Overcoming the 1870 brick wall in African American genealogy is challenging, but possible. This session presents a clear, step-by-step roadmap for tracing formerly enslaved ancestors using the Genealogical Proof Method. Learn how to reconstruct the freedmen generation, identify potential enslavers, and mine enslaver records for hidden ancestral clues. We’ll explore records on Ancestry and FamilySearch, including census and vital records, Freedmen’s Bureau files, cohabitation records, and estate records. If you’re ready to move beyond 1870 and build a fuller picture of your family’s past, this webinar will equip you with the tools and confidence to begin.
Tracing formerly enslaved ancestors often leads to the infamous “1870 brick wall,” the point at which the first federal census to list all African Americans by name ends, leaving researchers struggling to bridge the gap into the era of enslavement. In this insightful webinar, Andre Kearns and Ayo Heinegg Magwood of Black Ancestries dismantle the myth that this barrier is insurmountable due to a lack of records. Instead, they demonstrate that by shifting from modern assumptions toward historically informed methodologies, researchers can uncover a wealth of documentation. The presentation provides a robust framework for navigating the complexities of Reconstruction-era records, offering practical strategies to transform vague family lore into verifiable genealogical proof.
For any researcher dedicated to reclaiming their family’s narrative, viewing the full webinar is an essential step in refining their archival skills and gaining the confidence to push past 1870. The case studies presented offer a clear roadmap for applying these techniques to personal research, proving that these “lost” stories are often just waiting to be found with the right approach. Genealogists are encouraged to explore the additional resources and search logs included in the comprehensive syllabus to further sharpen their investigative toolkit.
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Syllabus
Very helpful, especially the full text search! Thanks!
I learn so much through these African Diaspora series! So much information, I know I will definitely have to look at this one several times!
Excellent presentations-clear, beautifully researched and enlightening!
The webinar was informative and provided me with valuable insights and methods for approaching my research.
Wonderful presentation! The information was explained very well. Quite easily understood.
The presenters gave me some great ideas about broadening my search in order to get the information I need. I had only given the enslaver a cursory examination in the past but now I know there’s much more to be found by building his/her tree.
The webinar was very informative and chock full of tips and strategies. This is always helpful for genealogists of all levels.
Great information that can be used on any research… by using every field on every record and triangulating across records and reconstructing the entire family not just the vertical lineage! YES! Excellent takeaways from the webinar! Thanks!