FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2024
California State Archives Releases Video Resources on African American Genealogical Records Ahead of Family History Week
Sacramento, Calif. – The California State Archives has announced the release of new videos detailing African American genealogical resources available at the State Archives, coinciding with the upcoming Family History Week activities.
From April 1 to 6, the California State Archives will collaborate with the Sacramento Genealogical Society, Center for Sacramento History, California State Library, Sacramento Public Library, Yolo County Archives, FamilySearch, Placer County Museums, California State Parks and Sutter County Museum to host a free six-day series of events featuring 16 classes on genealogy-based topics. These events aim to assist participants in uncovering their ancestors' significant life events and the stories that define them.
Multiple events highlight African American genealogical research, including “African American Homesteaders,” presented by Denise I. Griggs on Monday, April 1, from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the FamilySearch Center, located at 2745 Eastern Avenue in Sacramento. This class will dispel the myth that African American former slaves didn’t own land after Emancipation, showcasing how many were able to acquire up to 160 acres of land through the Homestead Act of May 20, 1862, after emancipation and demonstrate how to locate and obtain the records of these homesteaders. In addition to this presentation, Ms. Griggs will also be presenting the title: “U.S. Colored Troops Pension Records of 1890” at the California State Archives on Saturday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The State Archives’ newly released videos are titled, "Genealogical Resources at the State Archives," and were originally recorded as part of a presentation by the California State Archives during the 16th Annual Family History Seminar, hosted by the Greater Sacramento African American Genealogy Society, on March 12, 2022. Individuals keen on exploring their familial roots can access these and other invaluable resources conveniently via the Genealogical and Family History section on the California State Archives website.
"We're thrilled to announce the release of our African American Genealogical videos," said Natalia Visante, Acting State Archivist." The timing couldn't be better to unveil this amazing resource, just before Family History Week. We treasure our partnerships with organizations such as the Sacramento Genealogical Society and the Greater Sacramento African American Genealogy Society and how we work together to further support those seeking to learn more about their family history."
The State Archives, a division of the California State Secretary of State's Office, serves as a vital hub for historical records and genealogical research within the state.
For more information, visit the Family History Day Website: https://srgcouncil.org/cpage.php?pt=77
Register for Family History Week Activities: https://form.jotform.com/240057778188165
Watch African American Genealogical Videos: https://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/collections/family-history-resources
1. African American Genealogical Records at the California State Archives - part 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU4d6rxas1I)
2. African American Genealogical Records at the California State Archives - part 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmO3dclHhSc)
3. African American Genealogical Records at the California State Archives - part 3 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXRjoQHLXxc)
4. African American Genealogical Records at the California State Archives - part 4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CydDREj18-c)
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Contact: SOS Press Office
sospress@sos.ca.gov
