Black Family Research Help Available
February 5th, 1995BLACK FAMILY RESEARCH HELP AVAILABLE
Black History Month is a good time to reflect on the progress many people with African-American ancestry have made since the publication of “Roots” in 1976. The African American Family History Association, Inc., based here, has been active for 15 years. The organization, through regular meetings, seminars, research trips, and its newsletter has helped many people begin researching genealogy. The newsletter is always full of useful clues to new sources, new publications, and questions from members seeking lost kin. The fall newsletter contained an article about AAGRI: the African American Genealogical Research Institute an organization devoted solely to African-American research. Anyone wishing more information on the African-American Family History Association should contact the newsletter editor, Skip Mason, at P.O. Box 115268, Atlanta, Ga. 30310. Dues are $12.
William James Jefferson recently published “Hupuewa: A Legacy of the Hooper Family of Nassauville, Florida”. The author traveled widely to research his African-American roots after receiving encouragement from the late Alex Haley in 1990. The author adds the history of slavery and its African roots to the family’s known history. Included are many interesting tales handed down about the ancestors, many of which would have been lost in another generation. Over seventy family photos were also included. The book shows what a valuable record can be created from one family’s saga and in that it should stand as a model of what others should strive for. Published through W. H. Wolfe Associates, the book is available from the author, William J. Jefferson, at P.O.Box 12776, Jacksonville, Fla. 32209.
GRAVE MATTERS
Sharon Thomason has announced plans to publish a newsletter, “Grave Matters”, consisting of interesting stories about southern cemeteries and related topics. Premier issue is due this month. Subscription is $12 to Grave Matters, Rt. 7, Box 1620, Dahlonega, Ga. 30533.
NATIONAL CEMETERIES
A brochure on the “National Cemetery System” is available from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It includes a map of the location of all National Cemeteries. Georgia’s only one is in Marietta, Alabama’s are in Mobile and Fort Mitchell (Phenix City). There is at least one National Cemetery in every state but some in the northwest. Many are already closed for new burials, while many are still open. The brochure answers questions such as “Who is Eligible for Burial in a National Cemetery?”; how to be buried in one if you are eligible. The brochure includes interesting details on many famous cemeteries. For a copy of this brochure or other information contact the National Cemetery Area Office, 730 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30365 (call 347-2121) or through a Veterans Affairs Regional Office, one in each state.
SAR
The Sons of the American Revolution’s national headquarters is at 1000 South Fourth St., Louisville, Kty. 40203 and the number is (502) 589-1776. Brochure available.