Black genealogy newspapers reveal everyday moments, resilience, and community life often missing from official records. Learn how these papers help uncover ancestors between the lines.

February 8, 2026— Before 1870, Black family history felt impossible to trace. Freedmen’s Bureau records changed that. If you've encountered difficulties in your Black family history research, you're not alone. Many researchers reach a stopping point around 1870, the first federal census to list formerly enslaved people by name. Before that, the trail can feel cold and frustrating. That’s where Freedmen’s Bureau records come in—and why they are often called a goldmine for Blac

Before 1870, most formerly enslaved people were not listed by name in federal census records. They appeared as numbers—age, sex, and skin color—under the name of an enslaver. The 1870 census changed everything. It was the first federal census to list formerly enslaved people by name, acknowledging them as individuals and families.

February has a way of making us pause and reflect. During Black History Month, we hear powerful stories about resilience, creativity, struggle, and triumph. We celebrate well-known leaders and everyday people who shaped history in quiet but meaningful ways. And often, somewhere in the middle of all that reflection, a thought creeps in: What about my people? Where do my family’s stories fit into this larger history?

Happy Black History Month Folks! This blog is a little longer than most, but it comes from my step-by-step guide to starting your family...

It’s the fourth day of Black History Month, and I’m already a day behind folks! But I will be blogging for the entire month. I’m excited...