If you’re trying to learn more about a potential Native American ancestor, you can begin your search in several ways. Among these are records created by federal agencies, tribal and state governments, local historical societies, and private collections.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, for example, has a wealth of records. These include BIA correspondence, heirship case files, censuses, and other documents.
Tribal Records
If you’re looking for Native American records, there are a few things to remember. For one, the documents may be in a different format than those you’re used to find.
In addition, some records are only available in paper or microfilm at National Archives research locations. To locate records in the Archives, use a search tool that allows you to select specific topics (e.g., tribal records).
The National Archives also maintains a Tribal Resources page. Here, you can find various genealogical and historical resources for tribes across the United States.
These include census indexes and rolls, treaty and annuity rolls, vital-record records, family histories, and genealogical publications.
If you cannot find information in these sources, consider contacting a local history or genealogical society. They can point you in the right direction or connect you with a professional researcher who can help. The American Indian Library Association is another organization that offers research assistance and training. The ALA is an affiliate of the American Library Association and focuses on the cultural and informational needs of Native Americans.
Federal Records
When researching Native American ancestry, you’ll want to be able to identify your ancestor’s tribe, place, and time. This will help you focus your research and increase your chances of success.
If you have an ancestor who lived on a tribal reservation, it’s a good idea to start by looking at census documents and newspaper accounts for the tribe. This will tell you who lived on the reservation at different times, what migrations occurred, and how your ancestor related to the area.
It’s also good to search local and state records, such as county government records, local histories, historical society collections, newspapers, or USGenWeb county resources. These resources may have information on Indians in the area or about Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Catholic, or other denominations’ missions established on reservations.
If you need help with what to look for, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has many tips and tools to help you begin your research. The NARA website offers a variety of resources, including genealogical databases, heirship case files, and other Native American records.
State Records
State records are often crucial for tracing Native American ancestry. These may include census records, land records, court dockets, treaty maps, correspondence, and other documents relating to the American Indians.
A valuable resource for finding and accessing state records is the National Archives and its regional archival collections. These records contain a wealth of information about American Indians and Alaska Natives, as well as many other ethnic groups throughout the United States.
In Texas, the Texas State Archives has a wide range of materials related to Native American peoples. This includes material from the colonial era through the years of the Republic and today.
This collection has a variety of materials related to the American Indians of the state, including historical accounts of colonists’ and settlers’ interactions with tribes, as well as correspondence from prominent Indian leaders such as Mirabeau Lamar, Andrew Jackson Houston, and Sam Houston.
This website offers a searchable database of Indian census rolls from 1885 to 1940, which are available online for free. These rolls are alphabetically arranged and simplify the process of locating your ancestor.
Local Records
While the Bureau of Indian Affairs generated most federal records about Native Americans, state and local governments kept essential data. This includes information about owners, mortgages, deeds, other property records, marriage licenses, divorce certificates, and birth certificates.
These are often accessible in county or city archives and historical society libraries. Sometimes, you may need to request a public record from the appropriate government agency.
Some can be found through databases or other online resources. However, a few of them may not be available through these sources.
A helpful starting point is a page for each state of the United States listing federally recognized tribal entities. These are often listed under the Indigenous Peoples of [state] or by tribe name.
Many local records may interest researchers, including census, church, military rosters, schools, annuity and allotment rolls, treaties, removal records, archives and libraries, cultural groups, and forts. The type of record you need will depend on your specific needs and research objectives.
Private Collections
Private collections are a great way to access Native American records. However, they also come with some challenges. They are not subject to the same federal and state laws that govern public collections.
Moreover, they are more challenging to access than other records. Besides, they could be in better shape.
When you find a private collection, it is essential to make sure that you are aware of the owner’s rights to their works. This will help you avoid any legal problems in the future.
In addition, private collectors need to be aware of their tax responsibilities. They may have to pay taxes on works they loan to museums or galleries.
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) has one of the world’s most extensive collections of Native art and culture. Its collections include artwork and objects from all-powerful tribes in the United States and many other cultures worldwide, ranging from ancient Paleo-Indian points to contemporary fine arts. It also holds archaeological materials about North American Indian peoples across the Americas.
