The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has a world class library housed in its buildings in Washington, DC.

However, DAR is keeping up with the times and is adding more and more digital content to its online databases.

In April 2008, Forgotten Patriots: African American and American Indian Patriots in the Revolutionary War was published by the Society and was completely sold out by 2010.

A PDF version of the book (a massive 874 pages) was created and a supplement added in 2012.

In spite of those publications, this treasure chest of names is still an under-used genealogical resource.

The decision was made to transition to a searchable online database and that project has come to fruition.

Notice the fourth entry – Forgotten Patriots Research Guide. Click and you will have access to both the PDF version of the original book plus the supplement, covering 2008-2011.

Next, click on the Patriots of Color link (third entry in the list above). Two search choices are provided. Surnames will open a page with A-Z links to view further search choices.

Searching by State/Source also opens further search options.

I recommend spending some time browsing through this database. While you may or may not have an idea about an ancestor’s Revolutionary War service, placing a focus on surnames, for example, might lead you to other research clues.

This is a real GeneaGem for those searching Patriots of Color.

In past Black History Month posts, I have often suggested websites specializing in various aspects of African American life in the United States.

This year, let’s look at books celebrating the lives and society contributions of lesser-known or non-famous African Americans.

Adult Reading

Diasporic Blackness: The Life and Times of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg by Vanessa K. Valdes

Right Worthy Grand Mission: Maggie Lena Walker and the Quest for Black Economic Empowerment by Gertrude Woodruff Marlowe

Being Brought from Africa to America: The Best of Phillis Wheatley by Phillis Wheatley (published 2020)

The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Dubois AND W.E.B. DuBois: A Biography (1868-1963) by David Levering Lewis

The First Black United States Marines: The Men of Montford Point 1942-1946 by Ronald K. Culp

African American War Heroes by James B. Martin, Editor

In the Spirit of Ronald B. McNair:- Astronaut: an American Hero by Carl S. McNair

Books for Children and Young Adults

Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern Day USA by Arlisha Norwood (Ages 8-12)

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford (Ages 8-12)

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles) (Elementary Grades)

A Voice of Her Own: Candlewick Biographies: The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet by Kathryn Lasky (Ages 8-12)

Buffalo Soldiers and the American West by Jason Glaser (Ages 9-12)

Leaders Like Us: Rebecca Lee Crumpler, First Female African American Doctor in the United States by J.P. Miller and Markia Jenai

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who changed the World by Cheryl Hudson

This list could be endless. There are a number of biographical anthologies that have been published and books can be found about African Americans that have contributed to just about every sport, educational discipline, the arts, etc.

Take a few minutes to search online. There are zillions of interesting sounding books.