Family history research is always about more than names and dates; it’s about stories, communities, and the lives that shaped generations.
This month, we’re spotlighting African American Heritage, a genealogy database devoted exclusively to African American family history research. Whether you’re just starting your family tree or digging deeper into historical records, this resource provides unique collections you won’t find in many other genealogy databases.
Here are some of the special research collections you can explore:
Vital Records: Births, Marriages, and Deaths
African American Heritage includes key records that help you build the foundation of your family history, including:
- Birth, marriage, and death records
- Marriage collections from North Carolina and West Virginia
- Rare Cohabitation Records from North Carolina, documenting formerly enslaved couples whose marriages were not legally recognized before emancipation
These records can offer important connections for researchers tracing families through the 1800s.
⭐ Pro Tip: Start Broad, Then Drill Down
When searching vital records, you’ll need to enter at least one detail (like a last name or state). If you get too many results, the database will prompt you to refine your search further. You can also click “Show more search options” to access extra filters for marriage and cohabitation records. Learn more here.
Federal Census Records (1790–1930)
Census records are a cornerstone of genealogy research, and this database provides access to U.S. Federal Census records from every available year since the first census in 1790.
Due to privacy laws, the most recent census currently available is the 1950 census; however, these records still provide invaluable details, including names, ages, occupations, households, and communities.
⭐ Pro Tip: Use “Expand by State” (and Even County!)
Once you search, each census year becomes a hyperlink. You can expand results by state, and then narrow further by county for more manageable browsing. Learn more here.
Note: Information for census data from 1960 to 2020 can only be obtained by the person named on the census or by their heirs by submitting a form to the U.S. Census Bureau. You can request those records by submitting Form BC-600, found here.
Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874
One of the most significant collections in the database comes from the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company, established in 1865 to serve newly freed African Americans after the Civil War. The original purpose of the bank was to provide Black soldiers with a safe place to deposit their pay.
Freedman’s Bank records may include genealogical details, such as:
- Account information
- Places lived
- Age
- Occupation and name of employer
- Names of family members
- Former enslavers’ names, in some cases
⭐ Pro Tip: Try Soundex for Name Variations
If you’re not finding results, use the Soundex® surname option, which helps catch spelling differences and transcription quirks. Learn more here.
Military Records and Service History
African American Heritage also includes specialized military collections, such as:
- World War I draft registrations (1917–1918)
- World War II draft registrations from the 1942 “Old Man’s Registration” (men ages 45–64)
- U.S. Colored Troops Service Records from the Civil War (1861–1865)
Draft registration cards often have great genealogical information such as full name and address, date and place of birth, occupation and employer, physical description, and citizenship status.
⭐ Pro Tip: Search Even If You Don’t Know the State
One surprising detail: only about half of the U.S. Colored Troops Service records include a state name. So if you’re unsure where someone enlisted, try selecting “All” or “Not Recorded” in the State dropdown. The same goes for the year; leaving the year range empty can uncover more matches. Learn more here.
Registers of Slaves and Free Persons of Color
This is one of the most unique and historically important collections in the database.
States required enslaved individuals and free persons of color to register with local clerks, often requiring documentation simply to prove freedom.
These registers span roughly 1780–1866, with current coverage including:
- Louisiana — freed slaves and free-born persons of color
- Ohio — registers of free Black residents, many formerly enslaved
- Pennsylvania — registers of enslaved individuals, often listing only first names and enslavers
⭐ Pro Tip: Pennsylvania Records May Not Include Last Names
Because Pennsylvania registers often list enslaved individuals by first name only, you can search using the Slave Owner Last Name field under “Show more search options.” Learn more here.
Research Help and Reference Books
In addition to primary documents, African American Heritage includes helpful publications and guides for genealogy research.
One standout is the fully searchable online edition of:
Black Genesis: A Resource Book for African American Genealogy
This essential reference points researchers to resources across every U.S. state, Canada, and the West Indies, and even includes clickable links for further exploration.
⭐ Pro Tip: Expert Advice Is Only a Message Away
AfriGeneas is staffed entirely by volunteers, making it a rare space where researchers can connect directly with others doing similar work. Learn more here.
Start Exploring Today
African American Heritage is more than a database; it’s a gateway to discovering history, resilience, and family connections that deserve to be preserved and remembered.
If you’ve been curious about your family story, this is an excellent place to begin.
You can access African American Heritage for free with your library card through our digital resources page.
Also Check Out These Books from our Catalog!
A Genealogist's Guide to Discovering your African-American Ancestors
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