Virginia Freedman's Project - Volunteers needed

Yesterday we had an amazing presentation at church by one of our members, Dr Darrell Walden from the University of Richmond, about a project he spearheaded, the Virginia Freedman Project, and the subsequent extraction and preservation of geneaological records of former slaves in the Confederate states. The Freedmen's Bureau records are effectively the "genesis records" of African-American identity post Civil War. They provide the earliest major compilation of information on the African-American community, documenting for the period of 1865-1872 names, legalized marriages, educational pursuits, work contracts, and receipt of rations, health care, legal, and other services. See the entire press release here. Once the project is completed, public access to these records will be available. This is such an incredible accomplishment and will truly change the lives of anyone of African American heritage who wonders who their slave ancestors might be and was frustrated by the dead end lack of information available. They are currently seeking volunteers to assist with the extraction of these records. Geneology and family ancestry has been a big part of my life since i dont remember when, as my mother is an expert geneologist. Through her research, my ancestors have come alive for me. I found this project, and what it can mean to people who have thought they might never know their family to be so incredible, I had to share it with you so you can share it with your friends and family.

For more information, and how to volunteer:
oncampus.richmond.edu/news/ri...ting.htm
www.blackhistorymuseum.org/bureau/

Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested in finding out more about their family's heritage, or volunteering to help with the extraction (you can do it from home, you need high speed internet connection.) This is a great community service project to join up with others on - get your work, your church, your friends, your family involved.