10 Apr The Top Genealogy Resources for African Americans: A Guide to Online Research

For African Americans, tracing genealogy can be a challenging task due to the lack of historical records and the effects of slavery, segregation, and other systemic injustices. However, with the advent of digital technologies, many online resources have emerged to help people of African descent discover their ancestral roots. In this blog post, we will showcase some of the best online resources for African American genealogy research.

1. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a valuable resource for genealogy research, with an extensive collection of historical artifacts, documents, and exhibits related to African American history. Their website also provides access to several online databases, including the Freedmen’s Bureau Records and the Slave Voyages Database, which can provide important information about enslaved ancestors and their origins.
2. The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) The AAHGS is a national organization that promotes and supports research, documentation, and preservation of African American history and genealogy. Their website offers several online resources, including a database of African American cemeteries, a directory of genealogists and researchers, and a guide to genealogy research in each U.S. state.
3. The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) The DPLA is a vast digital library that offers access to millions of books, manuscripts, photographs, and other documents from libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Their website has a dedicated section for African American history and genealogy, which includes several collections, such as the African American Newspapers and the W. E. B. Du Bois Papers.
4. The International African American Museum (IAAM) The IAAM is a museum and research center that focuses on the history and culture of African Americans, with a particular emphasis on the African diaspora. While the museum is still under construction, its website offers several online resources, including a database of African American surnames and a guide to genealogy research for people of African descent.
5. FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization that provides free access to a vast collection of genealogical records, including census data, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and other historical documents. Their website also offers several tools for genealogy research, such as the Family Tree feature, which allows users to create and share family trees with other researchers.

In conclusion, tracing genealogy can be a daunting task, but with the help of these online resources, African Americans can uncover important information about their family history and ancestral roots. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced researcher, these databases, archives, and online tools can help you take the first step toward discovering your family’s past. Happy researching!