Foundations of History

These are just a few of the many resources available: 

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• North Star: A Digital Journey of African American History (from the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture) -also use the "Explore" and "Learn" tabs for more
   

• National Museum of African American Histoy and Culture 

A foundational knowledge of Alabama's history is important for situating your family's story within the scope of Alabama's story, and can offer insights into what their lives and experiences were like. 

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• Videos: Alabama Dept. Archives/History

• Discovering Alabama (production by AL PBS) 

• Explore Alabama museums and look for books at your local library 

Boundaries often changed throughout history. Maps are important for locating a place and understanding the role of geography. Here are a few sources: 

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• Library of Congress 

• Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps (LOC)

• Alabama Department of Archives 

• W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library at UA

Here are a few resources to gain knowledge about America's system of slavery throughout its history: 

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• Docu-series from the Smithsonian: "One Thousand Years of Slavery" 
   

• Book: "The Ledger and the Chain: How Domestic Slave Traders Shaped America" by Joshua D. Rothman 
   

• Book: "Underground Railroad: Narrating the Hardships, Hairbreadth Escapes, and Death Struggles of Slaves in Their Efforts for Freedom" by William Still; introduction by Ta-Nehisi Coates
   

• Project 1619  

Historical documents and records form a framework for an ancestor's life. But the heart of the story are tidbits of information that tell us about their personality, experiences, obstacles, joys and all the things that make up an individual journey. 

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Read books and explore resources to help you understand the foods they ate, architecture and construction from their time period, clothing and hair styles, and traditions that make up culture, such as the songs sung at church or burial practices. Did they sew quilts, keep bees, or grow crops? What types of family celebrations did they have? Consider holiday traditions and other customs. When we bring curiosity to the table, our ancestors come alive. 

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One Book to Read- Check Your Local Library...

"Back of the Big House: The Architecture of Plantation Slavery" by John Michael Vlach 

Here are a few resources for discovering Tuscaloosa's history: 

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Video about Tuscaloosa from Discovering Alabama 

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A timeline of some of Tuscaloosa's important history

 

Read about the Hallowed Grounds Project: Race, Slavery, and Memory at the University of Alabama OR Watch this video about it

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Learn about the Civil Rights Trail in Tuscaloosa

Having an understanding of American history helps researchers to situate their local family stories within the framework of the bigger national story and uncover links or connections. Here are a few options: 
 

• Visit your local library for books & videos

• The American Experience from PBS 

• Historical documentaries by Ken Burns 

• Watch a video about the discovery of the Clotilda in Mobile, Alabama, known to be the last slave ship