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52:52
Dispelling the 1870 Brick Wall Myth: African American Ancestry Before the Federal Population Census
A prevalent misconception in genealogy is the belief that African Americans cannot trace their ancestry beyond the 1870 Federal Population Census. This myth, known as the “1870 Brick Wall,” suggests that records of African American ancestors, especially those who were enslaved, are virtually non-existent before this key year. This presentation will debunk this myth by exploring the wealth of resources available for tracing African American lineage before 1870. Attendees will learn about various records, strategies, and techniques that can help uncover the rich histories of African American ancestors, challenging the notion that their genealogical journey must start in 1870.
A prevalent misconception in genealogy is the belief that African Americans cannot trace their ancestry beyond the 1870 Federal Population Census. This myth, known as the “1870 Brick Wall,” suggests that records of African American ancestors, especially those who were enslaved, are virtually non-existent before this key year. This presentation will debunk this myth by exploring the wealth of resources available for tracing African American lineage before 1870. Attendees will learn about various records, strategies, and techniques that can help uncover the rich histories of African American ancestors, challenging the notion that their genealogical journey must start in 1870.
Fri, April 4 2025: 19:00 UTC
1:30:13
560 views
CC
African American Research 101 – Antebellum Era (Part 3 of 3)
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this presentation will be to research African Americans before the Civil War – either as an enslaved or free person. It will introduce Antebellum Era records such as: newspapers, slave schedules, church records, tax records, free people of color registers, plantation records, and probate records. It will also cover methodology for enslaved research.
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this presentation will be to research African Americans before the Civil War – either as an enslaved or free person. It will introduce Antebellum Era records such as: newspapers, slave schedules, church records, tax records, free people of color registers, plantation records, and probate records. It will also cover methodology for enslaved research.
Fri, August 30 2024: 18:00 UTC
50:51
648 views
CC
African American Research 101 – Reconstruction Era (Part 2 of 3)
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this presentation will be to research either a free person of color or a formerly enslaved African American and identify the last enslaver. It will introduce Reconstruction Era records such as: The Freedmen’s Bureau records, Freedmen’s Bank Records, Southern Claims Commission records, military records, census records, voter’s registration, newspapers, and vital records. It will also cover methodology for 1870 African American brick wall problems.
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this presentation will be to research either a free person of color or a formerly enslaved African American and identify the last enslaver. It will introduce Reconstruction Era records such as: The Freedmen’s Bureau records, Freedmen’s Bank Records, Southern Claims Commission records, military records, census records, voter’s registration, newspapers, and vital records. It will also cover methodology for 1870 African American brick wall problems.
Fri, April 12 2024: 17:00 UTC
1:07:43
399 views
CC
African Americans in the Army: 1868-1948
Following the Civil War, when nearly 200,000 African American men served, the U.S. Army established 4 African American infantry (later modified to 2) and 2 cavalry regiments in 1868. They initially served in the West but fought in the Spanish American War and the two World Wars in segregated units. It was not until 1948 that Executive Order 9981 integrated the military. What was life like for these soldiers? Where do you find service and pension records?
Following the Civil War, when nearly 200,000 African American men served, the U.S. Army established 4 African American infantry (later modified to 2) and 2 cavalry regiments in 1868. They initially served in the West but fought in the Spanish American War and the two World Wars in segregated units. It was not until 1948 that Executive Order 9981 integrated the military. What was life like for these soldiers? Where do you find service and pension records?
Fri, February 9 2024: 19:00 UTC
1:23:22
924 views
CC
African American Research 101 – Post-Civil War to the Present (Part 1 of 3)
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this lecture is to demonstrate what comprehensive African American research looks like from 1870 to the present. It will discuss sources such as: census, vital, and military records; the WPA slave narratives; newspapers; and city directories. It will also cover basic genealogical methodology.
This lecture will discuss how to get started in African American research. The objective of this lecture is to demonstrate what comprehensive African American research looks like from 1870 to the present. It will discuss sources such as: census, vital, and military records; the WPA slave narratives; newspapers; and city directories. It will also cover basic genealogical methodology.
Fri, February 2 2024: 19:00 UTC
1:13:38
391 views
CC
Friends of Friends: Quakers and African American Communities
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
1:15:37
410 views
CC
8 Brick Wall Busters for Midwest African American Ancestors
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
1:22:28
390 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
1:28:42
Identifying Unnamed Free Born African Americans – A DNA Case Study
Identifying unnamed individuals using a Research Plan incorporating genetic evidence takes creativity and patience. This session deconstructs a case study using Genealogy Standards to align and correlate DNA results and fragmentary records for African American families, beginning in 1812 in Virginia and North Carolina.
Identifying unnamed individuals using a Research Plan incorporating genetic evidence takes creativity and patience. This session deconstructs a case study using Genealogy Standards to align and correlate DNA results and fragmentary records for African American families, beginning in 1812 in Virginia and North Carolina.
Wed, March 16 2022: 0:00 UTC
1:30:03
590 views
CC
Born a Slave: Rediscovering Arthur Jackson's African American Heritage
Using his book by the same title as a guide, family historian and preservationist David W. Jackson inspires genealogists to embark on a quest to rediscover their ancestors of African descent. Jackson reveals his forty year quest culminating in a research breakthrough of a mysterious black ancestor, his great great…
Using his book by the same title as a guide, family historian and preservationist David W. Jackson inspires genealogists to embark on a quest to rediscover their ancestors of African descent. Jackson reveals his forty year quest culminating in a research breakthrough of a mysterious black ancestor, his great great…
Fri, October 1 2021: 18:00 UTC
1:18:15
1.2K views
CC
African Americans in the U.S. Revolutionary War
Nearly 10,000 people (mostly men) of African ancestry fought in the Revolutionary War on both sides of the conflict – hoping that freedom from slavery would come with the end of the eight year war. What records exist and how can genealogists discover them?
Nearly 10,000 people (mostly men) of African ancestry fought in the Revolutionary War on both sides of the conflict – hoping that freedom from slavery would come with the end of the eight year war. What records exist and how can genealogists discover them?
Fri, June 4 2021: 18:00 UTC
51:00
560 views
CC
African American Migration North to Canada
In 1911 about 1000 families–black families from Oklahoma migrated to Canada. Oklahoma had just become a state and has passed Jim Crow laws immediately. Many who had lived there for decades found these new restrictions too harsh to bear and they moved to Alberta! Their descendants still live in…
In 1911 about 1000 families–black families from Oklahoma migrated to Canada. Oklahoma had just become a state and has passed Jim Crow laws immediately. Many who had lived there for decades found these new restrictions too harsh to bear and they moved to Alberta! Their descendants still live in…
Fri, April 9 2021: 0:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

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Tue, July 8 2025: 18:00 UTC
Discovering Your Irish Roots: Uncover Hidden Stories and Sources with MyHeritage
Tue, July 8 2025: 18:00 UTC
Are your ancestors from the Emerald Isle? Whether your Irish roots are well-known or just a whisper in your family tree, this exciting webinar will show you how to trace them using MyHeritage’s rich and ever-growing collection of Irish records. Join Lorna Moloney, genealogy expert, for a deep dive into newly updated databases, rare historical collections, and clever research tips tailored for Ireland. From birth and marriage records to immigration files, land, directories and newspaper archives, you’ll learn how to unearth family stories you never knew existed. Whether you’re a genealogy beginner or a seasoned sleuth, this session is packed with lively insights, real examples, and expert guidance to bring your Irish heritage to life.
Are your ancestors from the Emerald Isle? Whether your Irish roots are well-known or just a whisper in your family tree, this exciting webinar will show you how to trace them using MyHeritage’s rich and ever-growing collection of Irish records. Join Lorna Moloney, genealogy expert, for a deep dive into newly updated databases, rare historical collections, and clever research tips tailored for Ireland. From birth and marriage records to immigration files, land, directories and newspaper archives, you’ll learn how to unearth family stories you never knew existed. Whether you’re a genealogy beginner or a seasoned sleuth, this session is packed with lively insights, real examples, and expert guidance to bring your Irish heritage to life.
Tue, July 8 2025: 18:00 UTC
Thu, July 10 2025: 0:00 UTC
Forgotten Records: Pension Ledgers and the Payments they Represent
Thu, July 10 2025: 0:00 UTC
Few people take the time to look at the pension payment process and the records that are created. Records may contain information about movement, kin, and primary sources for dates of death.
Few people take the time to look at the pension payment process and the records that are created. Records may contain information about movement, kin, and primary sources for dates of death.
Thu, July 10 2025: 0:00 UTC
Fri, July 11 2025: 18:00 UTC
Researching your Ancestors in Surrey
Fri, July 11 2025: 18:00 UTC
Often viewed as a rural retreat for London residents, Surrey presents unique challenges for genealogical research due to its shifting boundaries over the 19th and 20th centuries. This talk will help you build a solid foundation for exploring your Surrey roots with confidence, guiding you through the complexities of tracing your Surrey ancestry, offering strategies to streamline your research journey. Learn about the essential archives and genealogical sources available, both online and in-person, and gain insights into where to find support from local Family History Societies.
Often viewed as a rural retreat for London residents, Surrey presents unique challenges for genealogical research due to its shifting boundaries over the 19th and 20th centuries. This talk will help you build a solid foundation for exploring your Surrey roots with confidence, guiding you through the complexities of tracing your Surrey ancestry, offering strategies to streamline your research journey. Learn about the essential archives and genealogical sources available, both online and in-person, and gain insights into where to find support from local Family History Societies.
Fri, July 11 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, July 16 2025: 0:00 UTC
Civil War Records: What is a Reasonably Exhaustive Search?
Wed, July 16 2025: 0:00 UTC
To correlate evidence, you must have evidence to correlate. Typical researchers stop too soon in their evidence collection, believing they have found all there is to find about a soldier. There is more to military research than the compiled military service record or the pension application file. A reasonably exhaustive search is not limited to the two or three typical record sources.
To correlate evidence, you must have evidence to correlate. Typical researchers stop too soon in their evidence collection, believing they have found all there is to find about a soldier. There is more to military research than the compiled military service record or the pension application file. A reasonably exhaustive search is not limited to the two or three typical record sources.
Wed, July 16 2025: 0:00 UTC
Wed, July 16 2025: 18:00 UTC
Tracing Scots Ancestors Before 1855
Wed, July 16 2025: 18:00 UTC
Researching Scots ancestors before civil registration in 1855 can be challenging! Learn about some of the rich alternative sources you can mine when looking for your earlier forebears, like tax records, directories, newspapers, and more – where to find them, and how to make the most of them.
Researching Scots ancestors before civil registration in 1855 can be challenging! Learn about some of the rich alternative sources you can mine when looking for your earlier forebears, like tax records, directories, newspapers, and more – where to find them, and how to make the most of them.
Wed, July 16 2025: 18:00 UTC
Fri, July 18 2025: 18:00 UTC
Strategies for Sorting Out and Documenting Mexican Names and Families
Fri, July 18 2025: 18:00 UTC
This presentation demonstrates methods and tools for tackling two common predicaments when researching families of Mexican origin. First, distinguishing between people with the same names, living in the same place, at the same. And second, determining which compound given names and compound surnames to record in your source citations, online trees, and family narratives.
This presentation demonstrates methods and tools for tackling two common predicaments when researching families of Mexican origin. First, distinguishing between people with the same names, living in the same place, at the same. And second, determining which compound given names and compound surnames to record in your source citations, online trees, and family narratives.
Fri, July 18 2025: 18:00 UTC
Tue, July 22 2025: 18:00 UTC
A MyHeritage Webinar
Tue, July 22 2025: 18:00 UTC
This space is reserved for an exciting and interesting MyHeritage webinar. Here you will learn about the latest features, records, and characteristics developed by the MyHeritage team to help you find who you are, and amaze you with great discoveries.
This space is reserved for an exciting and interesting MyHeritage webinar. Here you will learn about the latest features, records, and characteristics developed by the MyHeritage team to help you find who you are, and amaze you with great discoveries.
Tue, July 22 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, July 23 2025: 18:00 UTC
Unlocking Notation Codes on Alien Passenger Lists
Wed, July 23 2025: 18:00 UTC
Entries in late 19th and early 20th century immigrant passenger manifests often include cryptic number and letter codes. Most genealogists simply look past them. Learn how to interpret these codes and what significant details they can reveal about your ancestor’s immigration and naturalization experience. Discover additional information about aliens who were detained or deported. This presentation is heavily illustrated with examples from New York and Philadelphia alien passenger lists and the handout includes a glossary of the terms, codes, and abbreviations found on these manifests.
Entries in late 19th and early 20th century immigrant passenger manifests often include cryptic number and letter codes. Most genealogists simply look past them. Learn how to interpret these codes and what significant details they can reveal about your ancestor’s immigration and naturalization experience. Discover additional information about aliens who were detained or deported. This presentation is heavily illustrated with examples from New York and Philadelphia alien passenger lists and the handout includes a glossary of the terms, codes, and abbreviations found on these manifests.
Wed, July 23 2025: 18:00 UTC
10 Advanced Ways to Use AI in Family History
Fri, July 25 2025: 18:00 UTC
Building on our previous exploration of AI in genealogy, this webinar showcases more advanced techniques for harnessing AI’s power in family history. We’ll cover sophisticated methods for data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling, showing you how to take your family history research to the next level. You’ll also learn about cutting-edge AI tools and how to apply them to uncover hidden connections and insights within your family tree. Ideal for those who are already familiar with basic AI applications, this session will expand your toolkit with innovative approaches to family history research.
Building on our previous exploration of AI in genealogy, this webinar showcases more advanced techniques for harnessing AI’s power in family history. We’ll cover sophisticated methods for data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling, showing you how to take your family history research to the next level. You’ll also learn about cutting-edge AI tools and how to apply them to uncover hidden connections and insights within your family tree. Ideal for those who are already familiar with basic AI applications, this session will expand your toolkit with innovative approaches to family history research.
Fri, July 25 2025: 18:00 UTC