Free Self-Help Genealogy Tools
Welcome to Your Genealogy Journey
Whether you’re just beginning your research or working to complete your Freedmen verification, this page will guide you step-by-step through the key tasks, resources, and tips to uncover your family history with confidence.​
SCROLL DOWN FOR AUDIO AND VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS
1. Start With What You Know
Begin your genealogy research with yourself and move backward through your ancestors:
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Gather names, dates, and places from your immediate family.
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Ask relatives for stories, photos, documents, family Bibles, and records.
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Record everything clearly — names, relationships, and dates matter.
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Tip: Even small details from a relative can unlock new records.
2. Understand the Verification Goal
To complete your Freedmen Nation verification form (https://www.freedmennation.org/status-check), you’ll need:
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Supporting documentation that connects your family line to a Freedmen ancestor.
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Census records (e.g., 1860, 1870, 1880 or before) or other historical records showing your direct lineage.
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Screenshots or images of your family tree that trace a continuous line back to a documented ancestor.
3. Know Which Documents Help
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Documents most useful for establishing lineage include:
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1870 and 1880 U.S. Census records showing your ancestral family unit.
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Freedmen’s Bureau & Reconstruction records
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Estate, probate, and land records
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Birth, marriage, death certificates
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Plantation contracts, school lists, or other historical archives.
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Helpful Resource: The Supporting Documentation page lists commonly accepted record types.
4. Tools to Build Your Family Tree
You don’t have to do this manually — there are tools that make building and organizing your tree easier:
📌 FamilySearch — guides you to relevant records and repositories worldwide.
📌 Online Platforms (Ancestry, MyHeritage, Archives.com, etc.) — often have indexed records you can search to find ancestors.
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Important: This is where you can add brothers and sisters to your tree to make it easy for them to get verified too.
5. Genealogy Best Practices
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Here are tips used by professional and experienced researchers:
Track your sources:
Every fact in your tree should have a source — where you found it. This makes your findings defendable and traceable.
Use a research plan:
Before you hunt for records, write out a clear question (e.g., “Who was my great-great-grandfather in 1870?”) and list the places where you’ll look first.
Avoid assumptions:
Many records have errors — always trace back to original documentation when possible.
6. How to Upload Your Documents
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Once you’ve gathered your records:
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Visit the Status Check Upload page: https://www.freedmennation.org/status-check
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Complete the form with your personal information and any known Freedmen Nation IDs.
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Upload your valid ID (required) and historical documentation.
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Include clear family tree screenshots showing your lineage.
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Upload your Census Records and any records you think will help.
Processing:
Verification typically takes 1–4 business days after submission.
7. If You Get Stuck
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Genealogy can be tough — records aren’t always easy to find.
Here’s how to overcome common challenges:
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Reach out to older relatives for oral history.
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Use the Contact Form on the Freedmen Nation site for assistance.
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Visit local courthouses or archives for physical documents.
You’re on a meaningful journey
Tracing your ancestry not only helps you complete your verification — it connects you to your family’s past in powerful ways.
If you have questions or need help at any point, reach out — we’re here to support you.