The Center for Family History at the International African American Museum (IAAM) serves as a beacon of exploration and discovery, offering a formidable platform for individuals to delve into the rich tapestry of their genealogy.
The center extends its resources and expertise beyond race or ethnicity, warmly welcoming individuals from all backgrounds to explore their familial heritage. While deeply rooted in the mission to preserve and celebrate the diverse histories of African Americans, the center recognizes that genealogy knows no bounds and that every individual’s journey to uncovering their ancestry is equally valuable.
Whether visitors seek to trace African American ancestry, explore connections to other cultures or delve into their family histories from across the globe, the center stands ready to support and guide them on their quest. Through its comprehensive resources, expert guidance and inclusive approach, the center is a hub for genealogical exploration and discovery, inviting individuals of all backgrounds to connect with their past and forge new connections across borders and generations.
African Americans recognize the importance of understanding their roots and tracing family histories back through the corridors of time. One of the profound benefits of African American genealogy is how it empowers by providing a sense of identity and belonging to the collective American. Discovering ancestral stories and teaching others how to embrace their family histories is one of the driving forces behind the center.
What sets the center apart is its commitment to empowering people to uncover their ancestral roots. Unlike traditional museums focused solely on historical artifacts and narratives, we provide a space catered to genealogical research and exploration. Here, visitors are not only spectators of history but active participants in the ongoing quest to unearth their familial legacies. With access to an array of archival resources, guidance from trained genealogists, educational programs and information on DNA testing services, the centeris a pioneering institute that equips individuals with the tools and support needed to navigate the complexities of tracing African American ancestry.
Through the center, people can trace their ancestry through an expansive collection of historical records, including census data, slave narratives, property records and other genealogical documents. Through this collaboration with FamilySearch, visitors have access to kiosks and iPads within the center, providing readily accessible and empowering connections to the world’s largest genealogy organization at familysearch.org.
Research assistants also are available to assist individuals. They offer expertise in navigating archival materials, interpreting historical documents and overcoming research challenges. The center offers one-on-one online (Virtual) Genealogy Consultation Service at $79 for a 45-minute consultation session, a competitive rate when compared to other options for ancestry research.
Educational programs, workshops and seminars equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct their own genealogical research. Each month, African American research and history webinars are accessible in-house or online.
Within the center, attendees will find free “how to” genealogy research information and can research family history and genealogy using various popular genealogical records websites and services in the new CFH Research Area. The center also has a growing digital archive of African American research materials: United States Colored Troop Pension Applications, African American funeral programs, slavery-related documents, family bibles – as well as pre- and post- 20th century family photographs. The digital resources contain a variety of previously unpublished artifacts, such as African American military records, family photographs and funeral programs. These archival additions will include oral histories, slavery-era documents and records of marriage, birth and death. Access to research-related articles and videos offer guidance and strategies to support researching African American ancestry and family history.
From beginner’s level research to advanced research strategies and tools, the resources at the IAAM Center for Family History can help uncover hidden stories and overlooked contributions within our collective African American history, helping to reshape our understanding of the rich tapestry of African American heritage. For more information, visit IAAMuseum.org.
Shelley V. Murphy is coordinator of genealogy education at the IAAM and Brian Sheffey is its director of the Center for Family History.
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