Ancestry Academy  > Education  >  Beginning African American Research

 

In the video, Nicka Sewell-Smith, a Senior Story Producer at Ancestry, celebrates Black History Month and shares her expertise in researching African American genealogy. With over 25 years of experience, she aims to inspire and guide those new to genealogy, particularly those skeptical about finding information on African American ancestors. She encourages active participation and interaction among viewers, emphasizing the importance of community and shared learning in genealogy research.

Nicka highlights the importance of understanding the fundamentals of genealogy, which remain consistent across different ancestries, including African American genealogy. The key is knowing when to pivot and adjust research strategies based on historical contexts and available records. She stresses that while African American genealogy may seem different, the core mechanics are the same, and reframing one's approach can help overcome research challenges.

The session covers essential steps in genealogy research, starting with documenting personal and family information, gathering records from home archives, and utilizing Ancestry's online tools. Nicka emphasizes the importance of family stories, documents, and artifacts in building a comprehensive family history. She also highlights the significance of understanding the difference between genealogy, which focuses on lineage, and family history, which encompasses the broader context of ancestors' lives.

Nicka provides practical tips for searching online records, including using wildcards for name variations and understanding the historical context of locations. She demonstrates how to navigate Ancestry's search tools, follow hints, and utilize resources like census records, vital records, and newspapers to trace family history back to the 1870 census. Throughout the session, she encourages viewers to explore various resources, both online and offline, to build a rich and detailed family history.

Nicka invites viewers to engage with Ancestry's community and resources, offering further sessions on specific topics like researching enslaved ancestors. Her goal is to empower individuals to uncover their unique family histories, providing them with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of genealogy research.