Genealogy
The W&M Bray School Lab is leading efforts to identify and document — from the 18th through the 21st centuries — the genealogical lines of all known Williamsburg Bray School students. Employing best practices in genealogical research, we seek to restore familial and community ties while discovering new connections. To be successful, the work relies equally on three elements:
Engaging the Descendant Community
In the Lab, we talk with members of the African American community – the Descendant Community – here in Williamsburg and beyond, many of whom are conducting their family history research. We journey alongside them to see whether and how they might connect to a Bray School scholar.
Researching the Records
Starting with the colonial era and the students' names, we move forward through the records, searching for the names of Bray School scholars and their descendants. The research is conducted online and in person at a variety of repositories.
Sharing the Findings
Discoveries are shared broadly – at Descendant Community gatherings, via class lectures, public presentations, and monthly online sessions highlighting genealogy methodology and recent research findings.
- Review an example of our genealogical research (pdf).
- Learn more about our monthly Genealogy series hosted on Zoom, Bray School Stories.
- If you think you may be descended from a Bray School student or have questions regarding descendant research, please [[w|braylab,email us]].
