Did your ancestors fight to win America’s independence? Join us for an engaging lecture that unlocks the tools, records, and strategies needed to trace soldiers of the colonists' cause.
This lecture will guide you through essential sources—including military service records, pension applications, muster rolls, and state archives—and demonstrate how to uncover personal stories and connect your findings to larger historical events.
Come explore the past and bring your ancestors’ Revolutionary War experiences into clearer focus!
Registration in this program includes access to a 60-minute live broadcast, recording, and other materials for the foreseeable future.
Lecture Recording
Live Broadcast: January 17, 2026
Presented by: Elizabeth Peay
Running Time: 01:16:56
Lecture Materials
About the Speaker
Elizabeth Peay, Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press, works for the Publishing team, researching and writing for the Newbury Street Press. Using extensive research and advanced scholarship, she compiles and produces family history projects to meet the highest scholarly standards. One of Elizabeth’s most notable works is the three volume Biographies of Original Members and Qualifying Officers: Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Connecticut.
Throughout her work, Elizabeth stays in contact with the Advancement team in order to ensure a strong line of communication with her clients. She also works with the Education department to create and deliver lectures, some of which have focused on colonial New England genealogy and Revolutionary War genealogy. Elizabeth has also contributed to the Vita Brevis blog.
Prior to her work with American Ancestors, Elizabeth studied at the University of Connecticut and Smith College, earning a dual BA in History and Classical Studies. She completed an internship for the Tiffany Windows Education Center in Boston and worked for Historic New England at Roseland Cottage. Elizabeth’s areas of expertise include colonial New England, the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, Land Bounty records, and Pension records.
Other Resources
Revolutionary Roots website
American Ancestors magazine article: Finding Revolutionary War Patriots in Your Family Tree
American Ancestors magazine article: Strategies for Tracing Revolutionary War Veterans
Archived webinar: Friend or Foe: Researching Colonial Ancestors During the American Revolution
Archived webinar: Applying to Revolutionary War Lineage Societies