Good Genes Genealogy Services

Aid for Genealogists: Frazine K. Taylor African American Research Scholarship

The Frazine K. Taylor African American Research Scholarship (application due by 1 March each year) — open to anyone committed to expanding their knowledge of African American genealogical research.

The Frazine K. Taylor African American Research Scholarship (application due 1 March each year) was established on 7 June 2018 by Deborah A. Abbott, PhD, in honor of Frazine K. Taylor upon her retirement as coordinator of the “Researching African American Ancestors” course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research. This scholarship for IGHR tuition is open to anyone committed to expanding their knowledge of African American genealogical research. Taylor proposed and organized the first biennial African American course at IGHR in 2004.

Frazine K. Taylor is a former Peace Corps volunteer and administrator who served in the Fiji Islands and traveled extensively in the South Pacific before earning her Master of Information Studies degree from Atlanta University. She has over twenty years’ experience as a librarian, archivist, lecturer, and writer and has received numerous awards during her career including Employee of the Year from the Alabama State Employee Association. She is the former Head of Reference for the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) and was an expert on Alabama records at ADAH. She is also the author of Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama: A Resource Guide published in 2008.

For IGHR 2022, this scholarship is limited to individuals who are interested in enrolling in Course 11 – Researching African American Ancestors: Courthouse Records. The scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who demonstrates a passion for African American genealogy and the ability to communicate that commitment in writing.  This scholarship covers tuition only.

Applications are due by 1 March. The winner will be notified no later than 15 May. Please include the following in your application:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Are you self-employed or working for a company as a professional genealogist?
  • Are you employed by a Library or Archive? Where employed?
  • Number of years you have been conducting genealogical research.
  • In 500 words or less (one printed page), a description of how participation in this course will benefit you.

Applications should be submitted via email to Deborah Abbott dbrhabbott@yahoo.com by 1 March and the subject line should read Taylor Scholarship.


2019 Frazine K. Taylor African American Research Scholarship Winner