Catalog of Lectures

Louisiana has a unique cultural history that has shaped its available record sets, and published resources are essential for genealogists navigating family history research in the state. There are treasure troves of resources including parish records and histories, genealogies, and published records relating to land, tax, military, enslavement, and more. Join our expert as they share go-to published resources for Louisiana and learn more about your ancestors in the Pelican State.

From the mid-19th through the early 20th century waves of European immigrants arrived on American shores seeking new opportunities. Unfortunately, this period also ushered in antisemitic and prejudiced attitudes toward these immigrants, which culminated in the passing of the Immigration Act of 1924. The act introduced an immigrant quota system and other policies that would cause immigration to plummet in the following years. In this lecture, our expert will discuss the historical context of the Immigration Act of 1924, how the act shaped immigration records, and how the “closing of the golden doors” impacted the lives of your ancestors.

As genealogists, we may be the only people around who can find an upside to the old adage, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Afterall, if no one can escape taxes, then that makes tax records an ideal record set for family history research! In this lecture, our expert will provide an overview U.S. tax records—including the types of tax records available, where to locate records, and how the information in these records can advance your research.

Nearly 250 years ago, America declared its independence from the British Empire, changing the course of history. While many took up the cause and supported revolution, others remained loyal to the British government—turning friends into foes and pitting neighbor against neighbor. In this online lecture, Chief Genealogist David Allen Lambert will discuss how to research your colonial ancestors and determine if—and how—they may have served the cause of the American Revolution.

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.

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.