Welcome!
Thank you for registering for the online course, Using Probate Records in Your Family History Research!
Probate records are crucial—but sometimes overlooked—sources for family historians. Hiding in these legal documents may be full family groups, immediate and extended family connections, origins, and even maiden names. These sources may also be used as vital record substitutes and provide a glimpse into your ancestor’s property and worldly possessions. This three-week online course will provide an in-depth tutorial on how to understand, locate, and leverage wills, inventories, guardianships, and other probate records in your family history research.
This course includes three 90-minute classes; exclusive access to handouts and recordings of each presentation; and in-depth q&a sessions with the instructor.
ZOOM ACCESS INFORMATION
Join Zoom Webinar:https://zoom.us/j/99620679582
Webinar ID: 996 2067 9582
Dial by your location (audio-only):
US: +1 301 715 8592
+1 312 626 6799
+1 646 558 8656
+1 253 215 8782
+1 346 248 7799
+1 669 900 9128
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/agAHprWe5
COURSE HANDOUTS
COURSE SCHEDULE
| Course Activity | Dates of Access | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Class #1 | ||
| Class #1: Online presentation (live!) | 9/15/2021, 6:00 pm EDT | Class 1: The Basics Presented by: David Allen Lambert, dalambert@nehgs.org Probate records refer to more than just wills; they can include guardianships, inventories, administrations, accounts, bonds, and more. All probate records have specific functions and terminology. This first class will lay the groundwork for the later classes providing you with the tools to understand and navigate these legal documents, critical to your family history research. Join here: https://zoom.us/j/99620679582 |
| Video of Class #1 | 9/16/2021 | Watch the first class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #2 | ||
| Class #2: Online presentation (live!) | 9/22/2021, 6:00 pm EDT |
Class 2: Locating and Navigating Probate Records The laws governing probate in America changed over time—from colony to colony, state to state—affecting where you’re likely to find certain records. A few states are also arranged by probate district that are distinct from county boundaries. This class will help you determine how to locate probate records by jurisdiction and navigate online and in-person resources. Join here: https://zoom.us/j/99620679582 |
| Video of Class #2 | 9/23/2021 | Watch the second class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #3 | ||
| Class #3: Online presentation (live!) | 9/29/2021, 6:00 pm EDT |
Class 3: Leveraging Probate Records in Your Family History Research Probate records can act as vital record substitutes, provide family connections, contain maiden names, and more. A single probate document, however, rarely provides the full story. You need to use the record alongside other resources to build your case and think creatively to fully understand its value. Using several case studies, this final class will provide you with strategies for getting the most out of probate records and demonstrate how they can be used to break down genealogical brick walls. Join here: https://zoom.us/j/99620679582 |
| Video of Class #3 | 9/30/2021 | Watch the third class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
Click on a session below to access class recordings, handouts, and slides.
Class 1: The Basics
Presented by: David Allen Lambert
Running Time: 1:36:33
Live Broadcast: September 15, 2021
Class 2: Locating and Navigating Probate Records
Presented by: Melanie McComb
Running Time: 1:23:04
Live Broadcast: September 22, 2021
Class 3: Leveraging Probate Records in Your Family History Research
Presented by: Katrina Fahy
Running Time: 1:36:34
Live Broadcast: September 29, 2021
INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Katrina Fahy, Genealogist a native of Dedham, Massachusetts, earned a B.A. in History and Art History from St. Anselm College. Previously, she interned at the New Hampshire Historical Society, constructing biographies of New Hampshire quilt makers as well as transcribing a mid-nineteenth century New Hampshire diary and creating an educational program based on its contents. Katrina's research areas include New England and South East regions, the American Revolution, and lineage society research.
David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist has been on the staff of American Ancestors since 1993 and is the organization’s Chief Genealogist. David is an internationally recognized speaker on the topics of genealogy and history. His genealogical expertise includes New England and Atlantic Canadian records of the 17th through 21st century; military records; DNA research; and Native American and African American genealogical research in New England. Lambert has published many articles in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register, the New Hampshire Genealogical Record, Rhode Island Roots, The Mayflower Descendant, and American Ancestorsmagazine. He has also published A Guide to Massachusetts Cemeteries (American Ancestors, 2019). David is an elected Fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston, Mass., and a life member of the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati. He is also the tribal genealogist for the Massachuset-Punkapoag Indians of Massachusetts.
Melanie McComb, Genealogist assists library visitors, both on-site and online, with their family history research. She also provides lectures on a variety of genealogical topics. Melanie holds a bachelor of science degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. Her areas of research interest include Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Kansas, Prince Edward Island, Québec, and Ireland, and she is experienced in DNA, genealogical technology and social media, Jewish genealogy, and military records.
Probate Abstract Template (.docx)