Shelby County Historical Society is taking steps to illuminate and preserve American history, specifically African American history. The Society received a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham’s Fall 2022 grant cycle to help fund the transcription of records ranging from 1818 to 1865.

Prior to the Civil War and Emancipation, the lives of most African Americans were often only documented in property records and wills, where they were listed as property rather than individuals. However, after Emancipation, the Census of 1870 marked a crucial turning point, providing detailed records with the names of formerly enslaved individuals. The grant from the Community Foundation will facilitate the transcription of pre-1870 court records, bridging this historical divide and making genealogical research more accessible to descendants of enslaved individuals.

The project involves transcribing a variety of textual materials, including wills, deeds, court case records, and probate estate files. Leveraging unique software, the transcription process will be collaborative, allowing crowdsourcing efforts to expedite the project’s completion.

By transcribing these historical records, the Shelby County Historical Society aims to break through the “1870 Brick Wall,” enabling researchers, historians, and genealogists to delve deeper into the past and uncover the stories of those who were previously marginalized and overlooked. This endeavor represents a crucial step towards preserving and honoring the rich heritage of African Americans in Shelby County, ensuring that their contributions and experiences are recognized and remembered for generations to come.