African American
Tracing African American family history often involves navigating unique historical challenges, but with the right expertise, extraordinary discoveries are possible. Christine specializes in reconstructing African American family lines with care, precision, and deep respect, from pre-1870 records to modern DNA breakthroughs.
Understanding the Challenges, And the Possibilities
African American genealogy requires a unique research strategy due to historical obstacles such as:
- Pre-1870 records gaps
- Name changes after emancipation
- Limited documentation during the slavery era
- Oral histories that need careful verification
- Lost, fragmented, or inconsistent records
Christine’s work carefully reconstructs stories through layered evidence, bringing families closer to their ancestral truth and honoring the resilience of generations that came before.
Beyond the Records: Reclaiming Your Heritage
Many people with African American heritage believe their family history research will hit a brick wall in the Civil War era. This simply isn’t true!
Whether your ancestors were enslaved or free, we can help you:
- Identify ancestors by name.
- Trace family lines back to Africa.
- Discover your family’s unique migration patterns.
- Uncover stories of resilience, strength, and survival.
While African American ancestry research can be complex, our expert genealogists at DavisDNA and Family Research have the experience and dedication to help you break through those barriers and uncover your family’s unique story.
At DavisDNA and Family Research, we understand that African American genealogy is more than just names and dates. It’s about reclaiming a lost heritage, honoring your ancestors’ resilience, and understanding your identity.
What This Service Includes
Stories That Prove What’s Possible
Every family and legal case is unique. Here’s how Davis DNA has made a difference.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Steve PruittChristine has been invaluable in finding information about my family tree and supplying information that I would have never known otherwise. I highly recommend her to anyone that is looking to complete missing portions of one's family tree going back many generations.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Thomas SimmonsVery thorough and professional work.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Brian RoseggerDavisDNA & Family Research knocked it out of the park with their genealogy research! We were stumped on a multi-heir probate case and DavisDNA delivered us an incredibly detailed report with contact information for all 34 heirs in less than 2 weeks. I couldn't recommend their services any more, highly professional, prompt, and detailed. Thank you!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Terry CowleySo many surprises and so much we have learned about our grandparents and their parents all the way past 5th great! It has been a pleasure working alongside DavisDNA. Christine and her group are so very thorough and caring about their work. It makes us feel like part of her family. We will cherish this book for many more generations to come as we add to it. Thank you so much.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on starr pawsChristine of DavisDNA did a wonderful job and I would definitely recommend her work. She was fun to work with and very responsive to my suggestions. She was extremely knowledgeable, professional and helpful to provide a comprehensive history for my paternal grandfather, who died very young. In fact, he died just 2 months after my father was born and our family had no records or photographs to work with except for a death certificate. With Christine’s tenacious search, we learned a great deal about the short, but colorful life of my grandfather. His first wife was the daughter of a vaudeville actor and she was an aspiring actress and socialite. It turns out they made national news when she ran off with an aviator and married him, but wait…she was already married to my grandfather! Her bigamy was highly unusual, so her story hit all the newspapers and my grandfather was quoted in the newspaper, crying out that it was his wife, not the aviator’s. Infamy at the time, but kind of hilarious reading it now since they were so young and without children. His second wife was my grandmother and because she was so secretive about her marriage with him, we had only a few stories to go on. Despite the paucity of records for him back in the 1896-1926 period, Christine continued to dredge up a number of birth, school, marriage, death and military records along with obscure news articles. Her search results were very impressive and superbly organized with timelines and family trees. These have helped my living 98-year-old father and our family learn all about his mysterious father, and there are no words for that. We all thank you Christine!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Bonnie KellerMy experience working with Christine was terrific. She is knowledgeable, professional, helpful and involved in all aspects of the work that we did together. I was most impressed at how easy it was to speak with her and how quick the turnaround was for every request. I highly recommend DavisDNA. Thank you!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on Cynthia JoyceChristine from DavisDNA was wonderful to work with and very accommodating, all while living thru a hurricane in Florida. Her reporting was as promised. The report was very professional and comprehensive. Thank you so much for your assistance.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on misscc916Christine has been an absolute pleasure to work with and she successfully solved our family mystery! I’d done everything I could to try to figure out who my mom’s biological father was, no luck. I hired Christine and soon after, she was able to complete our family puzzle and notify us who my grandpa is! I had nothing prompt and clear communication from Davis DNA. I would highly recommend this company for any DNA related services. We are so grateful and my mom is so happy :)Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Posted on v brewingtonWork DavisDNA performed was professional, timely and done at a reasonable cost. I have no complaints.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Results Backed by Experience
Our track record speaks for itself.
African American Genealogy with DavisDNA and Family Research
The Challenges of African American Ancestry Research
For many African Americans, tracing their family history can feel like an impossible task.
The transatlantic slave trade disrupted families and erased identities, leaving a void in many ancestral narratives. Traditional genealogical research methods often hit a roadblock when records are scarce or non-existent.
However, with the advent of advanced DNA testing and the digitization of historical records, the path to uncovering your African American heritage is becoming clearer.
Ready to Begin Your Ancestral Journey?
Your story matters. Your ancestors’ history deserves to be preserved with care. Take the first step toward discovering the powerful legacy that brought you here.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Get quick answers to common questions about genealogy, DNA research, and our process.
Can you help if my records stop at 1870?
Yes. Christine specializes in pre-1870 reconstruction using indirect evidence, DNA, historical documents, and advanced methodologies.
How private is my DNA and personal information?
All data is handled with strict confidentiality. Nothing is shared without your permission.
Can DNA confirm connections to enslaved ancestors?
DNA can provide important clues, especially when paired with records such as plantation documents, Freedmen’s Bureau archives, and community networks.
How long does this type of research take?
Timeline varies depending on the depth of research and record availability. Christine provides clear expectations before starting.
How DavisDNA and Family Research Can Help
DavisDNA and Family Research specialize in helping African Americans break through these genealogical barriers with professional genealogy research services.
We offer a comprehensive suite of family research and DNA testing services designed to illuminate your family history, connecting you to your ancestors and their stories.
DNA Testing: Unlocking Genetic Clues
Our advanced DNA tests analyze your genetic makeup, providing insights into your ethnic origins, including specific regions in Africa. This information can help you:
Identify potential relatives: Connect with DNA matches who share segments of your DNA, potentially leading to breakthroughs in your family tree.
Confirm ancestral connections: Validate existing family stories and traditions through genetic evidence.
Overcome brick walls: When traditional records are unavailable, DNA can provide new leads and directions for your family history research.