It seems like Emmitt Smith is still asking that question. I was very excited to find out about his genealogy because I know how hard it can be to trace African American ancestry. But I have to say that I was a bit disappointed in the lack of documentation available to trace his roots. So I did a bit of research to see if I could find free online genealogy resources for African American researchers.

These are the top 6 African American Genealogy Resources Online:

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Genealogy research can change everything about who you think you are! As I watched the opening credits, while they showed clips from the upcoming season, I found myself growing more and more excited for these people about to embark on the most intriguing adventure. They will be going back in time to discover who they are and where they came from, and understanding a little more about themselves.

I shared Sarah’s excitement when she sat down with her brother and talked about what she might find. Her journey started with a conversation with her mother, a good place to start for anyone looking for their ancestry. Her mom had a lot of pictures and names that gave Sarah a place to start, Cincinnati.

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You don’t know it yet, but your genealogy research just got a lot easier!

The popular show, Who do you think you are? ran for 6 years in England and now is coming to America. It covers the genealogy of famous people, celebrities, and athletes as they journey back through their ancestry to answer the question, “Who do you think you are?”

The show, Who do you think you are? starts tomorrow and I am very excited about seeing the show and I’m even more excited about what this show will do for genealogy research.

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If you ask anyone about census records, you might be greeted with a blank stare. They might be your best resource in genealogy, yet many people are aware of its importance. According to the US Census Bureau, a census is a simple enumeration, usually of the population, but also businesses and commercial establishments, farms, government etc. What better place to find the information you need?

The US Constitution requires a new census every 10 years for re-districting the US House of Representatives. In 1790, the US government conducted the first census, which has continued until today. The 2010 census forms should soon be arriving in your mailbox.

You can search census records from 1790 – 1930. Data that is more recent is not available to the public as there is a 72-year restriction on access to federal census. In 2012, access to the census from 1940 will be open for public use.

A wealth of information to be found in census records.

Before beginning your search, arm yourself with a list of the people you want to research and as much of the following information about each person as possible. Here are some things you should have on that list:

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