African-American Genealogy: Tearing Down the Brick Walls

African American Genealogy Webinar-2 sessions

February 14-Main Library - Huenefeld Tower Room

This year, the Library is proud to announce a free two- session webinar with Michael G. Hait, professional genealogical researcher and lecturer, co-sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library and the Hamilton County Genealogy Society.

African American Genealogy: Tearing Down the Brick Walls. Michael G. Hait, CG

11 am-Main Library (First Session)

Brick walls in African-American genealogy can be caused by lack of records or improper research habits. Learning to research effectively can help to avoid these brick walls. This presentation includes a case study to demonstrate proper techniques for researching an African-American family in Maryland, from evaluating known information to identifying parents to locating the final slave owner.

Freedmen’s Bureau Records   Michael G. Hait, CG

2 pm-Main Library (Second Session)

The Freedmen’s Bureau's records, kept from 1865-1872, contain a wide range of data about the African American experience during slavery and freedom. Among the records are marriage registers and other records that give the names, ages, and former occupations of freedmen and names and residences of former owners. For some states there are census lists, details of labor and apprenticeship agreements, back pay records, complaint registers, personal data about black soldiers (including company and regiment), school records, hospital registers, census records, and records of murders committed against freedmen.  Hait will explain the challenges and rewards that a researcher will encounter using this collection.