| Schedule | Recorded Presentations & Videos | Instructor Bios |
WELCOME!
Thank you for registering for the online course, Adoption Research!
Encountering adoption in your family history research—no matter how recent or distant it may be—can cause an immediate brick wall. With scarce records and restricted access, it can be difficult to identify biological family members and take your research further. You need to work methodically and creatively. In this three-week online course, experts at American Ancestors will provide you with a historical understanding of adoption in America, review the types of records that are likely to exist, illustrate how to use DNA to find biological family, and demonstrate key research strategies that may connect generations.
This course includes three 90-minute classes; exclusive access to handouts and recordings of each presentation; and in-depth q&a sessions with the instructors. You will have access to the recordings, handouts, slides, and more until January 31, 2021.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Return to this page often for additional resources!
| Course Activity | Dates of Access | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Class #1 | ||
| Class #1: Online presentation (live!) | 10/14/2020, 6:00 PM eastern time | Class #1: History of Adoption in America Instructor: Melanie McComb, Genealogist Description: Adoption as a legal process in America is a relatively new invention. This first class will provide an overview of adoption in America, the types of records that document adoption and guardianship (including aid societies and maternity homes), access restrictions, and other considerations when researching adopted ancestors. |
| Video of Class #1 | 10/15/2020 and after | Watch the first class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #2 | ||
| Class #2: Online presentation (live!) | 10/21/2020, 6:00 PM eastern time | Class 2: Using DNA to Find Biological Family Instructor: Christopher C. Child, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press Description: DNA testing has made connecting with living family much easier in the last several years. This is especially true for adoptees. This class will review some of the basics of DNA testing, demonstrate how to accurately read your results, and offer best practices for reaching out to family. Note: To attend, return to your confirmation email received at the time of registration with a link to the live event. If you are unable to attend the live event a recording will be posted to this page, the following day (see below). |
| Video of Class #2 | 10/22/2020 and after | Watch the second class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #3 | ||
| Class #3: Online presentation (live!) | 10/28/2020, 6:00 PM eastern time | Class 3: Strategies for Researching Adopted Ancestors Instructor: Sheilagh Doerfler, Senior Researcher Description: With restricted or closed access to many adoption records, you have to be methodical in your research and think creatively. Using several case studies that apply both DNA and traditional document-based research, Genealogist Sheilagh Doerfler will walk you through some key strategies and search techniques to piece together a person’s biological family. Note: To attend, return to your confirmation email received at the time of registration with a link to the live event. If you are unable to attend the live event a recording will be posted to this page, the following day (see below). |
| Video of Class #3 | 10/29/2020 and after | Watch the third class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS & VIDEOS
Class 1: History of Adoption in America
Presented by: Melanie McComb, Genealogist
Running Time: 1:23:15
Live Broadcast: October 14, 2020
Class 2: Using DNA to Find Biological Family
Presented by: Christopher C. Child, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press
Running Time: 1:27:22
Live Broadcast: October 21, 2020
Class 3: Strategies for Researching Adopted Ancestors
Presented by: Sheilagh Doerfler, Genealogist
Running Time: 1:42:37
Live Broadcast: October 28, 2020
INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Christopher C. Child, Senior Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press; Editor, Mayflower Descendanthas worked for various departments at American Ancestors since 1997 and became a full-time employee in July 2003. He has been a member of American Ancestors since the age of eleven. He has written several articles in American Ancestors, The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, and The Mayflower Descendant. He is the co-editor of The Ancestry of Catherine Middleton (American Ancestors, 2011), co-author of The Descendants of Judge John Lowell of Newburyport, Massachusetts (Newbury Street Press, 2011), and Ancestors and Descendants of George Rufus and Alice Nelson Pratt (Newbury Street Press, 2013), and author of The Nelson Family of Rowley, Massachusetts (Newbury Street Press, 2014). Chris holds a B.A. in history from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. His areas of expertise include: Southern New England, especially Connecticut; New York; ancestry of notable figures, especially presidents; genetics and genealogy; African-American and Native-American genealogy, 19th and 20th Century research, westward migrations out of New England, and applying to hereditary societies. Chris has lectured on these topics and edits the genetics and genealogy column for American Ancestors.
Sheilagh Doerfler, Senior Researcher received her B.A. in History and Communication from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Her research interests include New England, Ireland, Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Norway, and Sweden.
Melanie McComb, Genealogist assists library visitors, both on-site and online, with their family history research. She also provides lectures on a variety of genealogical topics. Melanie holds a bachelor of science degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. Her areas of research interest include Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Kansas, Prince Edward Island, Québec, and Ireland, and she is experienced in DNA, genealogical technology and social media, Jewish genealogy, and military records.
This copyrighted online course is the property of New England Historic Genealogical Society. Any rebroadcast or reproduction without the express written consent of American Ancestors is strictly prohibited.
Course Materials
Class 1 Handout
Class 1 Slides Worksheet
Class 1 Slides (large)
Class 2 Handout
Class 2 Slides Worksheet
Class 2 Slides (large)
Class 3 Handout
Class 3 Slides Worksheet
Class 3 Slides (large)
Course Materials
Subject Guide: DNA and Genealogy
Archived Webinar: Mining the Treasures in Newspapers