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Catalog of Lectures

Lecture
US - New England
US - Southern States
18th Century
Records and Research

No Battlefield Service Required: Researching Patriotic Ancestors

Your ancestor may not have served on the battlefield, but may still have supported the cause through supplies, medical aid, petitions or oaths of fidelity, service in the Continental Congress, or more yet. This lecture will explore the many records which may shed light on an ancestor’s patriotic leanings and support. We will also examine women’s patriotic service during the Revolutionary War.

Lecture
Canada
US - New England
US - Southern States
18th Century
Records and Research

Applying to Revolutionary War Lineage Societies

This lecture provides a step-by-step look at applying to Revolutionary War lineage societies, including the general application process and tips for when you can’t find vital records. The lineage societies covered in this presentation will include National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution, The Society of the Cincinnati, The Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, and the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada.

Lecture
US - New England
US - Southern States
18th Century

From Tyranny to Freedom: Irish Contributions to the American Revolution

It's estimated that upwards of 50% of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War were Irish immigrants. Many Irish also served in the British Army. Torn between loyalty to the British Crown, economic stability, and opportunity, the Irish made a lasting impact during the war and post-war settlement in the American colonies. Join Senior Genealogist Melanie McComb to learn about the incentives offered to the Irish from both sides of the conflict, how to research their military service, pensions, bounty land, and identify their origins in Ireland.

Lecture
US - New England
US - Southern States
18th Century

Germans in the Revolution: Hessians and Patriots

What role did Germans play in the American Revolution—and how might their stories intersect with your own family history? In this lecture, Senior Genealogist Hallie Kirchner will explore the complex experiences of German-speaking people on both sides of the conflict: from the so-called “Hessians” hired by the British to the many German immigrants who supported the Patriot cause. Along the way, we’ll examine how to identify German origins in colonial records, trace Hessian soldiers who remained in North America, and better understand the cultural and political forces that shaped their decisions. Whether your ancestors fought for independence, arrived as soldiers in foreign service, or lived in German-American communities during the Revolutionary era, this lecture will provide valuable historical context and practical strategies for discovering their stories.

Lecture
US - New England
Records and Research

A Guide to Connecticut Resources

Connecticut has a wealth of information available to researchers, ranging from the seventeenth-century to present day. Learn what resources are available, while gaining valuable research tips.

Lecture
US - New England
17th Century
18th Century

A Brief History of Colonial Wars in New England 

This lecture will discuss how to determine if your ancestor fought, review a veritable timeline of colonial wars in New England, Atlantic Canada, and Quebec during the 17th and 18th centuries, and provide the historical context for these conflicts. 

Lecture
US - New England
17th Century
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
Records and Research

Boston Research and Records

Since its founding in 1630, the City of Boston has kept records pertaining to its citizens, including several unique resources. Join us to learn what records exist for Boston, tips for using them in your research, and where to find them. Special attention will be given to records from the 17th through 19th centuries.

Lecture
US - New England

New Hampshire Resources

Delve into the world of family history research in New Hampshire through live demonstration. In this lecture, we will discuss essential state-specific resources and records for the granite state.

Lecture
US - New England
17th Century
Records and Research

Verifying Descent from Salem’s Accused Witches

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of court cases and accusations of witchcraft across colonial America, yet the most famous series of prosecutions from this period are the Salem witch trials between 1692 and 1693. In that short period, more than two hundred were accused, thirty found guilty, and 20 executed. In this online lecture, we will discuss how to verify your lineage from someone accused of witchcraft in Salem during the Hysteria. We will point you to key records, resources, and references for proving your line of descent.

Lecture
US - Migrations
US - New England
Basics of Genealogy

Migrations: From New England To and Through New York

New York has been called “the first West for New England” because so many New Englanders settled there before continuing westward. Understanding patterns of settlement, expansion, and migration can help identify your ancestor’s deep New England roots. In this online lecture, we will discuss the historical context, records, and research strategies for tracing ancestors on the move in the Northeast.