How to Search Randolph County Newspapers for Black American Genealogy

This course provides a step-by-step guide on how to explore Randolph County, Missouri’s newspapers to trace Black ancestry. Specifically, we’ll focus on searching for Copper-Colored, Negro, Mulatto, Colored, Black, and African American individuals, all of whom may have been identified under varying racial classifications over time.

You will learn to navigate through different historical eras and understand how race terminology evolved within newspapers. We’ll cover specific search strategies, key terms to look for, and techniques for uncovering the hidden stories of your ancestors—whether they were mentioned in community news, legal notices, obituaries, or special announcements.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the skills needed to effectively search old newspapers for meaningful genealogical information that has been long buried in archives.

Perfect for beginners and those already on the path of genealogical research, this course is designed to help you reclaim the rich history of your family, as documented in local print.

Course Highlights:

1. Understanding Racial Classifications in Census Records
   Learn how historical racial classifications like "Colored," "Negro," "Mulatto," and others were used in census records, and how to use this information to trace Black ancestors.

2. Navigating the 1870 Census and Beyond
   Gain a deep understanding of the significance of the 1870 Census—the first to record formerly enslaved individuals by name—and how to trace ancestors both before and after emancipation.

3. Overcoming Challenges in Record Accuracy
   Explore common challenges such as name misspellings, incorrect ages, and family relationships, and discover strategies to overcome these obstacles when tracing your family’s census data.

4. Maximizing Census Data for Family Connections
   Learn how to link multiple census records over time to build comprehensive family trees and uncover hidden family relationships across generations.