Freedmen's Bureau Marriage Records

Freedmen's Bureau Marriage Records

This microfilm series contains hundreds of marriage records of newly liberated African Americans in the post-Civil War era collected from 1861 through 1869 first by the Union Army and then the Freedmen's Bureau in its field offices in the Southern States and the District of Columbia, and sent to the Washington, DC, headquarters. Record types include unbound marriage certificates, marriage licenses, monthly reports of marriages, and other proofs of marriages. Record type and quantity varies with each state. (source: National Archives)

Freedmen’s Bureau Project

Installed in the Public Vault, “We the People,” this interactive lets the documents tell the story of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands—also known as the Freedmen’s Bureau. Visitors can select records grouped according to states or themes including labor, marriage, education, and land. The “Enhanced Record Viewer” lets visitors review every detail of the documents, turn pages, transcribe handwriting, and reveal interpretive hot spots that explain important elements and passages.

How to Order Microfilm Rolls

• Online: Go to the National Archives online ordering.
• Telephone: Credit card orders call toll free 1-800-234-8861 (301-837-2000 in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area), 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted.
• Fax: Fax your order to 301-837-3191.
• Mail: Mail checks or money orders to the National Archives Trust Fund, P.O. Box 100793, Atlanta, GA 30384-0793. Include daytime telephone number with order.

Please identify the microfilm publication number (e.g., M1875) and the specific roll number(s) you are interested in.

Let No Man Put Asunder: Freedmen's Bureau Marriage Records