This lecture introduces the participant to the challenges and joys of researching one’s Irish ancestors. Major sources of information as well as strategies for tracking elusive ancestors are presented. Throughout the lecture examples illustrate the principles of genealogical research including learning all you can about your immigrant ancestor.
This lecture, suitable for beginners in Irish research, starts by having the Family Historian clarify what is being looked for and creating a plan for research. Next, an overview of Irish records is presented, followed by an identification of “Go-To” resources.
With the influx of immigrants to America in the 20th century, many immigrant aid societies were created to assist new arrivals with job placement, medical support, finding lost family, and generally get them acclimated to life in America. Some of these organizations include Traveler’s Aid Society, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), Charitable Irish Society of Boston, the Irish Emigrant Society of New York, St. Raphael’s Society, and many others. The records and case files kept by each society can offer a detailed look into the life of your ancestor. This session will provide a brief history of the immigrant aid society movement in America, how they operated, what information can be found in records, and how to locate them.
Beyond the all-important passenger list, immigration to America resulted in the creation of several other records. This presentation will demonstrate how to utilize several records, including: passports (both those from the origin nation and those later applied for by naturalized US citizens), border crossings, C-Files (naturalization certificates, 1906-1956), AR-2 Files (Alien Registration Forms, 1940-1944), WWI Alien Registrations (1918, gathered by each state), Visa Files (1924-1944), A-Files (1944-1951), and the Arolsen Archive database, which documents European refugee arrivals following Nazi persecution.
Learn about the important context for understanding your ancestors’ emigrant experience, why certain records were created, and how immigration policies changed throughout the 20th century. We will discuss who was coming to America, the reasons for emigrating, how world events affected immigration, the arrival process, and ports of entry, plus the introduction of the quota system, visas, and increased legislation.
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.
In the 20th century, an immigrant could be turned away from entering the United States for a variety of reasons: bad health, likely to become a public charge, political allegiance, etc. This session will review materials found in Record Group 85 (RG 85) that pertain to deportation, immigrant investigation, and Chinese Exclusion Act case files. We’ll look at what information is provided, how to access the materials, and how they may be helpful in piecing together your family history.
Passenger arrival records, border crossings, passport applications, and records of special inquiry are just some of the types of immigration and naturalization records available at the National Archives. We will provide an overview of these important resources, how to access them, and how to make the most of them in your family history research.
This lecture covers major waves of emigration beginning in the 17th century. Topics include why the Irish left and what regions of Ireland they came from, and where they settled.
Centuries of Irish history were lost as a result of the Four Courts Fire in Dublin in 1922. We will delve into the history leading up to the battle at the Four Courts, discuss the records that were housed in the Public Records Office, and explain why their destruction has made researching in Ireland so difficult. The lecture will also include record alternatives, what survived, records in other repositories and an initiative to recreate a virtual Public Records Office.
