Finding Records of Your Ancestors – 1870 to Present

In this video presentation, "Finding Records of Your Ancestors 1870 - Present," Mary Hill provides tips on what records to look for and where to find records that African-Americans can use to trace their family history. In order to explain the genealogy research process and methods used to locate records from 1870 to the present, Ms. Hill focuses her presentation on researching Simon Haley, the paternal grandfather of Alex Haley, who was the novelist and screen writer of the book and movie “Roots.”

This presentation was conducted at the 2006 conference of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) held in Salt Lake City, UT. Workshop materials used in the presentation were a Guide to African American Records developed by the Family History Library of the Church of the Latter Day Saints.

Part 1 of 3


Part 2 of 3


Part 3 of 3