Video library
Most famously, people used the Underground Railroad to escape the bonds of slavery, but other enslaved people turned to legal channels through “freedom suits,” paid for self-manumission. Join 10 Million Names Volunteer Coordinator Danielle Rose to learn about the many invaluable collections of historical records that provide accounts (sometimes firsthand) of formerly enslaved individuals.
Louisiana has a unique cultural history that has shaped its available record sets, and published resources are essential for genealogists navigating family history research in the state. There are treasure troves of resources including parish records and histories, genealogies, and published records relating to land, tax, military, enslavement, and more.
Join us on an unforgettable genealogical quest – an author’s exploration of her family and its history, brought to life in Benjamin Banneker and Us: Eleven Generations of an American Family, named a Best Book of the Year by the New Yorker. Don’t miss Rachel Webster’s presentation and conversation with historian Kendra Field about her experience connecting with relatives across lines of color, culture, and time.