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Discover your African American Ancestry
Researching African American ancestors can be challenging. We have the tools you need to get started, including several databases, a primer for conducting African American research, articles from American Ancestors magazine, and much more.
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African American Databases
Five collections for family research
People of Color in the MA State Census, 1855-1865; Hampden County, MA: Black Families in Hampden County, 1650-1865; MA: 1855 State Census; MA: 1865 State Census; Free Negro Heads of Families in the United States in 1830
Devil at the Crossroads
Research Stories from Vita Brevis
Blues musician Robert Johnson's family history, Mississippi's Educable Children Records, letters from 19th century African Americans, and more stories from our blog, Vita Brevis.
Were My Ancestors Slaves?
Dive deep into historical research
Our researchers tackle your toughest questions about African American genealogy in partnership with The Root.com, the premier news, opinion and culture site for African American influencers.
GU272 Memory Project
Database, oral histories and more
A collaboration with the GU272 descendants, the Georgetown Memory Project, and American Ancestors. Includes a searchable online database of GU272 families, oral histories of more than 40 descendants, and educational material about genealogy.
