Finding Your African American Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide

Finding Your African American Ancestors: A beginner's Guide. David T. Thackery. 2000. Soft Cover, as new, Illus., 152 pp.According to the publisher: There has never been a better time to research African American ancestors. The same advances in technology that have created a boom in the exchange of information have made it possible for a family historian to cover great distances and conduct in-depth investigation for a fraction of the cost of a traditional research trip. Census schedules, plantation records, and military records, among other sources, are at the researcher's fingertips in the form of online databases, CD ROMs, and individual Web sites. Making this expanding list of resources available to researchers is the purpose of this comprehensive work. David Thackery was a pioneer in providing resources for the African American researcher, from his useful chapter in The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy, to his Guide to African American Research at The Newberry Library, both of which appear in this compilation. These, together with case studies, a thorough bibliography of sources, and a guide to African American Internet resources make up an indispensable guide for African American research. Using this book, African American researchers will discover a connection to the past as well as direction on how to best conduct a query into a sometimes-difficult area of family history research. 'Thackery's essays are thoughtful, insightful, and illustrate his study and understanding of sources for African American genealogy. This book will serve as a lasting legacy to his work, study, and unselfish attitude.' - Tony Burroughs, author of Black Roots. …