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Catalog of Lectures

Lecture
British Isles
17th Century
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
Immigration

History of Northern Ireland and the Scots-Irish Migration to America

This lecture provides a brief introduction to the seeds of forces pushing the Scots-Irish out of Ireland.  It begins with 17th century Ireland: revolt, confiscation, and plantation. Next, the 18th and 19th century forces are covered:  penal Laws, Test Act, and rebellion.  Throughout the lecture, sources of information are covered.  

Lecture
US - Midwestern States
US - New England
US - Southern States
US - West Coast
17th Century
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
Records and Research

Finding Your Ancestor in American Fraternal Organization Records

Was your ancestor a Freemason, an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Columbus, or a member of another fraternal organization? In this webinar, we will teach you how to identify different fraternal organizations, provide valuable tools for locating a lodge and its records, and discuss how these records can enrich your family history research.

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

Researching New England Colonial Soldiers

 Learn about the various colonial wars that 17th and 18th New Englanders participated in.  We will discuss published and manuscript resources, and how to "Adopt the Regiment" to learn more about your ancestor through associated records.  

Lecture
19th Century
20th Century
Records and Research

Researching Urban Ancestors in the 19th and 20th Centuries

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, American cities seemingly sprang up overnight as new industries, new immigrant populations, and new opportunities blossomed. Finding your ancestor in a growing metropolis can be tricky. Luckily there are several resources, records, and research strategies available to assist you in your search. We will discuss some of these key sources and techniques for researching your urban ancestry.

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

Out to Sea: Researching Mariner Ancestors in New England

For many living in New England during the 17th through 19th centuries, their livelihood and even survival was inextricably linked to the sea. In this webinar we will provide a brief history of mariners in New England, discuss major ports and sources of industry, highlight key records, and demonstrate how to reconstruct your ancestor’s life on the sea and along the shore.

Lecture
Western Europe
15th Century and Prior
16th Century
17th Century
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
Immigration
Records and Research

Basics of Scandinavian Research

The first Scandinavians arrived in North America nearly 1,000 years ago on Viking ships. Today, an estimated 11 million Americans have Scandinavian ancestry. This webinar will provide an introduction to essential records, repositories, and strategies for exploring your Scandinavian roots, focusing on Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. You’ll learn how to address challenges in Scandinavian research including language barriers, common names, patronymic surnames, name changes, and more. We will also discuss the historical context that transformed the region and influenced the lives of your ancestors.

Lecture
US - Migrations
16th Century
17th Century
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century

Strategies for Tracking Ancestors on the Move

As in much of genealogy, you must rely on multiple records and strategies to piece together your ancestor’s life. This is especially true for tracing ancestors on the move. This  class will provide some essential strategies and research tools to understand your ancestor’s movements, providing several practical examples and case studies along the way. 

Lecture
US - Midwestern States
US - Migrations
US - New England
US - Southern States
US - West Coast
17th Century
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
21st Century
Basics of Genealogy
Records and Research
Technology and Resources

Using Voting Records in Family History Research

If your ancestor had the right to vote, you can find a wealth of information in their voting records. These records can help you to verify the exact years your ancestor lived in a certain location, locate your ancestor on a state census, identify when your ancestor was naturalized, and more. Join our expert as they discuss where to find voting records, the information they contain, and how to use them to advance your family history research.

Lecture
British Isles
19th Century
Basics of Genealogy
Records and Research
Technology and Resources

Researching Famine Irish Ancestors in Ireland's Poor Law

More than 30 million Americans have Irish Ancestry, and many of us have ancestors who were affected by the Great Famine of 1845-1852. During this time, many relied on Ireland’s Poor Law Unions, which centered around a workhouse where people could labor to receive temporary relief from their poverty. The records produced by the Poor Law Unions can provide valuable information about your ancestors’ lives and rich historical context about the famine. Join our expert as they cover how to use these records in your Irish family history research.

Lecture
US - Midwestern States
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
Records and Research
Technology and Resources

Ohio Settlement and Migration

In this lecture, our expert will discuss the historical context of Ohio’s settlement—from early fur traders in the 18th century, to westward-bound homesteaders, African Americans travelling in the Great Migration of the 20th century, and beyond. You will learn how this history shaped the records available for your Ohio Ancestors.