Charleston archivists uncover 10 million enslaved ancestors' names

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Charleston's Avery Research Center and Mother Emanuel AME Church are leading a national effort to build a public database that recovers the names and histories of millions of enslaved people. Local archivists and students are combing through centuries of church records to help descendants trace their family roots and broaden the understanding of Charleston's Black history.

Why it matters

This project represents a significant step in uncovering the identities and stories of enslaved individuals who were previously forgotten or erased from the historical record. By recovering these names and personal details, it allows descendants to connect with their family histories and provides a more comprehensive understanding of Charleston's complex racial past.

The details

The archivists and researchers are utilizing church records, census data, and other historical documents to painstakingly compile a public database of over 10 million names of enslaved individuals. This information will be made freely available online, enabling descendants to trace their family lineages and gain deeper insights into their ancestors' lives and experiences.

• The Avery Research Center and Mother Emanuel AME Church launched this national initiative in 2023.
• Archivists and students have been combing through historical records over the past three years to uncover the names and stories.