Notarial records are an essential—yet often overlooked—resource for family historians researching ancestors with roots in Quebec. From marriages to estate inventories to labor contracts these records can provide a wealth of genealogical information not found elsewhere. Join us to learn about what types of notarial records exist, how to access them, and how to get the most out of these important resources.

Beyond civil and church records, there are many resources that can assist you in your family history research. This session will review town Lineage/family books (Ortssippenbuch/Ortsfamilienbuch), census records (Volkszählungen), emigration records, occupational records, and military records. We will also discuss how to work with German archives and researchers remotely. 

Newspapers contain a wealth of information for genealogists from obituaries to birth and marriage announcements, from feature articles to classifieds. Newspapers also provide historical narrative and a glimpse into your ancestor’s everyday life. You will learn what information is available, how it can help you in your family history research, and how to access these important resources—especially those available at the American Ancestors library and on AmericanAncestors.org.

This lecture offers many examples of the more prominent records for genealogy in Italy and how best to read them and translate them. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

The Huguenots were French Protestants persecuted by a staunchly Catholic government. Thousands fled France in the 16th and 17th centuries seeking refuge across Europe, Africa, and North America including areas of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina. Join us to learn more about these religious refugees, where they came from and where they settled in America, and how to research them using several published resources.

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.  

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.