Registration begins November 22, 2025

 

“The instructors, the attendees, the camaraderie were all amazing. I have learned so much from each instructor and have the confidence to find even more information on my family and on any of the people and places I am researching.”

“When someone has a complicated question the faculty pull up relevant records or describe techniques during the breaks, lunch and office hours so that people get the help they need. Faculty in this course are extremely giving of time and expertise.”

“Each speaker put their unique perspectives and stamps on the subjects they covered. Dr. Abbott has succeeded in helping me to break a few habits that do not serve me nor my research well, by forcing me to dig further, and continuing asking questions. Not one presentation was disappointing! I’ve enjoyed the start of this genealogical journey!”

“Dr. Abbott went above and beyond to deliver not just an education, but a memorable experience for each of us. She set the tone and created an environment conducive to learning. We all walk away bonded, and with the best memories of our time spent together.”

“Dr. Abbott planned and led a solid program, with the best instructors. I really can’t express enough how grateful I was to participate, engage with, and participate in this course. Every presentation was well organized and thought out, providing valuable resources and information to aid my professional development, and that of my peers.”

“Overall, this was a stellar program and opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field. I only wish it didn’t have to end. This was awesome!”

Building African American Families: Records, Resources & Documentation

About the Course

  • Maximum: 30 students
  • Virtual classrooms using Zoom
  • Lectures will be recorded and available to view for one month after the end of the course
  • All courses come with a digital syllabus
  • Students will receive a digital certificate upon course completion

Course Faculty

Description

Students will learn resources and methods necessary to research African American families. They will become familiar with records and strategies that enhance research success. Each session will provide opportunity for students to work in class on their own family histories or research projects on a family of interest. Students will be provided with time to ask questions and interact with course faculty throughout the week. This format will help students better understand how to apply what is being taught with the ability to receive additional guidance from instructors. In addition, instructors will also be available during the optional 30-minute office hours at the end of the day.

Prerequisites, textbooks, and other student information

Course prerequisites:

The ability to identify a single family line that the student wishes to trace, along with a summary of known information.

Course requirements:

A strong understanding of basic genealogy research methods and sources.

Recommended books:

These books are not required, just suggestions

Board for Certification Genealogists. Genealogy Standards, 2nd edition revised. (2021).

Jones, Thomas W. Mastering Genealogical Proof, NGS Special Publications. (2013).

Rose, Christine. Courthouse Research for Family Historians. (2004).

Smith, Franklin Carter and Emily Anne Croom. A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your African American Ancestors: How to Find and Record Your Unique Heritage. (2009).

Streets, David H. Slave Genealogy: A Research Guide with Case Studies. (2008).

Course Schedule (All times listed are Eastern Time)

Monday, July 27
10:30 – 11:00 Orientation and Welcome (Abbott)
11:00 – 12:15 Researching African American Families: Same Methodology, Different Strategies (Gillins)
12:15 – 12:45 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Importance of Meeting Genealogical Standards in African American Research Planning (Garrett-Nelson)
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 Tips & Tools: The Importance of Creating Timelines in Genealogy Research (Strong)
4:15 – 4:45 Break
4:45 – 6:00 The Law of Slavery (Garrett-Nelson)
Tuesday, July 28
10:30 – 11:00 Class Review and Questions (Abbott)
11:00 – 12:15 Records of Reconstruction: Freedmen Bureau Records, Southern Claims Commission, and 1867 Voter Registration (Gillins)
12:15 – 12:45 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Discovering African Americans in Newspapers (Pinnick)
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 Reconstructing Communities with Census Records, City Directories & Sanborn Maps (Wilkins)
4:15 – 4:45 Break
4:45 – 6:00 Tips and Tools: Maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to aid African American research (Jordon)
6:00 – 6:45 Office Hours
Wednesday, July 29
10:30 – 11:00 Class Review and Questions (Abbott)
11:00 – 12:15 Using Archives & Libraries to Trace your African American Ancestors: The Treasurers You Can Find (Strong)
12:15 – 12:45 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Researching Manuscript Collections in Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) (Abbott)
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 African American Military Service: From the Colonial Era to the Vietnam War (Strauss)
4:15 – 4:45 Break
4:45 – 6:00 Research Treasures Found in the WPA (Gillins)
6:00 – 6:45 Office Hours
Thursday, July 30
10:30 – 11:00 Class Review and Questions (Abbott)
11:00 – 12:15 Beyond Muster Rolls: Contextualizing African American Military Research (Strauss)
12:15 – 12:45 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Examining African American Migrations (Pinnick & Abbott)
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 Probate (Wills, Estates, & Settlements) Records: A Principal Source for Antebellum Research (Garrett-Nelson)
4:15 – 4:45 Break
4:45 – 6:00 Exploring Your Family Through Tax, Equity and Chancery Court Records (Lowe)
6:00 – 6:45 Office Hours
Friday, July 31
10:30 – 11:45 Researching Your Rural Ancestors (Wilkins)
11:45 – 12:00 Break
12:00 – 1:15 Using African American Periodicals to Find Ancestors (Pinnick)
1:15 – 1:30 Break
1:30 – 2:45 Case Studies: Researching Slave Ancestors (Jordon)
2:45 – 3:00 Closing discussion and certificates (Abbott)