By Robin Caldwell
Fresh & Fried Hard
West Virginia Black family history is everywhere. Why not use the long Juneteenth weekend to find it and research your family history?
Freedom and family embody the very essence of Juneteenth. Genealogist Angelis Robinson-Smith says, “Immediately after emancipation, many of our formerly enslaved kin used their newfound freedom to seek out family members who’d been sold or moved to other locations.” To capture the spirit of family reunification, BBG, with the assistance of Robinson-Smith, has curated some of the best (and free) genealogical resources found online.
Be sure to keep a notebook nearby to jot down questions you may have about your family as you explore.
Robinson-Smith says, “Your public library” may offer genealogical services right on their websites. Ancestry.com has a public library version that can be accessed on your library’s site. She adds, “Even if your library doesn’t have Ancestry available, there are many libraries that offer digital library cards and services to non-residents.”
Other resources include free access to African American and West Virginia collections and records available at FamilySearch.org. If you suspect an ancestor held tribal membership in the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole tribes, then the National Archives has digitized The Dawes Rolls. And you can find the U.S. Census from 1790 to 1950 on their site. West Virginia was Virginia, so search Virginia records from 1790 to 1860.
Robinson-Smith has one important suggestion. “Keep it fun and simple as you search. Use this as a start to reclaim your family’s story and search for your kin.”
With a little effort, you can uncover the rich history of your West Virginia family by using these resources that can help you potentially track their movement. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey today!
Ancestry.com
Has a public library version that can be accessed on your library’s site.
National Archives
www.archives.gov
www.archives.gov/research/genealogy
West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History
Research Finding Aids and Databases
wvculture.org
African American Genealogy — West Virginia
aagenwv.blogspot.com
Wikipedia
List of West Virginia Plantations
Southern Appalachian Digital Collections,
African American Oral Histories
Mapping the Freedmen’s Bureau
mappingthefreedmensbureau.com
An interactive state-by-state guide to locating Freedmen’s Bureau offices and documents
Freedom on the Move
A database of fugitives from American slavery
freedomonthemove.org
Last Seen: Finding Family after Slavery
A repository of newspaper ads by the formerly
enslaved seeking family members
informationwanted.org
freshandfriedhard.com is a tribute to Black women and the power found in our kitchens. We will #citeblackwomen and honor history and empower Black women
