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Two New Books Worth Your Time

Two New Books Worth Your Time

Genealogists and historians Noreen J. Goodson and Donna Tyler Hollie have recently published “Through the Tax Assessor’s Eyes: Enslaved People, Free Blacks and Slaveholders in Early Nineteenth Century Baltimore.” This book is a welcome addition to the historiography of early Baltimore history and takes its rightful place aside works by Ralph Clayton, Barbara Jeanne Fields […]

Slavery Studies

Slavery Studies

As I have researched more and more enslaved ancestors, I have become more immersed in researching the history of slavery. I have learned so much. Most genealogists are not professional historians. But we can benefit from being familiar with some of the evolution in slavery studies. I encourage anyone researching enslaved people to read at […]

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings

I read an article recently that every genealogist should read. It is in a special issue of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly from September 2001 (Volume 89, No.3). This issue was completely devoted to discussion of the Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings relationship. If you are a member of NGS you can download this article […]

HOT Genealogy Recommendations

HOT Genealogy Recommendations

I thought I’d share a few genealogy-related recommendations which I haven’t done in awhile. If you don’t have my friend Michael’s “Online State Resources for Genealogy” yet, then get it now. It is a great addition to any genealogist’s collection—all the links are arranged by state and are free. The guide is $15 and well […]

Black Newspapers Break a Brick Wall!

Black Newspapers Break a Brick Wall!

Recently, I solved a genealogical mystery that I’d had for many, many years.  The solution utilized many tools. However, black newspapers and the ease now of searching of them deserves the biggest praise for solving the puzzle. My friend Tim Pinnick has been preaching and teaching about black newspapers for years (you can watch one of his […]