How to Genealogy
These resources offer information for starting the research process and other tools for conducting African American research.
Where to Begin
Are you just getting started and not sure where to begin? Or just need a little referesher? Here are some tools to help you along your journey.
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Step One:
The first step is always to start with the present and work your way backwards. Write down everything you know—do this in pencil because sometimes what we think we know ends up being totally different than reality.
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Step Two:
Explore the resources on this page to learn more.
African American Genealogy: Locating Your Ancestors in Historical Record Sets
A short video presentation (15:04), presented by Janice Cross Gilyard at a presentation for RootsTech. In the video, she offers basic tips and advice on getting started in your research and encouragement that it is possible to uncover ancestral stories.
Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society
An extensive resource offering a world of tools for basic genealogy research, understanding history, local chapters, conferences, and more!
Charts and Tools, Old-School & Digital
Whether you are an old-school researcher who prefers to write everything on paper or are a tech savvy researcher who prefers a digital technique, here are some resources to help you organize your research.
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Free Charts & Templates from the National Genealogical Society
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Best Practices for Organizing Research Files from Family Search
DNA Basics: What To Do With Your DNA Test Results in 2022
This video (23:09) offers all the basic things you want and need to know about using DNA test results to trace ancestry. Presented by Diahan Southard, author of several DNA guide books, at a RootsTech event.
DNA Tips: Helping African American Trace Slaveholding Ancestors Using DNA
A helpful video (26:16) that offers an easy-to-understand process for using DNA test results to trace slaveholding ancestry. Presented by Andre Kearns at a RootsTech event.
Finding Healing Through Family History: Sharon Leslie Morgan, Keynote Speaker
This is a powerful video from the RootsTech 2021 Conference. It is 42:43 in length, but well-worth the watch.
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About the video:
"Sharon Leslie Morgan, the founder of Our Black Ancestry and an advocate for African American genealogy, discusses her journey to discover more about her own ancestors. Following the birth of her son, Sharon felt the urge to learn more about her great-grandmother and other ancestors, who had been enslaved. She also shares how discovering and honoring her own heritage led to personal healing. As we navigate historical harm and try to be better for the next generations, our individual efforts will ultimately make a difference."
History Detectives: African American Genealogy Research
This short video (7:09) is hosted by Tukufu Zuberi, a historian and researcher from the PBS series "History Detectives." In the video, he offers some tips and advice on researching African American ancestors, highlighting examples of research projects from the program.
Tracing African American Ancestors: Alabama Dept. of Archives & History
This short video (14:41) offers basic tips on conducting African American genealogy at the Alabama Department of Archives (ADAH) and 19th century records. It is presented by Courtney Pinkard, the Reference Coordinator. You can also view part one, which focuses on 20th centure records.