As genealogists, we may be the only people around who can find an upside to the old adage, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Afterall, if no one can escape taxes, then that makes tax records an ideal record set for family history research! In this lecture, our expert will provide an overview U.S. tax records—including the types of tax records available, where to locate records, and how the information in these records can advance your research.

From the mid-19th through the early 20th century waves of European immigrants arrived on American shores seeking new opportunities. Unfortunately, this period also ushered in antisemitic and prejudiced attitudes toward these immigrants, which culminated in the passing of the Immigration Act of 1924. The act introduced an immigrant quota system and other policies that would cause immigration to plummet in the following years. In this lecture, our expert will discuss the historical context of the Immigration Act of 1924, how the act shaped immigration records, and how the “closing of the golden doors” impacted the lives of your ancestors.

In this lecture, our expert will discuss the historical context of Ohio’s settlement—from early fur traders in the 18th century, to westward-bound homesteaders, African Americans travelling in the Great Migration of the 20th century, and beyond. You will learn how this history shaped the records available for your Ohio Ancestors.

Land records are an important, but sometimes overlooked resource for many family historians. They can include critical clues to identifying extended family members, the location of ancestral homesteads, and family relationships. In this lecture, learn how you can locate, read, and apply the information contained in Ohio land records to your own family history.

In this lecture, we’ll share go-to Ohio-based resources, including vital records, histories, genealogies, tax records, and more. Our expert will also touch on physical and digital repositories for Ohio resources.

Louisiana has a unique cultural history that has shaped its available record sets, and published resources are essential for genealogists navigating family history research in the state. There are treasure troves of resources including parish records and histories, genealogies, and published records relating to land, tax, military, enslavement, and more. Join our expert as they share go-to published resources for Louisiana and learn more about your ancestors in the Pelican State.

When we first begin family history research or start work on a new line, we tend to be eager and excited. But that enthusiasm can cloud our thinking and fuel endless unproductive searching! In this lecture, our expert will share top tips for avoiding common “hazards” in your research process. They will also discuss how to develop a research plan, staying organized, analyzing your research, and more.

More than 30 million Americans have Irish Ancestry, and many of us have ancestors who were affected by the Great Famine of 1845-1852. During this time, many relied on Ireland’s Poor Law Unions, which centered around a workhouse where people could labor to receive temporary relief from their poverty. The records produced by the Poor Law Unions can provide valuable information about your ancestors’ lives and rich historical context about the famine. Join our expert as they cover how to use these records in your Irish family history research.

If your ancestor had the right to vote, you can find a wealth of information in their voting records. These records can help you to verify the exact years your ancestor lived in a certain location, locate your ancestor on a state census, identify when your ancestor was naturalized, and more. Join our expert as they discuss where to find voting records, the information they contain, and how to use them to advance your family history research.

More than 400 years ago, the Mayflower landed on the shores of Massachusetts with 102 passengers aboard. Today, there are an estimated 35 million Mayflower descendants worldwide. In this lecture, our expert will discuss the foundations of researching your Mayflower ancestors, including key resources, verifying and documenting your line, applying to the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, and more.