James Dent Walker facts for kids

James Dent Walker (born June 9, 1928 – died October 6, 1993) was an amazing historian from Washington, D.C. He was like a detective who specialized in finding out about family histories, especially for African American families. He taught many people how to research their own family trees.

He was also a lecturer, teacher, and archivist. An archivist is someone who takes care of important historical documents.

Early Life and Education

James Walker grew up in Washington, D.C.. He went to Cardozo, Dunbar, and Armstrong high schools there.

Family Life

James Walker was married to Barbara Dodson Walker. After his death, his wife and family continued to be active members of the AAHGS. He and Barbara had four children: James Dent Walker, Jr., Althea Walker, Susan Walker, and Barbara Walker Brissett.

Military Service

From 1947 to 1951, Walker served in the U.S. Navy. He was a Surveyor, Second Class. He also fought in the Korean War. In 1950, he took part in an important landing in Inchon, South Korea. He was also a member of the Seabees, which are the U.S. Navy's construction teams.

Career in Genealogy

James Walker was a very important person in the world of family history. He helped start the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (National). This group grew very quickly and had 23 chapters across the United States by 1999.

He also held many roles in the National Genealogical Society. He was a program chairman and later a second vice president from 1978 to 1980. Walker also founded and led the District of Columbia Genealogical Society.

Working at the National Archives

For 30 years, Walker worked at the National Archives and Records Administration. This is where many important government records are kept. He worked as a genealogist and a research consultant. He also supervised military records and directed programs about local history and family research. He was even an assistant director at the Institute of Genealogical Research at American University.

He knew a lot about military and pension records. These records covered periods from the American Revolutionary War to the American Civil War.

Helping Others Find Their Roots

Walker was famous for finding information about African Americans in old records. He was an expert on records that included details about births, deaths, and even the sale of enslaved people. He helped many people find their ancestors who had been brought to America as slaves.

He even helped the famous author Alex Haley with his family research. This research later inspired Haley's best-selling book, Roots.

Later Career and Legacy

After retiring from the National Archives, Walker worked for D.C. public schools. He was an archivist and associate director at the Charles Sumner School Museum. He retired about two years before he passed away.

Throughout his life, he was a popular speaker and teacher. He often led workshops at libraries and spoke at conferences, especially during Black History Month. He wanted everyone to know that "Most people have no conception of the wealth of material available to them" when researching their family history.

Death

James Dent Walker passed away on October 6, 1993, from lung cancer.

Important Affiliations

James Walker was a member of many important groups:

• American Association for State and Local History, council member (1974-1978)
• Certification of Genealogists, board trustee (1974-1978)
• Planning Committee of the World Conference on Records, member (1980)
• Washington, D.C. Historic Records Advisory Board, member (1980-1986)
• Washington, D.C. Bicentennial Commission, member (1986-1991)
• Ellis Island Restorations Commission, member (1988-1993)

Awards and Honors

James Dent Walker received several awards for his important work:

• 1978: Fellow Award of the National Genealogical Society
• 1979: Meritorious Civilian Service Award, after finishing his government service
• 1994: The Federation of Genealogical Societies started the James Dent Walker Memorial Lecture in his honor.
• May 1999: He was chosen for the National Genealogy Hall of Fame.