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.
Topics Discussed
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.
Be sure to check out the links below for the resources mentioned in the episode.
Links
Dean Henry, Family Pearl, LLC – familypearl.com
Groups Dean is a member of and recommends:
African American Genealogy Group, Philadelphia based – AAGG.org
Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters – AAHGS.org
Sources Mentioned
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Chester County Archives (each county kept these records so check with your county of interest)
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)
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