How Do You Begin?

How do you Begin?

Begin your genealogy project by identifying a network of people who can support you. In many respects, the beginning of a genealogy project is essentially the same for Blacks and Whites. However, an African-American genealogy association can better help you through the unique challenges of Black genealogy, since they are equipped with specialized genealogy publications, workshops, and resource collections. Maintaining a connection with Blacks involved in genealogy could prove a veritable lifeline.

Prominent among the societies you should consider writing for brochures and membership information to: The National Genealogical Society, Arlington, VA 22207-2399. (703)525-0050.

The African American History Association P.O. Box 115268, Atlanta, GA 30310, (404) 344-7405.

Begin to fill out a pedigree chart
a free downloadable copy is available on the main page. Make several copies of the chart to work with. Fill in what you can including birthdate, place of birth, parents names, mother's maiden name, birthdates, deathdates, and marriage dates. Family pedigree charts should be filled out as throughly as possible. You are the first generation and the first entry--number 1. If you are not able to complete the chart, don't worry. Here is where you begin talking to your family. The first pieces of your family framework will be provided by interviews with your oldest family members--the family elders.

The African Griot
A griot is a traditional African Storyteller who was a respected elder in African society. He or She might hold the key to your past. Many of our oldest living relatives are waiting for their memories to be tapped. Your elders may be just a visit, phone call, or letter away. Your family's elders should be your first course of research, and your first subjects. Take advantage of family gatherings to interview older family members. I would suggest bringing a small tape recorder with you, but you should ask your relatives before you begin to tape your conversations.

Early Life--General

Tragedies/Pitfalls

Family Culture

Historical Data

Document the source from which you got the information. Keep a separate notebook for recording interviews, noting dates and times, and the people and places you visited. As you assemble the pieces of your puzzle, you will find that new surnames enter the genealogy picture as each generation of wife, mother, and grandmother is recorded. Keeping a record of female family members requires special vigilance as women marry and assume their husband's surname. Second marriages and the children of such unions require a second pedigree and family group chart.

Why don't we talk about that
At some point in collecting research and interviews you are going to hit upon a family secret or two. Many kinds of surprises are likely to surface; incarcerations, swindles, miscegenations, "passing," adoptions, out-of-wedlock births, mental illness, and dishonorable military discharges are secrets to be found in every family history. Revealing and recording these secrets may make interviewees uncomfortable. As you become more adept at interviewing, you will learn to sidestep these issues without alienating your subject or being judgemental. until then, move away from topics that make the interviewee uncomfortable. There will be other sources and opportunities to dig deeper.