This guide provides a beginner's introduction to African American Genealogy research, as well as an overview of available resources at the New York Public Library and beyond.
A vital record is a document created, issued, and filed by an institution of civil or religious authority that records the data related to a vital act.
Marriage Certificate of Frederick Douglass, Library of Congress
Information Recorded in Vital Records
Full names, including maiden names
Names of relations, including parents, spouses, and sometimes children
This database is only accessible at the following NYPL locations: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building; New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center; Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; Thomas Yoseloff Business Center; All Branch Libraries
Thousands of birth, marriage and death records for each state, for example:
Pennsylvania, County Slave Records 1780-1834
U.S., Freedmen’s Bureau Marriage Records, 1846-1867
New York State, Birth Index, 1881-1942
10,000 Vital Records of Central New York, 1813-1850
Massachusetts, Compiled Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1700-1850
This genealogical database allows researchers to search U.S. Federal Census records, digitized family and local history books, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files and the Freedman's Bank Records (1865-1874), maps, and a wealth of other historical collections and research guides. **Patrons should read the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy of this resource before searching.**
This database is only accessible at the following NYPL locations: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building; Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture