Welcome
Thank you for registering for our 2025 Connecticut Research Tour, which is taking place Wednesday, May 21-Friday, May 23, 2025!
Uncover your Nutmeg State roots on a special research trip to the Connecticut State Library and Archives. While there, you will have exclusive access to city directories, town records, newspapers, probate records, special genealogy files, published resources, and much more. Our experts will help you plan your research during a pre-trip consultation and also offer on-site assistance. Whether this is your first trip to the Connecticut State Library or one of many, American Ancestors will help you make the most of your time there. The opportunity to enjoy the company and camaraderie of fellow researchers is an added bonus!
Program includes:
- Orientation to collections of the Connecticut State Library by CSL Staff
- Two 30-minute consultations with expert genealogists (one virtual pre-tour consultation, one on-tour consultation)
- Lecture by American Ancestors genealogist
- Opening dinner on Wednesday, May 21
- Pre-program preparatory webinar and resources
- Access to archived online course, Researching Connecticut Ancestors: Four Centuries of History and Genealogy, including access to 5+ hours of recorded lectures, handouts, and more.
Please reach out to Kathleen Mackenzie, Education & Programming Manager, at kathleen.mackenzie@americanancestors.org if you have any questions prior to the program.
Pre-Tour Preparation Presentation
Live broadcast: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Presented by Christopher C. Child, Senior Genealogist for the Newbury Street Press; Editor of the Mayflower Descendant; Associate Editor of the Register and by Kathleen Mackenzie, Education & Programming Manager.
Learn how to prepare for your time in Hartford and at the Connecticut State Library, make the most of your one-on-one consultations, and more! This presentation will be held in a zoom meeting format. This means that during our Q&A sessions you will have the option to come on camera, unmute, and ask questions. You also have the option to remain muted with your camera off, and instead ask questions in the meeting chat.
Pre-Tour To-Dos
American Ancestors Participant Information and Research Interests Forms (required)
Participant Form 1 - For Pre-Tour Zoom Consultation - Due May 2, 2025
Please fill out this Participant Form by May 2, 2025. Your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your pre-tour consultation! It also allows you to submit emergency contact information, dietary restrictions, and more.
Participant Form 2 - For One On-Tour Consultation - Due May 16, 2025
Please fill out this Participant Form by May 16, 2025. Your answers on this form will assist our genealogists in preparing for your two on-tour consultations!
If you have any questions about filling out these forms, please contact Education and Programming Manager, Kathleen Mackenzie at kathleen.mackenzie@americanancestors.org. Please note that you have the option to save your form and return to it by clicking the "Save" button at the bottom of the page.
American Ancestors Online Course: Researching Connecticut Ancestors: Four Centuries of History and Genealogy (optional)
Last year we offered an online course on Connecticut Genealogy, which includes 5+ hours of recorded lectures and handouts. You may find this online course helpful as you prepare for the trip! You can access the course materials here.
Schedule
| Wednesday, May 21 | |
| 10:00 a.m. | Orientation by Connecticut State Library Staff |
| 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Personal research and consultations |
| 4:00 p.m. | Connecticut State Library closes |
| 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Lecture: Probate, Land, and Court Records in Connecticut, American Ancestors genealogist Christopher C. Child. Held at local venue, Fire by Forge |
| 5:30 p.m. | Opening dinner at local venue, Fire by Forge |
| Thursday, May 22 | |
| 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Personal research and consultations |
| 4:00 p.m. | Connecticut State Library closes |
| Friday, May 23 | |
| 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Personal research and consultations |
| 4:00 p.m. | Connecticut State Library closes |
Area Accommodations
We have a courtesy room block with the DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown, located at 315 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103, which is a 15-minute walk (or 5-minute drive) from the Connecticut State Library & Archives. The available rate is $169/night, and parking is $19/night.
To reserve a room as part of the block, please use this link or contact Hilton's toll-free reservation line at (800) 754-7941 and requesting the "American Ancestors CT" group block. Please book by May 1.
There are other area accommodations nearby, which you can view on google maps here.
Please contact Kathleen with any questions at kathleen.mackenzie@americanancestors.org.
Tour Leaders
