How to Research Enslaved Ancestors

7 Steps to Finding Your Enslaved Ancestors

Not every ancestor of African origin was enslaved. But about 90 percent were. If you have at least one African American branch on your family tree, chances are you’ll eventually be doing research on enslaved ancestors. Here's our guide to getting started.

Online Course: Researching African American Ancestors

In this 4-week course, join instructor Shamele Jordon and learn how to trace the lives of your African American ancestors. While this research is very similar to that of other groups, it changes dramatically prior to 1870. This course will help you access, analyze, and uncover sources that document your family's past.

5 African American Genealogy Research Tips

Slavery isn’t a dead end for African Americans researching their family trees. Learn how to get past that brick wall with these five keys to African American genealogy success.

African American Genealogy Cheat Sheet Download

Use this quick-reference African American Genealogy Cheat Sheet to research your Black ancestry. The charts, tips, timeline, DNA answers, websites and books will help you find enslaved ancestors, freedmen, free Black people, and their descendants in US census, newspaper, Freedmen’s Bureau, Freedman’s Bank, US Colored Troops, plantation, court, and other records.

Premium: The Genealogist’s Guide to Special US Census Schedules

US census records go beyond those familiar schedules listing your ancestors. Learn how to find and use a variety of special censuses.

From the Archives: How to Research Enslaved Ancestors

In this episode from our podcast archives, Lisa is joined by contributing editor Sunny Morton to discuss key strategies for researching enslaved African American ancestors.