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.
This book is unique because it includes methods for
successful research in slavery-era records as well as
strategies to help you identify your ancestors' slaveholder
and slaveholding family. Case studies from various states
and time periods tell the stories of real families whose
lives were recorded in public records that you too can
use. Discovering your family history can be a powerful
experience that also allows you to create a special legacy
for your loved ones.
�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.