Podcast Episode 32: Researching African-Americans in PA
Researching the genealogy of African Americans in Pennsylvania usually involves using records beyond Pennsylvania records. Genealogist Dean Henry gives us tips on research in this podcast episode.
![Podcast Episode 32: Researching African-Americans in PA](/content/images/size/w2000/2022/09/African-Americans-in-PA.png)
Genealogist Dean Henry of Family Pearl, LLC shares his expertise in researching African-Americans in Pennsylvania. The genealogy of ancestors of African descendent requires using records beyond the PA’s borders and Dean tells us how to get started.
Dean Henry is a Philadelphia-area Genealogist with over a decade of experience. We cover:
- Misconceptions of African-American research.
- Important record groups to use at the federal, state, and county level.
- Key groups to join on your family history journey.
- Fun finds from Dean’s research.
Watch on YouTube
Sources Mentioned
- Freedman’s Bureau Records
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- Chester County Archives (each county kept these records so check with your county of interest)
- Historic Eden Cemetery
- PA Septennial Census on Ancestry
- Temple University Library, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection
- FamilySearch African-American Research Guide
- Black Roots, by Tony Burroughs (2001)
- African American in Pennsylvania: Shifting Historical Perspectives, edited by Joe William Trotter, Jr and Eric Ledel Smith (1997)
- African American and American Indian Patriots in the Revolutionary War: A Guide to Service, Sources, and Studies, by Daughters of the American Revolution (2008)
- Discovering Black Vermont: African American Farmers in Hinesburgh, 1790-1890, by Elise A. Guyette (2020)
Links
- Dean Henry, Family Pearl, LLC – familypearl.com
- African American Genealogy Group, Philadelphia based – AAGG.org
- Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters – AAHGS.org
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