| Schedule | Recorded Presentations & Videos | Instructor Bios |
WELCOME!
Thank you for registering for the online course, Researching New Netherland Ancestors!
The 17th-century colony of New Netherland was a crossroads for people from Europe, Africa, and the Americas. While there are certainly challenges in researching this time, place, and people (hard-to-read handwriting, different languages, unique surname systems), there are several bright spots as well (record survival, published transcriptions, and knowable naming conventions). This three-week online course will explore the history of New Netherland and New Amsterdam, point you to key genealogical resources and references, and demonstrate several research strategies using a variety of case studies.
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 July 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!) | 4/14/2021, 6:00 PM eastern time | Class 1: Brief History of New Netherland Instructor: Sheilagh Doerfler, Genealogist Description: To understand your ancestors, you must learn about the historical context that governed their lives. This is especially true for New Netherland research as competing bids for control from the English and Dutch affected record keeping, laws, and customs. This first class will provide a brief timeline of New Netherland history, discuss the make-up and migrations of its people, and discuss some basic research considerations. |
| Video of Class #1 | 4/15/2021 and after | Watch the first class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #2 | ||
| Class #2: Online presentation (live!) | 4/21/2021, 6:00 PM eastern time | Class 2: The Records Instructor: Sheilagh Doerfler, Genealogist Description: This class will discuss several go-to published sources and primary records such as probate, church, newspapers, private records, passenger lists, deeds, and more. For each type of record we will review what they are, the information they contain, and how to find them. 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 | 4/22/2021 and after | Watch the second class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #3 | ||
| Class #3: Online presentation (live!) | 4/28/2021, 6:00 PM eastern time | Class 3: Research Strategies and Case Studies Instructor: Henry B. Hoff, CG, FASG, Editor of the Register Description: This final class will demonstrate various research strategies through several case studies of how to uncover origins, find and confirm parentage, piece together family units, and learn more about your ancestor. 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 | 4/29/2021 and after | Watch the third class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS & VIDEOS
Class 1: Brief History of New Netherland
Presented by: Sheilagh Doerfler
Running Time: 1:34:22
Live Broadcast: April 14, 2021
To understand your ancestors, you must learn about the historical context that governed their lives. This is especially true for New Netherland research as competing bids for control from the English and Dutch affected record keeping, laws, and customs. This first class will provide a brief timeline of New Netherland history, discuss the make-up and migrations of its people, and discuss some basic research considerations.
Class 2: The Records
Presented by: Sheilagh Doerfler
Running Time: 1:28:56
Live Broadcast: April 21, 2021
This class will discuss several go-to published sources and primary records such as probate, church, newspapers, private records, passenger lists, deeds, and more. For each type of record we will review what they are, the information they contain, and how to find them.
Class 3: Research Strategies and Case Studies
Presented by: Henry B. Hoff
Running Time: 1:29:53
Live Broadcast: April 28, 2021
This final class will demonstrate various research strategies through several case studies of how to uncover origins, find and confirm parentage, piece together family units, and learn more about your ancestor.
Additional resources mantioned in chat log
INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Sheilagh Doerfler, Senior Researcher received her B.A. in History and Communication from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Sheilagh is a genealogist in our Research Services department conducting research for hire. Essentially, her job is to tackle research challenges on a daily basis and knock down genealogical brick walls. Her research interests include New England, New York, Ireland, Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Norway, and Sweden.
Henry B. Hoff, CG, FASG, Editor of the Register has been the editor of The New England Historical and Genealogical Register since 2001. Previously he was trustee editor of The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists, a Fellow of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and a Certified Genealogist. He is the author of more than 200 genealogical articles in numerous scholarly journals and is the co-author, compiler, or editor of seven books. He is also the editor of the “Focus on New York” column in American Ancestors magazine.
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)