African American Roots: A Historical Perspective

African American Roots: A Historical Perspective

Course Overview

Uncover the remarkable stories of your African American ancestors through historical documents and proven genealogy techniques. This practical course builds your research skills while exploring the vital roles of Africans and their descendants in the North American colonies, the growth of slavery, emancipation, and subsequent events through modern times.

What You’ll Learn

  • Professional genealogy methods and the Genealogical Proof Standard
  • How to find and interpret records unique to African American family research
  • Techniques for researching ancestors during slavery, emancipation, and Reconstruction
  • Strategies for using vital records, government documents, and institutional archives
  • How DNA testing can enhance traditional research methods
Author: Janice Lovelace, PhD
Prerequisites: None
Course: Online, cloud based
Price: NGS Members $75 Non-members $100

Course Description

Each generation of your family left behind pieces of their story. You’ll find them in Freedman’s Bureau archives, church records, land deeds, and census records. Civil service files, railroad employment records, and documents from the WPA and CCC each add details to your family’s American journey. In African American Roots: A Historical Perspective you’ll develop the tools and knowledge to reveal your family’s unique place in American history.

Seven focused modules combine historical context, practical research guidance, and interactive learning:

  • Module 1—Getting Started
  • Module 2—Colonial Times (pre-1776 Revolutionary War)
  • Module 3—Revolutionary War to pre-Civil War
  • Module 4—1860-1900: Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow Segregation
  • Module 5—Early Twentieth Century through World War II
  • Module 6—Mid-twentieth Century: The Road to Equal Rights
  • Module 7—DNA
  • Bibliography

Each module includes targeted readings, curated web resources, and self-assessment quizzes. Genealogical records are referenced in each module pertinent to that time period or topic. A detailed syllabus is provided upon registration.

About the Author

Author Janice LovelaceJanice Lovelace, PhD (psychology), has more than thirty years of experience in genealogical research and has presented nationally on methodology, DNA, and ethnic minority genealogy.

Fees

Continuing Genealogical Studies NGS Members Non-Members
African American Roots: A Historical Perspective $75 $100
Register Now >

Access & Technical Requirements

Access your course anytime, anywhere using a computer or tablet with an internet connection. All course content—including lessons, examples, exercises, and quizzes—is cloud-based, requiring no software downloads or installations.

The course runs on Canvas, which requires an up-to-date web browser. Check your browser compatibility at https://guides.instructure.com/m/67952/l/720329-which-browsers-does-canvas-support.

License Agreement

Your registration provides a personal, nonexclusive, nontransferable license to access the course materials for your individual educational use only. All coursework must be completed independently.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Course?

The Continuing Genealogical Studies series offers flexible, self-paced online courses designed to fit your schedule. Whether you’re balancing work, volunteer commitments, or personal obligations, you can complete the coursework when it’s most convenient for you. You control your learning journey and set the pace that works best for your needs.

Your course access begins on the date of enrollment and continues for six months. Need more time? Paid extension options are available by contacting the NGS Course Administrator.

When Can I Start the Course?

You’ll receive an automatic email with course details confirming your registration. Within three business days, the NGS Course Administrator will send your login credentials for the Canvas online learning platform.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

All purchases of courses are final. No refunds or credits are available.

Questions?

Here is a link to the Continuing Genealogical Studies: FAQs. If you have further questions, please contact the NGS Course Administrator.