Dispelling the 1870 Brick Wall Myth: African American Ancestry Before the Federal Population Census

Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy
Apr 4, 2025
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Content

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Welcome
20s
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Introduction
1m 35s
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1870 census
10m 18s
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Laws
10m 01s
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RG 105 and 101
5m 42s
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Other Records
16m 08s
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Case Studies
7m 36s
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Announcements / prizes
1m 12s

About this webinar

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.

About the speaker

About the speaker

An avid genealogist for over 40 years, Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, aka “familytreegirl,” was born and raised in Michigan, now living in central Virginia. She conducts genealogy workshops at local, state and national conferences. Murphy i
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  1. AW
    Allison Willis
    2 days ago

    Webinar 23, one to go, and I have learned so much with each one of these classes!!!! Worth becoming a member!!!!

    Reply
  2. SW
    Sandra Wright
    2 days ago

    Very informative. I have looked at several of the (re)sources mentioned, but now have a greater idea of how to connect them. The importance of following the whites in community, plantation owners & free blacks was extremely useful when doing general family search, but soon hit a brick wall on paternal side. The local courthouse in Plaquemines Parish, LA, burned down some years ago. With a great great grandfather born in 1860-61, I can’t seem to go any further. But I will try again.

    Reply
  3. DG
    Danielle Gilliard
    2 days ago

    Fantastic! Dr. Shelley always breaks everything down where it is understandable. Great job and very informative webinar!

    Reply
  4. JM
    Julia Moten
    2 days ago

    BRILLIANT … I am new to Family History and Genealogy so this greatly expands my knowledge base. Really loved how very organized and detailed presentation was. Listing the Record, Benefits, Who It Pertains To, How To Access and Examples. Can’t say enough about Dr. Murphy’s Presentation and knowledge. But she presents in a very effective manner that novice researchers can understand. And it goes beyond providing lots of knowledge. We have the tools to apply this knowledge to get results and records.

    Reply
  5. CH
    Carol Harper
    2 days ago

    Dr. Murphy’s webinar was phenomenal! She provided endless sources and great ideas for research. More importantly, Dr. Murphy was incredibly inspiring and enthusiastic about what could be found and why to keepon the quest and “in the box!” Thank you!

    Reply
  6. SW
    Shirlene Washington-Mack
    2 days ago

    Great resources, through presentation as always!

    Reply
  7. YC
    Yolanda Culberson
    2 days ago

    Very informative. Great resources were given to help you with your search before 1870. One the best webinars ever.

    Reply
  8. JR
    June Richards-Hall
    2 days ago

    Shelly gave me a lot to think about. Her organization of facts was on point. I seem to always jump out of the box 🙂 Thanks so much.

    Reply

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