In recognition of Black History Month, Fold3 is making the records in its Black History collection available for free through the end of February.
Whether you’re searching for your ancestors or looking for primary documents to help with other research, the Black History collection gives you access to more than a million documents, records, and photos that help to capture the African-American experience during five eras of American history: Slavery, The Civil War, Reconstruction & Jim Crow Laws, World War I & II, and the Civil Rights Movement
All the titles in our Black History collection contain valuable insight into the history of African-Americans, but titles that are especially rich in information include:
- Danish West Indies – Slavery and Emancipation: These records cover the institution of slavery and the emancipation of slaves in the Virgin Islands during Danish rule, 1672-1917.
- Suppression of Slave Trade and Colonization (1854-72): These records cover the institution of slavery and the emancipation of slaves in the Virgin Islands during Danish rule, 1672-1917.
- Amistad – Federal and Supreme Court records: Court records pertaining to the claims of salvage for the Spanish slave schooner “Amistad,” seized in 1839 by the US Navy.
- American Colonization Society: Documents relating to the American Colonization Society, 1792-1964, an organization best known for its role in founding Liberia.
- Board of Commissioners – Emancipation of Slaves in DC: Records of the Board of Commissioners for the Emancipation of Slaves in the District of Columbia, 1862-63.
- Court Slave Records for DC: Records of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Relating to Slaves, 1851-63, including emancipation and manumission papers.
- South Carolina Estate Inventories and Bills of Sale, 1732-1872: South Carolina court records relating to estate and personal assets.
- Colored Troops: Compiled military service records of volunteer Union soldiers serving in various colored units in the Civil War, including the United States Colored Troops (USCT).
- And more!
Some examples of interesting records you can find in the Black History collection include:
- An 1810 inventory for the estate of Joseph Morton, a “free black man”
- An 1827 inventory for the estate of Thomas Drayton that lists his 160 slaves by family group
- A Civil War—era photograph of black laborers
- The service record of Christian A. Fleetwood of the US Colored Infantry, who earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War
- A photograph of 3 members of the original black fighter squadron in WWII
Get started searching Fold3’s Black History records here. Or look for individual collections by name here.
I tried to access the records for Robert Breckenridge of the 27th USCT. It told me that I need a premium membership to view his records. Grrrr.
I was able to access the record you menetioned for free. Try again. https://www.fold3.com/image/262581195?terms=Robert%20Breckenridge
When I try and look at any records in the Black History Month collection, I’m prompted to set up a 7 day free trial.
You can setup an account for free to access other items that are free even after the month of Feb. I have been a non paying member for years. There are many records on the site for free.
Knowledge is power too put form and function to wield means as power affecting culture as effectively as we sense of humanity! This is means positive or negative to endure???…!!!
This has to be scam. Nothing can be viewed “free” wthout starting a trial payment plan. FREE means FREE with “no attachments”
AGREE. The old Bate & Switch False Advertising Ploy
You can setup an account for free to access other items that are free even after the month of Feb. I have been a non paying member for years. There are many records on the site for free.
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My Mother was a W.A.C. around 1945 from Emporia Ks. Looking for any info. Desperately seeking a photo of her. She passed in 2004. Any suggestions?
My Mother was a W.A.C. around 1945 from Emporia Ks. Looking for any info. Desperately seeking a photo of her. She passed in 2004. Any suggestions?
I am trying to see the records for Robert Nickens, USCT. They come up as being premium. Is there a special way to get to see them?
To all of who tried to open a given record I was told the same thing that I had to upgrade to the premium membership but yet it says that all the records in this collection are supposed to be FREE. I am a member of Ancestry so I should be able to access theses records without paying an additional fee. No such luck