Track 1A: Fundamental Methods and Strategies for Genealogical Research
Track Overview
Faculty
Class Offerings
<
>
Track 1A: Methods and Strategies for Genealogical Research
Overview: Building a Strong Foundation in African American Genealogy Track 1A is your essential starting point on the journey to uncovering and honoring African American ancestry. Thoughtfully designed for beginner to intermediate researchers, this dynamic series of twelve courses equips you with the critical tools, strategies, and historical insight needed to navigate complex genealogical landscapes with confidence.
From organizing your research time and files to mastering timelines, and from local research methods to in-depth analysis of records and informants, you’ll build a sturdy foundation for credible, effective genealogical research. You’ll gain hands-on experience with public records, legal frameworks, and discover how to distinguish reliable evidence from misleading claims.
Track 1A also takes you deep into history, exploring the lives of Free People of Color in the Antebellum South, the vital role of church records in slave ancestry, and tracing African American roots back to colonial America through the post-Revolutionary period. The journey concludes with a powerful session on mapping Freedmen’s Bureau records, helping you visualize and document newly found ancestral connections.
Whether you're just beginning or looking to sharpen your skills, Track 1A offers inspiration, clarity, and practical knowledge. It’s more than a track. It’s your launchpad into discovering, preserving, and sharing the rich legacies of African American families.
