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How do you approach the unique challenges of African- American genealogy? How can you make the most of your research time and effort? Join expert genealogists Franklin Carter Smith and Emily Anne Croom to explore successful strategies for getting started and moving beyond the basics.

Using examples, illustrations, and case studies, A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors shows you how to

• Gather and preserve your family’s special oral and social history
• Research census records, especially the important 1870 census
• Use African-American-specific sources, including the Freedmen’s Bureau and Freedman’s Bank records
• Work with and evaluate county and federal records.

”One of the most challenging aspects of American research is tracing black ancestors during and beyond slavehood. Smith and Croom offer practical, easy-to-follow guidance using sound genealogical research techniques. But more importantly, they offer hope for a difficult era in genealogical research.”--Sharon DeBartolo Carmack, CG, author of You Can Write Your Family History.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Franklin Carter Smith earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Houston Law Center. An avid genealogist since 1977, he has successfully researched his slave ancestry back to 1760.

A researcher since 1969, Emily Anne Croom has a master’s degree in history; she is a genealogy lecturer and teacher and has written five books on genealogy research and numerous articles for genealogy periodicals.



See also The Sleuth Book for Genealogists, by Emily Anne Croom.