Footnote.com releases African American Collection

In a press release dated January 29, 2009, Footnote.com launched its African American Collection in celebration of Black History Month. The Press Release stated as follows:

Footnote.com has been working with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C., to digitize records that provide a view into the lives of African Americans that few have seen before.
“These records cover subjects including slavery, military service, and issues facing African Americans dating back to the late 18th century,” explains James Hastings, Director of Access Programs at NARA. “Making these records available online will help people to better understand the history and sacrifice that took place in this country.”
Footnote.com has spent the last two years with NARA compiling this collection and is currently working on adding more records that will be released in the upcoming months. African American records currently on Footnote.com include:
• Service Records for Colored Troops in the Civil War – Records for the 2nd-13th infantries including enlistment papers, casualty sheets, oaths of allegiance, proof of ownership and bills of sale.
• American Colonization Society – Letters and reports relating to this colony established in 1817 for free people of color residing in the U.S.
• Amistad Case – Handwritten records of this landmark case beginning in 1839 involving the Spanish schooner Amistad, used to transport illegal slaves.
• Southern Claims Commission – Petitions for compensation resulting from the Civil War.

Footnote.com is also going to announce additional records in the near future.