Category Archives: African-American Research

Black History Month: More DAR Library Online Resources

One of the reasons I think the DAR Library and blog gets overlooked by many researchers is because they believe there’s nothing much available for non-DAR members.

If you are one of the people who believes that, you are missing out on a world class collection of genealogical resources.

I’ve blogged about the DAR Library in the past – DAR Library Resources  and the DAR Magazine Digital Archive.

However, the library collection has amazing depth and more of its collection is being digitized all the time.

One of the best ways to learn about these resources is through news published on the DAR Blog. Yes, often the news is of more interest to DAR members, but much is also of interest to researchers.

A recent post was all about the resources available to pursue African-American heritage during Black History Month: DAR Celebrates Black History Month – Research and Resources.

There is a lengthy list of links all related to Patriots of Color. You may not yet know if your ancestor helped the cause for American independence, but the range of resources will help determine if someone in your family was a Patriot.

If you’d like to follow the DAR Blog, just add it to your feedly list.

Black History Month GeneaGem: DAR Patriots of Color Database

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.

Black History Month 2023

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.