Elinor Thompson decided about 10 years ago to begin researching her family history. That isn’t uncommon. By some accounts, genealogy is the fastest growing...
Read moreAn Index to African-American History becoming a reality in Saratoga County (NY)
During my visit with Jane Meader Nye, volunteer in the Saratoga County Historian’s Office, I was able to see her current project–an Index to African-American...
Read moreNative and African Americans chronicle history together for first time in Louisiana
In Natchitoches, Louisiana history was made today. The Native American and African American communities were separate communities in the South by design of white...
Read moreBlack families used south Bibb County cemetery beyond slavery era, DOT finds
It’s perhaps a little ironic that history is coming alive at a graveyard. In south Bibb County near the Middle Georgia Regional Airport, archaeologists have been...
Read moreJuneteenth celebrations make a comeback
D.J. Williams and Ralph Cormier each remember Juneteenth celebrations of their childhood. They have both seen the holiday, which celebrates the June 19, 1865, date...
Read moreResearcher delves into county slave records
“How do you learn about a slave — someone whose imprint on life was so restricted that even their name was excluded from most official registers, such as census...
Read moreThe ‘master’s name’ question — and a call to action
I do believe that there is genealogical value in the surname of the freedman, just as there is genealogical value in the surname of any other man, of any race or...
Read moreCemetery serves as silent sentinel of black history
Grand qualities have elevated Mount Hope to the National Register of Historic Places, a rare honor for a graveyard. Just off Fayetteville Street south of downtown, it...
Read moreAfricatown to Become Heritage Community?
A push to make one of Mobile’s, and some would say the nation’s, most historically important communities a registered heritage community could be growing legs among...
Read moreA Crumbling Piece of History
WHENEVER a heavy storm rips through this coastal city, Mary Witkowski, a local historian, immediately has the same worrisome thought: “Are they still standing?” So...
Read moreAfter 200 years, 3 slaves get a final resting place
The 200-year-old remains of three black slaves from Sussex County were reburied Thursday afternoon in a small graveside ceremony in Newton after being stored at Space...
Read moreDNA research finally confirms ‘Roots’ author’s ties to Alabama
Author Alex Palmer Haley knew he had roots in northwest Alabama, he just couldn’t prove it. He had only an oral history passed down through generations of his family...
Read more