Local & Family History
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Breaking the 1870 Wall: Finding Our Ancestors in the Shadows
For anyone researching African American genealogy, the year 1870 often feels like a brick wall. This…
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Sacred Ground: Reclaiming the Lost Archives of Newton County
Cemeteries are more than just resting places—they are historical records etched in stone. In Newton County,…
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The Sound of a Name: Why Census Spellings Vary (and How to Trace Them)
When researching African American families in rural Mississippi, one of the first “brick walls” we encounter…
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Following the Names: Reclaiming the Stories of Newton County
Genealogy is often described as placing names on a family tree. But for those researching African…
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The “Robbery” at Hickory: Looking Again at a 1923 Account
In October 1923, a tragic incident in Hickory, Mississippi, left two people dead: Mrs. Kennedy and…
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More Than a Name: Unpacking “Aunt” and the Complex Legacy of Southern Churches
When we read historical accounts of Black Americans, especially from the Jim Crow South, we often…
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What Should a Typical Obituary Include? A Guide for Families and Historians
When someone we love passes away, one of the first written tributes created in their honor…