What does it take to trace your family before and during slavery in the United States? Dedicated researchers know that this research rarely takes place only online. It takes place in archives, county courthouses, cemeteries, etc. Check out this video teaser for forthcoming 2010 AtlasFamily.Org Genealogy Research Trip.
While conducting research at the BS Ricks Memorial Library in Yazoo County, MS, the research team leads discovered a back room of rescued documents that once belonged to the Chancery and Circuit Clerk of Court for the county. Due to neglect, a number of records dating back before 1900 were damaged, including this book of inventories and appraisements which list the names of hundreds of African Americans who were enslaved in Yazoo County. The Yazoo Library Association is currently making an effort to inventory all the records they have obtained with very limited funding and staffing.
Brief description on the origins of the Atlas family research team, research trip, and the driving force behind it.
Recap video from the 2008 Atlas Family Research Trip featuring Raichel Brown, Jean Denton Thompson, Gene Rosby and Nicka Sewell.
A brief description of what it takes to look for older records on microfilm. Shot during April 2008.
Jean Denton Thompson discusses her childhood memories on Hood Lane Road off of Highway 134 in Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, LA.
Looking for gravesites at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery off of Highway 596 in Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, LA. Shot during April 2008.
