroad Records is one of his favorite record collections. These records are primarily housed in Chicago. Runtime: 6 minutes Play Video
IAAM Center for Family History: "In Search of...Reconnecting Slavery-Disrupted Family Lines" In this short video, Cherie Passey (Carolina Girl Genealogy) discussed finding and connecting family - particularly researching enslaved families and the families who enslaved them. She also discussed ways that descendants of the enslaved and their enslavers can work together to rebuild slavery-disrupted family trees. Runtime: 8 minutes Play Video
IAAM Center for Family History: "In Search Of...Untold African American Family Stories Finding the untold stories and histories of African American families is a powerful and rewarding experience. Finding our family stories and understanding African American family links stretching back centuries in North America - understanding how long our families have been part of the American experience - is empowering. Runtime: 6 minutes Play Video
The Clotilda Descendants (Webinar) The Clotilda, often cited as the last known slave ship to bring captive Africans to the United States, has a significant place in American history. The Clotilda Descendants Association, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the intricate history of the Clotilda and its profound impact on their community. Runtime: 2 hours Play Video
African American Centenarian Stories: Mrs. Ercelle Chillis (Charleston County, South Carolina) The International African American Museum recently launched a program to capture the stories of African American Centenarians. Their history is part of our living history, and we are keen to capture their stories before they are lost. Runtime: 40 minutes Play Video
Oklahoma Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes (Webinar) The Freedmen of Oklahoma were Black people, both enslaved and free, who had been living among the Indian nations. After the official abolition of slavery in 1866, they forged an identity as their own people as they faced the challenges of the western frontier. Runtime: 2 hours Play Video
Historical Footprints Ancestral Echoes: The Interplay of Historical and Lineage Societies (Panel) This webinar offered an exciting exploration into the interconnected nature of large historical organizations and family-focused lineage societies. These two distinct groups work collaboratively to weave together the rich tapestry of our collective past. Historical societies serve as the architects, offering a broader perspective on pivotal events and significant milestones in our shared history, while lineage societies contribute the intimate and personal narratives that bring depth and nuance to the overarching narrative. Runtime: 1 hour Play Video
Meet MAAGI The Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (Panel Discussion) Since its founding, the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) has provided an amazing learning experience for genealogists and researchers. The Institute, also known commonly as MAAGI has grown and has taken its place as a trusted educational and training institute. Runtime: 1 Hour Play Video
Resting in Resilience: Preserving African American Burial Grounds (Panel Discussion) The preservation of African American cemeteries and burial grounds is an important and multifaceted issue that highlights both historical and contemporary challenges. These sacred sites often serve as tangible representations of African American history, providing insight into the experiences and contributions of this community throughout various periods. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
Lavinia C Thompson: The Personal Story of Slavery and Civil War In South Carolina (Webinar) Dr. Walter Curry led a riveting webinar that told the story of Lavinia C. Thompson’s slavery and her survival during the Civil War. Runtime: 1 hour Play Video
Sea Islands Series: Edisto Island (Panel Discussion) This webinar was part of an engaging series about the enchanting Sea Islands, a chain of tidal islands nestled along the Southeastern United States Atlantic Ocean coastline. The islands are off the coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Our panelists delved into the rich cultural tapestry and heritage of the Sea Islands, highlighting the remarkable legacy of the Gullah people - and more. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
Researching African American Ancestry Using U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Pension Applications (Panel) The United States Colored Troops (USCT) were African American military units that served during the Civil War. The USCT played a significant role in the Union Army and was instrumental in securing victory for the North. This session will share how researching the USCT Pension Application Files can provide valuable information for those interested in African American genealogy and military history. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
Charleston's Domestic Slave Trade (Panel Discussion) The Accidental Historian shared details of her genealogical research that led to the discovery of her ancestor’s slave brokerage business on Broad Street in downtown Charleston. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
Getting Started with Lowcountry Genealogy (Seminar) Lowcountry genealogy research refers to the process of tracing one's family history in the Lowcountry region of the southeastern United States. This region includes the coastal areas of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. This session is for those interested in getting started with Lowcountry genealogy research. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
African American Genealogy Challenges (Panel Discussion) African American genealogy research can be particularly challenging due to several factors. This session presents methods and strategies and a number of resources available to those interested in researching their African American ancestry. Runtime: 1.50 hours Play Video
8th Century Schools for the Free People of Color and the Enslaved (Webinar) This webinar focused on several 18th-century schools that were for free and enslaved Black children in the United States. Runtime: 1 hour Play Video
Finding Our Fathers: Prince Hall Freemasonry, Fraternalism & Genealogy (Webinar) This webinar explored a niche in an often overlooked part of African American history - a history that can bear unique fruit for African American genealogists. James Morgan discussed the historical importance of African American Fraternal organizational history and their records, and how these organizations capability to create a more complete historical narrative of African American ancestors and their communities. Runtime: 1 hour Play Video