James Madison University
Libraries and Educational Technologies

History

African American Genealogy

Updated and maintained by Patricia Hardesty

Liaison Librarian for History, Philosophy and Religion, Political Science
Originally compiled by Gordon W. Miller

March 2004

Genealogy is the study of ancestry or family lineage. The genealogist usually records lines of descent by a pedigree chart or family tree. Genealogy is as old as recorded history, e.g. the Bible chronicles family lineage in both the Old and New Testaments, and royalty lines are noted in the annals of the ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, etc. empires. Although scholars have historical interest in genealogy most genealogists record their own families. Genealogical societies abound today. The Mormon Church has centralized in Salt Lake City the most comprehensive collection of genealogy source materials in existence today. This resource can be tapped locally through Family History Centers (also termed Stakes) at some Mormon churches.

Genealogy and history are intertwined. The genealogist must understand such areas as religious and social history, economic aspects of a given time period, and even geographic entities and their political and name changes over a period of time.

This handout is designed for the genealogist using Carrier Library. The arrangement is by type of source material. Sources are included that are guides to genealogy and include background information on using the various tools of genealogical research. Unless noted the genealogist must be aware this handout lists only Carrier Library holdings. Various libraries, or other types of repositories, must also be used to complete one's research project. In the immediate area of Carrier Library several libraries have strong holdings of varying types of genealogical materials. These include the libraries of Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite College, Rockingham Public Library, and the library at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society.

To use a handout for Carrier Library dealing with general genealogical click on Genealogy. For a handout of ethnic web pages that include African American click on African American . This handout lists the major sources for genealogy in general, for Virginiana, and for local (Shenandoah Valley and Rockingham County).

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Table of Contents

Subject Headings - LEO Guides Bibliographies Dictionaries/Encyclopedias African American Genealogy Sources Primary Sources General Sources Biographical Sources Chronology Diaries

Census Atlases Obituary/Cemetery Sources Directories Databases and Article Indexes Journals/Newspapers Newspapers (Bibliographic) African American Newspapers Electronic Text Sources

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Subject Headings - LEO

The following subject headings are examples of ones useful in locating published materials dealing with all aspects of genealogical research. Carrier Library, and most academic libraries follow the Library of Congress subject headings. Other types of libraries may utilize other subject heading plans. In addition to the examples listed here you can use the Library of Congress Subject Headings volumes located near the online catalog terminals to determine other subject headings. Family and individual names can be entered into the online catalog without being listed in the subject heading books.

African Methodist Episcopal Church (example of a religion/ denomination)
Afro-Americans - Genealogy
Emigration and immigration
Harrisonburg (Va.) - Genealogy (example of a city entry)
King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968 (example of an individual name entry)
King family (family name entry)
Names, Personal
Obituaries
Oral history
Registers of births, etc.
United States - Census (example of a country and census entries)
United States - Genealogy (example of a country and genealogy entries)
United States - History, Local
Virginia - Genealogy (example of a state and genealogy entries)

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Guides

Guides are sources used for an overview on genealogy and how to perform research in this area. Guides frequently contain bibliographies. They also note major sources of materials that may be available only where originally produced. The Cerny title is useful for learning how to use Mormon genealogical resources. Szucs offers an excellent overview on researching African-American genealogy.

Beers, Henry P. Guide to the Archives of the Government of the Confederate States of America. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1986.
(Ref CD 3047 B4 1986).

Comprehensive guide to all records from the Confederacy in the National Archives. Has information of interest to the genealogist.

Cerny, John, ed. The Library: a Guide to the LDS Family History Library. Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1988.
(Ref CS 47 L4 1988)

A guide to the premier genealogy library in the world. Following an overview on using the Library there are chapters on the U. S. collection followed by regional discussions. There are references to African-American genealogy.

Dollarhide, William. Managing a Genealogical Project. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1988.
(Ref CS 16 D64 1988).

This guide discusses how to handle your genealogical records. Sample forms are given. One chapter has information on using a computer in genealogical research.

Munden, Kenneth W. The Union: a Guide to Federal Archives Relating to the Civil War . Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1986.
(Ref CD 3047 M8 1986).

Comprehensive listing of Union records held at the National Archives. Useful in genealogical r esearch.

Neagles, James C. The Library of Congress: a Guide to Genealogical and Historical Research. Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1990.
(Ref E 180 N4 1990).

Comprehensive guide, with annotated bibliography, of one of the leading genealogical libraries in the United States. Arrangement includes topical, e.g. African-Americans, and geographic, e.g. Virginia.

Newman, Debra, comp. Black History: a Guide to Civilian Records in the National Archives . Washington, D. C.: National Archives Trust Fund Board, 1984.
(Ref E 185 N576 1984).

Because of its unique manuscript holdings this guide is useful in determining available collections of genealogical interest for African-Americans at the National Archives.

Plunkett, Michael, comp. Afro-American Sources in Virginia: a Guide to Manuscripts . Charlottesville, Va.: University Press of Virginia, 1990.
(Ref E 185.93 V8 P496 1990).

Twenty-three libraries in Virginia are listed with a guide to their African-American manuscript holdings. A large number of families and family names are indexed. Click on Virginia - African American Sources for a web site to this guide. There is also a link to North Carolina manuscript sources.

Plunkett, Michael, comp. A Guide to the Collections Relating to Afro-American History, Literature, & Culture in the Manuscripts Department of the University of Virginia Library. Charlottesville, Va.: University of Virginia Library, 1984.
(Ref E 185 P57 1984).

Genealogical and family history information is included in this guide to an outstanding manuscripts collection.

Salmon, John S. A Guide to State Records in the Archives Branch, Virginia State Library . Richmond: Virginia State Library, 1985.
(Ref CD 3564 S25 1985).

Brief descriptions of the holdings from the various state agencies. The physical size of the collections are noted. African-American records are noted.

Szucs, Loretto D., ed. The Source: a Guidebook of American Genealogy. rev. ed. Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1997.
(Ref CS 49 S65 1997).

Outstanding guide for both the beginner and experienced genealogist. Comprehensive coverage is given in this scholarly work. Sections on African-American genealogy and the use of a computer are provided.

United States. National Archives and Records Service. Guide to Genealogical Research in the National Archives of the United States. 3rd ed. Washington, D.C.: The Archives, 2000.
(Ref CS 68 U5 U54 2000)

Outstanding work, comprehensive in its coverage. Arrangement is by type of archival record. Useful for its indepth discussion of the records and how they fit into genealogical research. African-American records are noted.

United States. National Archives and Records Service. Military Service Records in the National Archives of the United States. Washington, D.C.: The Archives, 1977.
(Ref CD 3033 1985).

General guide and index to the military service records available through the National Archives. Records of African-American troops are included.

Virginia Historical Society. Guide to the Manuscript Collections of the Virginia Historical Society. Richmond: The Society, 1985.
(F 226 V564 1985)

Listing of the major collections of the Society. African-American entries are noted. The genealogist could use this as an example of societies that may have research interest.

Library of Virginia. A Guide to Church Records in the Library of Virginia State Library. Richmond: The Library, 2002.
(Ref CD 3568.5 V57 2002).

Arranged by denomination. The index notes a number of African-American church records that are available. Useful for suggesting this type of genealogical record.

Woodtor, Dee P. Finding a Place Called Home: A Guide to African-American Genealogy and Historical Identity. New York: Random House, 1999.
(Ref E 185.96 W69 1999).

This is a scholarly guide that approaches comprehensiveness in its coverage. Throughout the guide the author gives examples of his thinking of how to approach African-American genealogy. He includes sample pages from a variety of primary and other sources. A bibliography and several pages of web sites completes this guide.

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Bibliographies

Bibliographies are useful for locating additional sources on a given family or historical time period/geographic area. Several bibliographies listed here cover a wide range of subject topics. They are listed for the genealogist desiring broad coverage in his/her research. Bibliographies will be located in many sources found throughout this handout. They should be sought after, and expected, in most scholarly sources used.

Brignano, Russell C. Black Americans in Autobiography: an Annotated Bibliography of Autobiographies and Autobiographical Books Written Since the Civil War. rev.& exp. ed. Durham, N.C.: Duke University, 1984.
(Ref E 185.96 B67 1984)

A wide range of occupations and time periods are included. Useful for its biographical information.

Davis, Nathaniel. Afro-American Reference: an Annotated Bibliography of Selected Resources. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1985.
(Ref E 185 D29 1985).

Arranged by type of reference source. There is a brief section on genealogy. Excellent annotations.

Filby, P. William, comp. American & British Genealogy & Heraldry: a Selected List of Books. 2nd ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 1975.
(Ref CS 47 F55 1975)

Comprehensive, scholarly, listing of over 5100 entries. The annotated citations are arranged by country, region, and state. African-American titles are included.

Genealogical & Local History Books in Print. 4th ed. [Springfield, Va.: n.p.], 1985. irregular.
(Ref CS 47 U5 G45)

A books in print to genealogical and local history publications. Includes family histories that individuals wish to submit even if they are typescript copies. A section on African-Americans is included. In May 1997 several volumes of the 5th ed. were available.

Hampton Institute. Collis P. Huntington Memorial Library. Dictionary Catalog of the George Foster Peabody Collection of Negro Literature and History. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, [1972]. 2 vol.
(Ref E 185 H32 1972)

A book catalog of the holdings on African-Americans at Hampton Institute. The entries are arranged by author, title, and subject. An outstanding example of the holdings of a major collection.

Kaminow, Marion J., ed. United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress: a Bibliography. Baltimore: Magna Carta, 1975. 5 vol.
(Ref E 180 U59 1975)

Monumental bibliography listing the vast holdings of the Library of Congress. Arrangement is by Library of Congress call number. Examples from Rockingham County are under John Wayland in the General Sources section below. Comprehensive.

The National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections. Washington, D. C.: Library of Congress, 1959/1961-1993.
(Biblio Z 6620 U5 N3).

The standard bibliography listing manuscript collections throughout the United States. The subject indexes include entries for African-American genealogy. The most comprehensive bibliography of manuscripts available.

Porter, Dorothy B. The Negro in the United States; a Selected Bibliography. Washington, D. C.: Library of Congress, 1970.
(Ref E 185 P67 1970)

Brief annotations are usually provided for this general bibliography on African-American sources. Useful for its broad coverage.

Smith, Dwight L., ed. Afro-American History: a Bibliography. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-Clio, [1974-1981]. 2 vol.
(Ref E 185 S53 1974 v.2)

Over 4,000 journal articles in all areas of knowledge including family history. Only volume 2 is available.

Swem, Earl G., comp. Virginia Historical Index. Gloucester, [Mass.]: P. Smith, 1965 reprint of the 1934 ed. 4 vol.
(Ref F 221 S93 1965).

Exhaustive indexing of Virginia journal and legal literature. Critically important for Genealogical research in Virginia to the early 1930's.

Work, Monroe N. A Bibliography of the Negro in Africa and America. New York: H. W. Wilson, 1928.
(Ref E 185 W67 1928)

Outstanding general bibliography. Useful for its broad coverage of topics on African-American's both in the United States and Africa. Valuable because it indexes the early twentieth century materials.

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Dictionaries/Encyclopedias

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias can offer brief facts and historical definitions of genealogical importance.

Harris, Maurine, comp. Ancestry's Concise Genealogical Dictionary. Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1989.
(Ref CS 6 H37 1989).

Definitions with a genealogy emphasis, e.g. patent is defined as a grant of land.

Low, W. Augustus, ed. Encyclopedia of Black America. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1981.
(Ref E 185 E55).

A scholarly, illustrated encyclopedia. Good for biographical sketches. Some entries include bibliographies.

Miller, Randall M. Dictionary of Afro-American Slavery. New York: Greenwood, 1988.
(Ref E 441 D53 1988).

Scholarly dictionary with signed articles and bibliographies. A "Chronology of Afro-American Slavery" is appended.

Ploski, Harry A., ed. The Negro Almanac: a Reference Work on the Afro-American. 5th ed. New York: Wiley, 1989.
(Ref E 185 P55 1989).

Comprehensive coverage. Sections include topics as chronology, documents, statistics, slavery, and biographical sketches. A selected bibliography completes the work.

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African American Genealogy Sources

Carrier Library has several guides on African-American genealogy. The Smith guide has an excellent chapter on African-American genealogy. The book by Eakle (in the Guide section above) also has an excellent chapter on African-American genealogy.

Blockson, Charles L. Black Genealogy. Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall, 1977.
(CS 21 B55).

An emphasis on African roots, along with types of sources useful in American genealogy, is given. Appendices contain a directory of research sources arranged by state, a list of Black newspapers, and a bibliography.

Burger, Michele. "How to Trace Your Family Tree." Ebony. June 1977, 52-54, 58, 60, 62.
(Periodical)

Illustrated article discussing how to begin one's genealogical research and gives keys to successful work.

Byers, Paula K., ed. African American Genealogical Sourcebook. New York: Gale Research, 1995.
(Ref E 185.96 A444 1995).

A comprehensive guide to the full complement of sources for African American genealogy. Oral history, plantation records, and Freedman's Bureau are examples of resources. A directory section lists libraries, organizations, etc.

Gutman, Herbert G. The Black Family in Slavery and Freedom, 1750-1925. New York: Pantheon, 1976.
(E 185.96 G77 1976)

A major study of life in the African American family. Genealogical tables, charts, etc. present information for family history research.

Haley, Alex. "My Furthest Back Person - the African." New York Times Magazine. 16 July 1972, 13-16.
(Periodical)

This popular article notes the steps Haley took in tracing his ancestry back to Africa.

Heinegg, Paul. Free African Americans of North Carolina and Virginia. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Clearfield, 1994.
(E 185.96 H45 1994).

Arranged alphabetically by surname. About 250 names are referenced. A bibliography of sources lists the references Heineff used in his research.

Lawson, Sandra M., comp. Generations Past: a Selected List of Sources for Afro-American Genealogical Research. Washington, D. C: Library of Congress, 1988.
(Gov Doc LC1.12/2:Af8/4).

Bibliography of key sources held at the Library of Congress. The major portion of the book is arranged by state. Other types of materials include bibliographies, periodicals, newspaper sources, etc.

Peebles, Minnie. "Black Genealogy." North Carolina Historical Review 55 (April 1978): 164-173.
(Periodical)

Discussion of how to proceed in African-American genealogy research. The author notes the steps she followed. Although North Carolina sources were generally used this has application for other genealogists.

Smith, Jessie C., ed. Ethnic Genealogy: a Research Guide. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1983.
(CS 49 E83 1983).

Scholarly study of general genealogy records with a major discussion of African-American genealogy research.

Streets, David H. Slave Genealogy: A Research Guide With Case Studies. Bowie, Md.: Heritage Books, 1986.
(E 185.96 S817 1986).

Three case studies follow a discussion on locating information in the census and vital records. Appendices include a discussion of probate records, deed abstracts, court orders, and a bibliography.

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Primary Sources

This section suggests some of the primary sources available in Carrier Library. Many may not be specific enough for a given family history. They can be useful for understanding a time period. The DIRECTORY section (below) notes sources for determining other libraries and possible primary source materials.

Adler, Mortimer J., ed. The Negro in American History. [Chicago]: Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corp., [1969]. 3 vol.
(E 185 N4).

Documents from 1567 to 1968. Critical introductions to the documents are included.

The American Slave: a Composite Autobiography. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, [1972]. 19 vol.
(E 444 A45).

Transcriptions of slave narratives prepared by the Federal Writers' Project, 1936-1938. Over 20,000 pages with 3,500 interviews. This is the single most valuable research source on American slavery. Arranged by state. Supplement 1 of 12 volumes and Supplement 2 of 10 volumes are available at the same call number. An index to the material entitled Index to the American Slave (Ref E 444 A45 supp. 3) is available. The Library of Congress' American Memory web site has the Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers Project, 1936-1938. This site has over 2,300 narratives. Another Internet site is North American Slave Narrative.

Aptheker, Herbert, comp. A Documentary History of the Negro People in the United States . New York: Citadel Press, [1969].
(E 185 A6 1969).

Outstanding collection with coverage from the American Revolutionary period to the present.

Blassingame, John W., ed. Slave Testimony: Two Centuries of Letters, Speeches, Interviews, and Autobiographies. Baton Rouge, La.: Louisiana State University, 1977.
(E 444 S57).

Useful to the genealogist because of the biographical information available. Coverage is from 1736 to 1938.

Catterall, Helen T. Judicial Cases Concerning American Slavery and the Negro. New York: Octagon Books, 1968 reprint of the 1926 ed. 5 vol.
(KF 4545 S5 C3 1968).

Numerous records on individuals including manumission and court records.

Donnan, Elizabeth, ed. Documents Illustrative of the History of the Slave Trade to America. New York: Octagon Books, 1965. 4 vol.
(E 441 D69 1965).

Primary source information on the slave trade. Of interest to the genealogist are some slave ship manifests.

Frazier, Thomas R., comp. Afro-American History: Primary Sources. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, [1970].
(E 184.6 F7).

A bibliography complements the collection of documents.

Katz, William L., comp. Eyewitness; the Negro in American History. New York: Pitman, [1967].
(E 185 K28).

Outstanding collection of source material covering the full sweep of American history. Commentary is included on the documents. Illustrated.

Meltzer, Milton. In Their Own Words; a History of the American Negro. New York: Crowell, [1964-1967]. 3 vol.
(E 185 M54).

Documents covering 1619 to 1966. A chronology of Black history is appended.

Romero, Patricia W., comp. I Too am America; Documents from 1619 to the Present. New York: Publishers Co., [1968].
(E 185 R76).

Anthology of various types of documentation (letters, speeches, etc.).

Schomburg Clipping File. Alexandria, Va.: Chadwick-Healey, 1989?- .
(Microform Area. Microfiche)

A massive collection of ca. 14,000 microfiche from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Coverage is in two sections covering 1924-1974 and 1975-1988. There are some clippings back to the late nineteenth century. Coverage is very broad. Print indexes are available in the Microform Area. Useful for the many individuals indexed. For further information on this collection see the Schomburg handout at the Reference Desk.

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General Sources

General histories that have useful material on African-American genealogy and sources that are general in coverage are noted here.

Bentley, George R. A History of the Freedmen's Bureau. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania, 1955.
(E 185.2 B4).

In addition to being a scholarly study of the Freeman's Bureau the notes and bibliography offer the genealogist research possibilities.

Berlin, Ira, ed. Families and Freedom: A Documentary History of African-American Kinship in the Civil War Era. New York: The New Press, 1997.
(E 185.2 F27 1997).

A scholarly study of the African American family during the Civil War period. Useful for its understanding of family structure of the time.

Berlin, Ira. Slaves Without Masters; the Free Negro in the Antebellum South. New York: Pantheon Books, [1974].
(E 185.18 B47).

Useful as a general history and for its bibliography of manuscript sources consulted. The genealogist will find the bibliography useful for ideas on where to look for sources.

Haley, Alex. Roots. Garden City, N. Y.: Doubleday, 1976.
(E 185.97 H24 A33).

The book that demonstrated how to perform African-American genealogy and stimulated an interest in genealogy among many Americans. The genealogist can glean the types of records Haley used in his research.

Kemp, Thomas J. International Vital Records Handbook. 4th ed. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 2000.
(Ref CS 42.7 K46 2000).

Arrangement is by state and selected foreign countries. Sample application forms to vital records are printed and are to be photocopied for personal use.

United States. Public Health Service. Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office.
Vital Records

Arranged by state and territory. Information includes where to write, the cost (which can change), and any comments, e.g. dates of vital record holdings.

Wayland, John W. Historic Harrisonburg. Staunton, Va.: Printed for the Author by McClure, 1949.
(F 234 H31 W3).

Example of a city history that includes some information on African-Americans.

Wayland, John W. A History of Rockingham County, Virginia. Dayton, Va.: Ruebush-Elkins, 1912.
(F 232 R7 W3).

Example of a county history that includes some information on African-Americans.

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Biographical Sources

Most of the listings in this section are national in coverage. Most county histories will contain biographical information.

Burkett, Randall K., ed. Black Biography, 1790-1950: A Cumulative Index. 3 vol. Alexandria, Va.: chadwyck-Healey, 1991.
(Ref E 185.96 B528 1991).

An outstanding collection of ca. 31,000 biographies from 297 source books. The index is necessary to locate the citation to the documentation on 1,068 microfiche. Volumes 1and 2 of the index are arranged alphabetically and list place of birth and the date, gender (when female), occupation, religion, and location on the microfiche. Volume 3 is the index to the full set. It lists the 297 sources in addition to place of birth, occupation, religion and gender.

Logan, Rayford W. Dictionary of American Negro Biography. New York: Norton, 1982.
(Ref E 185.96 D53 1982).

Essays on over 700 deceased African-Americans. All occupational levels.

Robinson, Wilhelmena S. Historical Negro Biographies. New York: Publishers Co., [1967].
(Ref DT 18 R57).

Brief sketches on over 500 African-Americans living from the fourteenth through the twentieth centuries.

Spradling, Mary M., ed. In Black and White: a Guide to Magazine Articles, Newspaper Articles, and Books Concerning More than 15,000 Black Individuals, and Groups. 3rd ed. Detroit: Gale Research, 1980. 2 vol.
(Ref E 185.96 S663 1980)

A major index because of the large number of individuals listed and the wide range of sources consulted. An occupation index and a bibliography of books, magazines, pamphlets, newspapers, and calendars consulted is appended.

Who's Who Among Black Americans. Northbrook, Ill.: Who's Who Among Black Americans, 1977- . irregular.
(Ref E 185.96 W52).

Living African-Americans are listed. At Ref E 185.96 W54 1950 is the book Who's Who in Colored America. This is an earlier series of "Who's Who type books.

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Chronology

Chronologies are useful for quick facts and dates regarding the historical background in African-American genealogy.

Bergman, Peter M., comp. The Chronological History of the Negro in America. New York: Harper & Row, [1969].
(E 185 B46).

Coverage is 1492 to date. Bibliography.

Diggs, Ellen I. Black Chronology: from 4000 B.C. to the Abolition of the Slave Trade . Boston: G.K. Hall, 1983.
(Ref DT 17 D5 1983).

Although coverage is international there is sufficient American analysis for the researcher of African-American family history. A bibliography is included.

Sloan, Irving J. The American Negro, a Chronology and Fact Book. Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.: Oceana, 1965.
(E 185 S57).

Coverage begins in 1442. Appendices include statistics.

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Diaries

The three bibliographies listed here offer a number of African-American research possibilities. A separate Diaries handout is available in the handout racks at the reference desk.

Arksey, Laura. American Diaries: an Annotated Bibliography of Published Diaries and Journals. Detroit: Gale Research, 1983-1987. 2 vol.
(Ref CT 214 A73 1983).

Excellent indexes enhance the use of this bibliography. Coverage is 1492-1980. African-Americans are included.

Goodfriend, Joyce D. The Published Diaries and Letters of American Women: an Annotated Bibliography. Boston: G.K. Hall, 1987.
(Ref CT 3260 G65 1987).

Coverage is 1669-1982.

Havlice, Patricia P. And So to Bed: a Bibliography of Diaries Published in English . Metuchen, N. J.: Scarecrow, 1987.
(Ref CT 25 H38 1987)

International coverage is provided. Dates of diary inclusion are 1838-1983.

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Census

In addition to the census guides listed here a separate handout entitled History - Census and Demography is available in the handout racks near the reference desk.

Thorndale, William. Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1987.
(Ref G 1201 F7 T5 1987).

Following a detailed introduction the guide is arranged by state. Each decennial census date has a map superimposed upon the present state. Scholarly.

United States. Bureau of the Census. Bureau of the Census Catalog of Publications, 1790-1972. Washington, D. C.: The Bureau, 1974.
(Ref Z 7554 U5 U58 1974).

Comprehensive listing of all Census Bureau publications for the years covered. The period from 1790-1945 was compiled by Henry J. Dubester and the entries are enumerated by "Dubester" number.

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Atlases

Atlases are useful in genealogical research to show where a family originated/lived and to also note the political changes over a given time period. The Lathrop atlas is an example of county atlases that were being produced in the last half of the nineteenth century. Several examples of atlases that contain historical African maps are provided.

Ajayi, J. F., ed. Historical Atlas of Africa. New York: Cambridge University, 1985.
(Ref G 2446 S1 H5 1985).

Thematic atlas with commentary. Prehistoric to the present day. The leading historical atlas of Africa in Carrier Library.

Doran, Michael F. Atlas of County Boundary Changes in Virginia, 1634-1895. Athens, Ga.: Iberian, 1987.
(Ref G 1291 F7 D6 1987).

Following an introductory discussion of county boundary changes there are maps covering ten year cycles showing the boundary changes.

Lathrop, J. M. An Atlas of Rockingham County, Virginia: from Actual Surveys. Philadelphia: D. J. Lake, 1885.
(Sp Coll G 1293 R7 L3 1885)

The first full atlas of Rockingham County. Serves as an example of the type of atlas available for most United States counties of this time period. A reprint edition is available in the reference collection.

McEvedy, Colin. Atlas of African History. New York: Facts on File, 1980.
(Ref G 2446 S1 M3 1980).

Maps with commentary.

Morrison, Olin D. The American South; Historical Atlas. Athens, Ohio: E. M. Morrison, 1965. 3 vol. in 4 (Ref G 1265 S324 M6 1965).

Hand-drawn maps of the region. Volumes 1-2 are general for the several states. The final volumes are detailed maps for each state. Genealogical applications.

The Times Atlas of World History. New [5th] ed. London: Times Books, 1999.
(Ref G 1030 T54 1999).

Excellent atlas covering all time periods. Useful for the African-American genealogist because of its strong coverage of the non-European world.

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Obituary/Cemetery Sources

Obituaries are primary source material for the genealogist. They can be located in a variety of sources. The Newspapers (Bibliographic) section (below) is necessary to guide one through the bibliographic maze to determine what newspapers are available for a geographic area in a given time period. Some libraries and many genealogical and historical societies have clippings or other obituary files for their locality.

[The Freeman File] an Index to Articles from the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Richmond News Leader. Richmond: SEC Computer Co., [1989].
(Ref Microfiche).

An index to the Richmond newspapers by Douglass Southall Freeman. Coverage is from approximately the mid-1920's to October 1985. Individuals are indexed.

Hogg, Anne M. Virginia Cemeteries: a Guide to Resources. Charlottesville, Va.: Published for the University of Virginia Library by the University Press of Virginia, 1986.
(Ref F 225 V837 1986).

Lists major cemeteries and their addresses. Notes published and unpublished sources on the cemeteries. Arranged by county and city.

Jarboe, Betty. Obituaries: a Guide to Sources. 2nd ed. Boston: G.K. Hall, 1989.
(Ref CT 214 J37 1989).

Over 3,500 entries of books, journal articles, cemetery records, tombstone inscriptions, etc. Arranged by state and foreign country.

Swank, J. Robert, comp. A Record of Burial Places in Rockingham County, Virginia (Including a Few in Neighboring Augusta and Shenandoah Counties). Singers Glen, Va.: [Swank], 1967. 2 vol. Typescript copy.
(Sp Coll F 232 R7 S94 1989).

Detailed cemetery records covering most of Rockingham County (some areas in eastern Rockingham County are lacking). Swank attempted to check all cemeteries, including family burial grounds. A number of African-American cemeteries and burials are noted.

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Directories

Directories are useful in determining other libraries and repositories that have information useful to the African-American genealogist.

Ash, Lee. Subject Collections: a Guide to Special Book Collections and Subject Emphases as Reported by University, College, Public, and Special Libraries and Museums in the United States and Canada. 7th ed. rev. and enl. New York: R.R. Bowker, 1993.
(Ref Z 688 A2 A8 1993).

Ash lists libraries having outstanding collections by subject. Useful to determine libraries having additional research materials.

Bentley, Elizabeth P. County Courthouse Book. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1995.
(Ref KF 8700 A19 B46 1995).

Arranged by state, Bentley lists the various courthouses having vital records of research interest to the genealogist. Information includes addresses, telephone numbers, when organized, and types of records available.

Directory of Archives and Manuscript Repositories in the United States. 2nd ed. Phoenix: Oryx, 1988.
(Ref CD 3020 U54 1988).

A directory listing collections having strong holdings in many areas including genealogy. African-American collections are noted.

Directory of Historical Societies and Agencies in the United States and Canada. 15th ed. Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 2002.
(Ref E 172 A538 2002).

Important for its listing of small, local societies and their programs. Information includes any publications and when the society is open for research use. An index to ethnic groups include African-American societies.

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Databases and Article Abstracts

Below are links to a selection of electronic resources that are most useful for research in African-American Genealogy.  Remember, however, that history encompasses many areas of endeavor (e.g., Education, Art, Economics), so you will wish to check all databases that cover your area and time period of interest.  Click here for Research Resources Home, where you may browse for other useful resources.

 

America: History and Life. 1964- .
Black Studies on Disc. 1989- . CD
Index to Black Periodicals. 1975-1993. Title varies; from 1975-1983 it was the Index to Periodical Articles by and About Blacks.
New York Times Index. 1851-2004. (print)
Pennsylvania Gazette. 1728-1783. CD.
Periodical Contents Index. 1770-1991.
Sociological Abstracts. v. 1-10, 1953-1962.
Virginia Gazette. 1736-1780. This is indexed by: Virginia Gazette Index, 1736-1780 @ Ref AI 21 V5 1950. The newspaper is on microfilm.

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Journals/Newspapers

The journals noted here are mostly Virginian in origin or are African-American in orientation. Many historical and genealogical societies will publish newsletters or journals that contain localized genealogical information.

Ebony. 1959- .
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society. Newsletter. 1982- .
Journal of African American History. 2002- .
Journal of Negro Education. 1969- .
Journal of Negro History. 1916-2001.
Negro History Bulletin. 1967- .
North Carolina Historical Review. 1924- .
Phylon. 1940- .
Prologue. 1969- .
Rockingham Recorder. 1945- .
Rockingham Register. 1822-1907
Published in Harrisonburg. Example of a local/regional newspaper that includes material on African-Americans.
Sage: a Scholarly Journal on Black Women. 1984- .
Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine. 1919-1952.
Virginia Genealogist. 1957-1976.
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography. 1893-1905, 1906- .
William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine. 1892-1919, 1921-1943.
William and Mary Quarterly. 1944- .

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Newspapers (Bibliographic)

Listed here are the major sources that permit access to the newspapers of the world. Especially useful are the Newspapers in Microform titles from the Library of Congress. Through them the researcher can determine the availability, on microform, of various newspapers. Many of the microfilmed newspapers can be obtained from another library on interlibrary loan. The book by La Brie has special interest for the African-American genealogist in determining those papers published by and for Black Americans.

Brigham, Clarence S. History and Bibliography of American Newspapers, 1690-1820. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1975 reprint of the 1947 ed. 2 vol.
(Ref PN 4861 B86 1976)

The most comprehensive listing of American newspapers for the period covered. Arranged by state and city.

Cappon, Lester J. Virginia Newspapers 1821-1935: a Bibliography with Historical Introduction and Notes. New York: D. Appleton-Century, 1936.
(Ref F 230 C28 1936)

Comprehensive bibliographic coverage is provided as Cappon lists library holdings for individual newspaper issues. Arranged by city. Because of its publication date Cappon must be supplemented by more recent sources.

Gregory, Winifred. American Newspapers, 1821-1936: a Union List of Files Available in the United States and Canada. New York: Kraus Reprint, 1967.
(Ref PN 4855 A53 A67)

Arranged by state and city. Gregory contains the holdings records of almost 5,700 depositories. Comprehensive.

Henritze, Barbara K. Bibliographic Checklist of African American Newspapers. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1995.
(Ref PN 4882.5 H45 1995).

Arranged by state and city this guide lists 5,539 newspapers. Information includes title, frequency of publication, publication dates and verification sources. Useful to the genealogist for its comprehensive coverage.

La Brie, Henry G. The Black Newspaper in America: a Guide. 3rd ed. [Kennebunkport, Me.: Mercer House], 1973.
(PN 4882.5 L3 1973)

A directory of over 200 African-American newspapers published in 1973. Information provided includes address, publisher, year of founding, etc. An appendix lists newspapers no longer published.

Newspapers in Microform: Foreign Countries, 1948-1983. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1984.
(Ref PN 4731 U515 1984)

Lists, by country and city, newspapers for which microform holdings are available in the United States. Of vital interest to the genealogist for the current availability of foreign newspapers. Updated irregularly.

Newspapers in Microform: United States, 1948-1983. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 1984. 2 vol.
(Ref PN 4855 U469 1984)

Lists, by state and city, newspapers for which microform holdings are available in the United States. This has vital interest to the genealogist for the current availability of American newspapers. Updated irregularly.

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African American Newspapers

Carrier Library holdings of African-American newspapers include:

Afro-American. (Washington, D. C.) current year.

Pittsburgh Courier. 1923- .

From 1950-1954 this was the Courier. From 1966 on it is the New Pittsburgh Courier. All microfilm is located under Pittsburgh Courier.

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Electronic Text Sources

African-American
(Electronic Text)

This is the African American selection from the comprehensive "Cyndi's List" web page. Thousands of links are provided at this point. This is a "must" site for African American genealogy research.

African American Census Schedules Online

This site is ongoing with additions of Black Americans with census schedules pre and post slavery in the mid-1800's. Arranged by state and county.

Afrigeneas
(Electronic Text)

A site for African-American genealogical research. There are links to general genealogy sites. Useful especially for the beginning genealogist.

Christine's Genealogy Website
(Electronic Text)

This site has a wide range of sources on African American genealogy. One area of interest is the cemetery sources.

United States Colored Troops (USCT)
(Electronic Text)

Over 230,000 names of Black Americans who served in the Civil War are listed here.

WorldCat
(Electronic Text)

Worldcat is a catalog to the holdings of most American libraries. Over 46 million titles are cataloged. An excellent source for locating published sources on African Americans and genealogy.

 

Have a suggestion? Need Help? Ask Patricia Hardesty -- hardespn@jmu.edu
This page last reviewed by P. Hardesty on 1/9/2009.