They were freedmen. They were treated as cargo. They were litigants in court. They were warriors serving with distinction. They were widows and orphans seeking pensions for their loved ones’ military service. They were homesteaders. Their common tie: they were African Americans whose records today can be found in the National Archives. Judy G. Russell will discuss what records can be found in the National Archives, what information can be gleaned from them, and how to search for and access those records.
African Americans in the Archives is a free, online event held via Zoom.
About the Presenter
A genealogist with a law degree, Judy G. Russell is a lecturer, educator, and writer who enjoys helping others understand a wide variety of genealogical issues, including the interplay between genealogy and the law. She has a bachelor's degree in political science and journalism from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a law degree from Rutgers Law School, Newark. She holds Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer credentials from the Board for Certification of Genealogists. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, trade association writer, legal investigator, defense attorney, federal prosecutor, law editor, and, until her retirement, was an adjunct member of the faculty at Rutgers Law School. Judy is a Colorado native with deep roots in the American South on her mother’s side and entirely in Germany on her father’s side. You can learn more about her on her website: www.legalgenealogist.com.
Program Support
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
