Genealogy Status Check

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More info:

If you’re a student seeking a scholarship, simply select Public Freedmen Verification and upload your relevant documents to provide verification.
To expedite your verification process, ensure you have the Freedmen Nation ID of your direct relative within the Freedmen Nation.
If you do not know where to start, you can use our Self-Help Genealogy Tools.
Note: You can’t log in to Freedmen Nation until you’ve been approved and status verified.

Start Uploading Your Documents

Step 1:

DOWNLOAD OFFLINE FORM

If you’ve already signed up, you don’t need to do this again. However, if you haven’t, this will delay your verification process.

Sample Family Tree

Step 2: Finish Verification

Freedmen Verification Option

If you’re a student seeking verification for a scholarship, choose Public Freedmen Verification to obtain a Student Verified Freedmen Certificate.

Could you please name the Genealogy Trainee or Certified Genealogist in Freedmen Nation who assisted you? If you don’t have that information, please enter NA.

Enter Family Freedmen Nation ID

Please provide the Freedmen Nation ID of any family members you have in Freedmen Nation. Mother, Father, Grandmother, or Grandfather that’s on your family tree.

If you do not have a family member, skip this box.

First name

Last name

Birthday

Month

Day

Year

Multi-line address

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

Valid Government-Issued ID Upload

File upload

Upload a copy of a valid government-issued ID (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID). Please ensure your full name is visible. You may redact sensitive information such as ID numbers for privacy.

Sample 1870 Census or before

Slave Schedule 1860 or before (Optional, but helpful)

Complete Your Genealogy Verification for Free Membership Approval

To complete your free membership application, you must provide documentation proving your lineage. Please follow the instructions below to ensure your submission is approved.

Freedmen Membership Verification Submission Process

To verify your Freedmen ancestry, please complete the following steps:

1. Fill Out the Freedmen Membership Verification or Verification for Public Programs Form

Complete the Freedmen verification form on this page.
Ensure all required fields are correctly filled before submitting.
This form must be submitted along with your supporting records.

2. Upload Your Census Record or Genealogical Document

Submit a U.S. Census record from 1870 or earlier (or another genealogical document) that establishes your lineage.
Membership Levels:

Unverified Membership —> Requires 1870 U.S. Census + Family Tree (Potential approval depending on our Genealogy Research).
Verified Membership —-> Requires pre-1870 Census record OR Family Tree showing an ancestor enslaved before 1862
Enslaved Schedule before 1862 (Optional, but helpful)

Accepted sources include:

Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/)
FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/)
MyHeritage (https://www.myheritage.com/)
Archives.com (https://www.archives.com/)
FindMyPast (https://www.findmypast.com/)

(You must have an account with one of these services to submit records.)

3. Submit Family Tree Screenshots

Take clear screenshots of your Family Tree from your genealogy platform.
Ensure names and connections are visible and readable.
Upload at least two screenshots showing your direct lineage from yourself to your Freedmen ancestor.

4. Submit Your Form & Documents Together

Ensure that you have:
Completed the Membership Verification Form
Uploaded a Census record or genealogical document
Uploaded two Family Tree screenshots
Submit everything on this page.

5. Processing & Approval Timeline

Verification typically takes 1 - 4 days after submission.
You will receive an email confirmation once your free membership is approved.

6. If you are having trouble with finding your documentation, use our Contact Form to receive help.

Freedmen Nation