Resources

We hope this presentation inspires audience members to begin the process of researching their own family histories and to dialogue with others about the social meaning and consequences of “race” in their own lives and communities. Our intention is to help people of all groups break through the interracial communication barriers that stand in the way of the cooperative action necessary to heal the wounds caused by the history of racism in this country.

Some tools for beginning these processes are available below:

Links:
  • Coming to the Table Confronting Slavery in Your Family History
http://comingtothetable.org/
  • Community Dialogue on Race Guide Dept. of Justice, Community Services Office, 2003
http://www.justice.gov/archive/crs/pubs/dialogueguide.htm


Books:
  • “Black Roots” – A Beginner’s Guide to Tracing the African American Tree by Tony Burroughs
  • “A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your Immigrant and Ethnic Ancestors”by Sharon Debartolo Carmack
  • “You Can Write Your Family History” by Sharon Debartolo Carmack
  • “Searching for Your Ancestors; the How and Why of Genealogy,” 6th Ed. by Gilbert H. Doane and James B. Bell

Free Online Sources:

Paid subscription service :
 
Local Libraries and Archives:
Check your local listings for family history libraries, state archives, local historical and genealogical societies, and regional offices of the National Archives.

DNA Testing:

And don’t forget…
If you’re new to family history, remember to start by interviewing the oldest members of your family first!  Also, try to identify the states and counties your family members came from and then check the local courthouses in those counties for wills, inventories, and land records.