Michael Nolden Henderson

In Got Proof! My Genealogical Journey Through the Use of Documentation, Lieutenant Commander Michael Nolden Henderson, U.S. Navy retired, captures the attention of genealogists, historians, and others interested in the complex social structure that developed during the French and Spanish colonial periods in Louisiana. He explores forbidden relationships that spawned the unique heritage of Creoles of color. Referencing documents from as far back as the 1770s, Henderson uses his own experiences as a family history researcher and the insight of notes scholars to reveal the methods, standards, and techniques used to prove his ancestry.

Part of the story of his ancestors was captured in a 2010 segment of the PBS series, "History Detectives" titled "The Galvez Papers," in which Henderson is featured. Additionally, his efforts led to him becoming the first African American in Georgia to be inducted into the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution in 2010. He has served as vice president and president of his chapter, and, as of this writing, remains Georgia's only African American member.