This page will serve as a guide to resources held at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture as well as general information that will helpful for genealogists. The Avery Research Center's staff does not do genealogy research for patrons. Additionally, we do not recommend a particular genealogist.
Here are a few steps to get you started
Tips
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History in collaboration with Archival Alchemy® presents, The Black Family: United by History, Restored by Storytelling. This national program aims to demonstrate how oral storytelling, genealogy, and familial archiving can serve as a return and a way forward. We want to empower individuals to reunite with their families to uncover more about themselves, and to uplift the ordinary and extraordinary folx within their unique heritage. The Black Family: United by History, Restored by Storytelling includes pre-recorded workshops and Q&A sessions, as well as panel discussions. This program highlights the legacy of Black family reunions by encouraging families of all backgrounds to build and renew their own familial traditions and stories.
This programming is sponsored by New York Life.
To learn more about The Black Family: United by History, Restored by Storytelling please visit www.asalh.org/family-history and follow the #BlackFamilyASALH on social media!
Below is a playlist of the videos
Are you new to African American genealogy and family history? Are you having a hard time sifting through all the noise online? Here's a quick video to help you escape some of the most common misconceptions about this line of research and how you can start to more accurately tell our stories.
These resources may be at the Avery Research Center or at Addlestone Library.
Black Genealogy by
First published in 1977, black genealogy remains a unique guide guide among standard genealogical references. author charles blockson, a noted genealogist and african american historian, traced his own family roots back through the 18th century. along his journey, he discovered obstacles and advantages that make searching for black family history a rewarding experience.
Afro American Genealogy Sourcebook by 
Guide to Tracing Your African Ameripean Civil War Ancestor by
With approximately 200,000 African Ameripeans serving in the U.S. Colored Troops, the Union Army or Navy during the Civil War, it is very likely every African Ameripean had at least one ancestor who fought in the Civil War. This helpful guide describes ho
Slave Genealogy by
This excellent research guide provides a very clear discussion of slave genealogy with emphasis on the non-plantation slaves, and vividly demonstrates-with three case studies drawn from the records of Wayne County, Kentucky-the research methods and types
If you cannot get to the location where your ancestors lived or you have hit a road block, it may be good to connect with a professional and certified genealogist.
