African American Heritage Resources

HeritageQuest African American Collections

Explore historical records and genealogical resources to trace African American family histories and ancestral connections. Note: Before browsing the collections, log in with your library card number. 

Browse the full collection of essential historical records for African American genealogy and family history research, including: 

Examples of collections include:

• Federal Census: Search the complete collection of U.S. Federal Census records from 1790–1950 to locate ancestors and household information.
  • Search the U.S. Census Collection. 
  • Explore the 1850 U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedules.
• Freedman’s Bank: Because enslaved individuals often were not included in earlier records, Freedman's Bank documents can provide valuable details about formerly enslaved people and their families.
  • View the U.S., Freedman's Bank Records, 1865-18744 collection. 
• United States Military Draft and Service Records: Research individuals who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Records may include cards extracted from muster rolls, regimental returns, descriptive books, casualty sheets, enlistment papers, death reports, and correspondence. Information available includes name, age, birthplace, enlistment data, and enlistment location. 
  • View the U.S., Colored Troops Military Service Records, 1863-1865 collection.
• Registers of Slaves and Free(d) Persons: Access historical Louisiana records documenting enslaved and free individuals.
  • View the Louisiana, U.S., Records of Enslaved People, 1719-1820 collection.

Stories, memories & histories

• Fifty years in chains, or, The life of an American slave - A personal narrative detailing the experiences of enslavement and the journey to freedom.
• Narrative of Henry Watson, a fugitive slave - A firsthand account of escape from slavery and life afterward.
• The Black presence in the era of the American Revolution, 1770-1800 - Examines the roles and experiences of African Americans during the Revolutionary period.
• The Story of the life of John Anderson: the fugitive slave - The remarkable story of John Anderson's escape from enslavement and pursuit of freedom.
• Twelve Years a Slave - Solomon Northup's powerful memoir describing his kidnapping and years of enslavement before regaining his freedom.

Additional HeritageQuest Collections

U.S., African American Newspapers, 1829-1947 -The black press in America traces its roots to the Freedom’s Journal, first published in 1827. Later, papers often were established to serve growing black population centers, where they provided news of interest to the community that was not always reported in the mainstream press. This database contains issues from more than 200 African American newspapers printed in the 19th and early 20th centuries from all across the United States.

U.S., African American Photo Collection, 1850-2000 - This database contains collections of public domain photos and prints relating to African Americans. They are from two locations – The National Archives and the Library of Congress.

U.S., Interviews with Formerly Enslaved People, 1936-1938 - Compiled by the WPA in the 1930s, this is a collection of over 2300 first-person accounts of slavery, and 500 photos of former slaves. Information may include surnames of interviewees, birthplace, approximate age, and interview location.

Fold3 Black History Collections

Explore military records, historical documents, and other primary sources that highlight the experiences and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Note: Log in with your library card number before browsing the collections below.

Browse the full Black History Collection featuring 35 publications and more than 800,000 original military records and historical documents. Featured collections include:

• US, Black and Indigenous Soldiers in the American Revolution, 1775-1783 - Most records in the collection are handwritten documents; however, records vary by type, and some may have been written on pre-printed forms.
• US, Civil War - Union - MA 54th Infantry Regiment Records, 1863-1865 - These are records of one of the first black Union regiments formed in the Civil War. 
• US, Court Slave Records for DC, 1851-1863 - Records of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Relating to Slaves, 1851-63, including emancipation and manumission papers.

Additional Research Resources and References

Additional Research Resources & References

Explore guides, tools, and reference materials to help you research African American family history and build your family tree.

Ancestry Research Guide - African American family research on Ancestry (PDF, 5.9 MB) provides tips, strategies, and record suggestions for tracing African American ancestors.

Library of Congress: African American Genealogy Resources - Discover research guides, subject-based resources, and collections related to African American family history.

Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) - Learn the basics of family history research with:

• Genealogy 101: Getting Started with African American Family Research
• Web-Based Resources

National Archives: Resources for Genealogists: Charts and Forms - Access genealogy charts, family group sheets, research forms, and record-keeping tools to organize your findings.