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Fri, April 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
Tick Marks and Number Counts: Understanding and Using the Slave Schedules
Fri, April 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
What exactly are the 1850 and 1860 United States Slave Schedules and what is their value to researchers? A closer look at this enumeration of “slave inhabitants” will streamline interpretation of these records and will help define the do’s and don’ts of working with them.
What exactly are the 1850 and 1860 United States Slave Schedules and what is their value to researchers? A closer look at this enumeration of “slave inhabitants” will streamline interpretation of these records and will help define the do’s and don’ts of working with them.
Fri, April 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, April 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
The FAN Club Methodology, DNA, and Genealogy Lead Back to Lunatic’s Plantation
Fri, April 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
Utilizing the FAN Club method, DNA, and enslaved ancestral research, Collier finally found major clues to help solve a longtime mystery – who was the previous enslaver of his great-great grandmother, Polly Partee of Panola County, Mississippi, and where did she come from? Her last enslaver was Squire Boone Partee of Panola County, and Polly had been the head cook on his plantation during and after slavery, according to oral history. According to the censuses, she was born somewhere in North Carolina and sold to Squire by 1852, but her origins had been largely unknown. Collier will present a plethora of DNA evidence, in conjunction with genealogy research and the FAN Club methodology, to uncover Polly’s North Carolina origins. Collier will also argue how a court-investigated lunatic, Alfred Alston of Fayette County, Tennessee, was most likely her previous enslaver.
Utilizing the FAN Club method, DNA, and enslaved ancestral research, Collier finally found major clues to help solve a longtime mystery – who was the previous enslaver of his great-great grandmother, Polly Partee of Panola County, Mississippi, and where did she come from? Her last enslaver was Squire Boone Partee of Panola County, and Polly had been the head cook on his plantation during and after slavery, according to oral history. According to the censuses, she was born somewhere in North Carolina and sold to Squire by 1852, but her origins had been largely unknown. Collier will present a plethora of DNA evidence, in conjunction with genealogy research and the FAN Club methodology, to uncover Polly’s North Carolina origins. Collier will also argue how a court-investigated lunatic, Alfred Alston of Fayette County, Tennessee, was most likely her previous enslaver.
Fri, April 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
Fri, May 5 2023: 18:00 UTC
Working on the Railroad: Pullman Porters and Maids
Fri, May 5 2023: 18:00 UTC
The Pullman Company was one of the leading employers of African Americans, primarily male Porters, who worked on the railroad in the late 19th and early 20th century. This presentation will look briefly at the general growth of the railroad as well as the Pullman Company which built rail cars and rented them to rail companies. Pullman hired primarily African American men and women to staff the dining and sleeping cars. What was the job like and what were lives like for the Porters and Maids? How do we find records of ancestors who were Pullman Porters or Maids?
The Pullman Company was one of the leading employers of African Americans, primarily male Porters, who worked on the railroad in the late 19th and early 20th century. This presentation will look briefly at the general growth of the railroad as well as the Pullman Company which built rail cars and rented them to rail companies. Pullman hired primarily African American men and women to staff the dining and sleeping cars. What was the job like and what were lives like for the Porters and Maids? How do we find records of ancestors who were Pullman Porters or Maids?
Fri, May 5 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, June 2 2023: 18:00 UTC
Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy, 1718-1820
Fri, June 2 2023: 18:00 UTC
This groundbreaking collection, which also goes by the name Louisiana, U.S., Records of Enslaved People, 1719-1820, was the brainchild of Dr. Gwendolyn Midlo-Hall and features the names, genders, ages, occupations, illnesses, family relationships, places of origin and more for upwards of 100,000 formerly enslaved in Louisiana. In this session, learn the history of the collection, where records were obtained, how to search and find original documents, and more.
This groundbreaking collection, which also goes by the name Louisiana, U.S., Records of Enslaved People, 1719-1820, was the brainchild of Dr. Gwendolyn Midlo-Hall and features the names, genders, ages, occupations, illnesses, family relationships, places of origin and more for upwards of 100,000 formerly enslaved in Louisiana. In this session, learn the history of the collection, where records were obtained, how to search and find original documents, and more.
Fri, June 2 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, July 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
8 Brick Wall Busters for Midwest African American Ancestors
Fri, July 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
Discover 8 options for pushing through difficult research of Midwestern Black families.
LaDonna Garner
Discover 8 options for pushing through difficult research of Midwestern Black families.
Fri, July 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, August 4 2023: 18:00 UTC
Loyalists, Freedmen and Frauds in the Southern Claims Commission
Fri, August 4 2023: 18:00 UTC
Using the records of the Southern Claims Commission to discover first-person accounts of the lives of freedmen, Union loyalists and former Confederates in their efforts to recover losses during the Civil war; includes the structure of the SCC and how the records can be used to advance research goals.
Using the records of the Southern Claims Commission to discover first-person accounts of the lives of freedmen, Union loyalists and former Confederates in their efforts to recover losses during the Civil war; includes the structure of the SCC and how the records can be used to advance research goals.
Fri, August 4 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, September 1 2023: 18:00 UTC
Following Oral History in search of William Davis but finding Mildred Brand: A Case Study
Fri, September 1 2023: 18:00 UTC
A researcher’s number one goal is to find ancestors for their client or their own family and share their story. Within the story oral history is followed, critical records and resources will be discovered which helped guide the research. This session will take attendees through the challenges, successes, and the continued unanswered questions of researching an African American family from enslavement to freedom through the states of VA, PA, OH, and MI.
A researcher’s number one goal is to find ancestors for their client or their own family and share their story. Within the story oral history is followed, critical records and resources will be discovered which helped guide the research. This session will take attendees through the challenges, successes, and the continued unanswered questions of researching an African American family from enslavement to freedom through the states of VA, PA, OH, and MI.
Fri, September 1 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, October 6 2023: 18:00 UTC
Tracing West Indian Ancestors: Strategies & Resources
Fri, October 6 2023: 18:00 UTC
This session introduces a 5-Step Research Methodology to guide family history study and research in the West Indies. Resources available in the U.S. and the U.K. are identified and civil registration and church records are illustrated through exploration of a family line. Emphasis is on the British West Indian experience.
Diane Warmsley
This session introduces a 5-Step Research Methodology to guide family history study and research in the West Indies. Resources available in the U.S. and the U.K. are identified and civil registration and church records are illustrated through exploration of a family line. Emphasis is on the British West Indian experience.
Fri, October 6 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, November 3 2023: 18:00 UTC
Friends of Friends: Quakers and African American Communities
Fri, November 3 2023: 18:00 UTC
Well-known for their anti-slavery views, Quakers began to migrate to the slave-free territories in the 19th century. As they migrated out of the South, Quakers emancipated and traveled with their newly freed slaves. Once settled, the sect continued their abolitionist cause by supporting the Underground Railroad – transporting runaway slaves to free states. In turn, free blacks established their own settlements, while still maintaining ties with the Quaker community.
Well-known for their anti-slavery views, Quakers began to migrate to the slave-free territories in the 19th century. As they migrated out of the South, Quakers emancipated and traveled with their newly freed slaves. Once settled, the sect continued their abolitionist cause by supporting the Underground Railroad – transporting runaway slaves to free states. In turn, free blacks established their own settlements, while still maintaining ties with the Quaker community.
Fri, November 3 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, December 1 2023: 19:00 UTC
Who Were “Felix Richards’ Slaves”?: Identifying Enslaved People Photographed During the Civil War
Fri, December 1 2023: 19:00 UTC
Nine African Americans — two women and seven children — were posed amid a laundry day setting in a rare Civil War-era photograph. The handwritten caption identified them only as “Felix Richards Slaves” and the location as Volusia, near Alexandria, Va. Could their true identities be established? In this case study, historian and genealogist Amy Bertsch discusses a variety of sources, including probate records, a chancery suit, Civil War pension applications, and the former enslaver’s federal compensation claim, she used to identify the individuals in the photo, which is now at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She explores how these records can yield new discoveries for family historians and she also demonstrates the importance of researching the enslaver’s family when conducting African American family research.
Nine African Americans — two women and seven children — were posed amid a laundry day setting in a rare Civil War-era photograph. The handwritten caption identified them only as “Felix Richards Slaves” and the location as Volusia, near Alexandria, Va. Could their true identities be established? In this case study, historian and genealogist Amy Bertsch discusses a variety of sources, including probate records, a chancery suit, Civil War pension applications, and the former enslaver’s federal compensation claim, she used to identify the individuals in the photo, which is now at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She explores how these records can yield new discoveries for family historians and she also demonstrates the importance of researching the enslaver’s family when conducting African American family research.
Fri, December 1 2023: 19:00 UTC

Featured Webinars

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1:13:24
579 views
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Gradual Emancipation and Enslavement in the North
Slavery existed in some northern states well into the 19th century. Learn about the motives for gradual emancipation, how it affected enslaved African Americans and enslavers at this time, the state laws surrounding slavery, and the records that it created.
Slavery existed in some northern states well into the 19th century. Learn about the motives for gradual emancipation, how it affected enslaved African Americans and enslavers at this time, the state laws surrounding slavery, and the records that it created.
Fri, February 3 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:26:17
831 views
CC
Exploring the Records in a Slave Owning Community
This session will focus on the thousands of transactions occurring in Edgefield, South Carolina in a County that did not burn, therefore, these records revealed the value placed on a slave in this community. “In the antebellum South, a prime male hand was the overriding measure for determining prices for enslaved workers. Hearty, prime women who were good breeders also had a high market value. Other factors that contributed to the sale price of a slave were gender, age, and skill.”
This session will focus on the thousands of transactions occurring in Edgefield, South Carolina in a County that did not burn, therefore, these records revealed the value placed on a slave in this community. “In the antebellum South, a prime male hand was the overriding measure for determining prices for enslaved workers. Hearty, prime women who were good breeders also had a high market value. Other factors that contributed to the sale price of a slave were gender, age, and skill.”
Wed, January 18 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:31:20
1.4K views
CC
How Three Types of DNA and Genealogy Uncovered the Long-Lost Enslaved Father
For over 25 years, oral history led Melvin Collier down the wrong road in the search for the father of his great-grandfather, Albert Kennedy (1857-1928) of Leake County, Mississippi. DNA was indeed providing great clues, but he initially attached them to the wrong ancestor. However, more autosomal DNA analysis, Y-DNA evidence, X-chromosome matching, and genealogy research revealed that the oral history had not been entirely true. This put Collier on the right road to discovery. Travel down this exciting genealogical road as Collier shows how DNA and genealogy led him to the identity and the story of his 2X-great grandfather. Ironically, he was born in northern Virginia, where Collier resides now, and was eventually taken to Sugartown, Louisiana during the Civil War. Lots of genealogy and genetic genealogy tips to be gained from this case.
For over 25 years, oral history led Melvin Collier down the wrong road in the search for the father of his great-grandfather, Albert Kennedy (1857-1928) of Leake County, Mississippi. DNA was indeed providing great clues, but he initially attached them to the wrong ancestor. However, more autosomal DNA analysis, Y-DNA evidence, X-chromosome matching, and genealogy research revealed that the oral history had not been entirely true. This put Collier on the right road to discovery. Travel down this exciting genealogical road as Collier shows how DNA and genealogy led him to the identity and the story of his 2X-great grandfather. Ironically, he was born in northern Virginia, where Collier resides now, and was eventually taken to Sugartown, Louisiana during the Civil War. Lots of genealogy and genetic genealogy tips to be gained from this case.
Fri, January 6 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:27:55
269 views
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Finding Unknown Descendants of a Freedmen Cemetery
This presentation discusses the methods Char Bah used to locate thousands of descendants of a Civil War Cemetery that had no headstones. This lecture will enhance your research skills in bringing the past to the present; and, your knowledge in the community that these individuals once lived in. The methods in this presentation can be used to locate anyone that you are researching especially deceased individuals of a cemetery.
This presentation discusses the methods Char Bah used to locate thousands of descendants of a Civil War Cemetery that had no headstones. This lecture will enhance your research skills in bringing the past to the present; and, your knowledge in the community that these individuals once lived in. The methods in this presentation can be used to locate anyone that you are researching especially deceased individuals of a cemetery.
Fri, December 2 2022: 19:00 UTC
50:22
Freedom Bound: Escaping Bondage for Life in the North
Before 1865, free blacks, as well as runaway and emancipated slaves, migrated or escaped to northern states (and Canada), hoping for a “better life” with more opportunities. In this presentation, we explore some of the reasons for this movement and review some of the many helpful records left by these antebellum northern migrants.
Before 1865, free blacks, as well as runaway and emancipated slaves, migrated or escaped to northern states (and Canada), hoping for a “better life” with more opportunities. In this presentation, we explore some of the reasons for this movement and review some of the many helpful records left by these antebellum northern migrants.
Fri, November 4 2022: 18:00 UTC
1:33:19
456 views
CC
Older Than Us: The Elders of the Trask 250
From Sago and Fatima, Randall and Esther, to Moosa and Katy, learn the ancestral story of the Trask 250 from the vantage point of their oldest traceable ancestors. These incredible individuals were born before the founding of the United States, survived the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and count more than 6,000 descendants between them.
From Sago and Fatima, Randall and Esther, to Moosa and Katy, learn the ancestral story of the Trask 250 from the vantage point of their oldest traceable ancestors. These incredible individuals were born before the founding of the United States, survived the Transatlantic Slave Trade, and count more than 6,000 descendants between them.
Sat, October 29 2022: 0:11 UTC
1:22:28
371 views
CC
African Americans Heading West
After the end of the Civil War in 1865, African Americans began leaving the areas where they had been enslaved. Many went to North to larger towns where work was more plentiful. But less discussed is that a number went West to farm, using the Homestead Act of 1862 to claim land of their own. Other settled in and helped develop some all-Black towns in Kansas and Oklahoma. Still others headed to the Pacific Coast for work. What can we find out about these settlers’ lives? Where can we find records?
After the end of the Civil War in 1865, African Americans began leaving the areas where they had been enslaved. Many went to North to larger towns where work was more plentiful. But less discussed is that a number went West to farm, using the Homestead Act of 1862 to claim land of their own. Other settled in and helped develop some all-Black towns in Kansas and Oklahoma. Still others headed to the Pacific Coast for work. What can we find out about these settlers’ lives? Where can we find records?
Fri, August 5 2022: 18:00 UTC
1:11:31
455 views
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Ole Master Record All Us In The Good Book – Using the Slave Owner’s Bible Records
Locating and using former slave owners’ bible records can reveal slave families as well as their birth, ages and deaths. These records are valuable and can predate statewide vital statistic records. In addition, these records can show enslaved persons were listed with their enslaved families.
Locating and using former slave owners’ bible records can reveal slave families as well as their birth, ages and deaths. These records are valuable and can predate statewide vital statistic records. In addition, these records can show enslaved persons were listed with their enslaved families.
Fri, July 1 2022: 18:00 UTC
57:55
416 views
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Studying Free People of Color in Apprentice Records
This lecture will discuss the institution of apprenticeship – documents, laws, and resources relating to free people of color before the Civil War.
This lecture will discuss the institution of apprenticeship – documents, laws, and resources relating to free people of color before the Civil War.
Fri, June 3 2022: 18:00 UTC