African American Genealogy Group, President Bob Scott

Meet Bob Scott, of The African American Genealogy Group.

The twentieth century began a long painful journey to become whole again. Many African Americans were involved in family reunions and had begun seeking their lost relatives. With the success of Alex Haley’s saga, “Roots”, an avalanche of searchers emerged.

In Philadelphia, the newly organized African American Historical and Cultural Museum at 7th and Arch Streets was flooded with requests for genealogical information.  Dr. Rowena Stewart, director of the museum at that time, asked archivist, Stan Arnold, to do what he could to assist with these requests.  He was besieged with calls for assistance in conducting genealogical research far beyond the museum’s capacity to help.The twentieth century began a long painful journey to become whole again. Many African Americans were involved in family reunions and had begun seeking their lost relatives. With the success of Alex Haley’s saga, “Roots”, an avalanche of searchers emerged.

In Philadelphia, the newly organized African American Historical and Cultural Museum at 7th and Arch Streets was flooded with requests for genealogical information.  Dr. Rowena Stewart, director of the museum at that time, asked archivist, Stan Arnold, to do what he could to assist with these requests.  He was besieged with calls for assistance in conducting genealogical research far beyond the museum’s capacity to help.