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.
COURSE HANDOUTS
Class 1 Handout
Class 1 Slides (Worksheet)
Class 1 Slides (Large)
Class 2 Handout
Class 2 Slides (Worksheet)
Class 2 Slides (Large)
Class 3 Handout
Class 3 Slides (Worksheet)
Class 3 Slides (Large)
Probate Abstract Form (PDF)
Probate Abstract Form (Word)
COURSE SCHEDULE
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.
Class 2: Locating and Navigating Probate Records
Presented by: Melanie McComb, melanie.mccomb@nehgs.org
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.
Class 3: Leveraging Probate Records in Your Family History Research
Presented by: Rhonda R. McClure, rmmclure@nehgs.org
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.
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
Class 1: The Basics
Live Broadcast: May 29, 2024
Presented by: David Allen Lambert
Running Time: 1:38:58
Class 2: Locating and Navigating Probate Records
Live Broadcast: June 5, 2024
Presented by: Melanie McComb
Running Time: 1:24:27
Class 3: Leveraging Probate Records in Your Family History Research
Live broadcast: June 12, 2024
Presented by Rhonda R. McClure
Running Time: 1:41:54
INSTRUCTOR BIOS
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.
Rhonda R. McClure, Senior Genealogist is a nationally recognized professional genealogist and lecturer. Before joining American Ancestors in 2006, she ran her own genealogical business for 18 years. She was a contributing editor for Heritage Quest Magazine, Biography magazine, and was a contributor to The History Channel Magazine and American History Magazine. In addition to numerous articles, she is the author of twelve books including the award-winning The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Online Genealogy, Finding your Famous and Infamous Ancestors and Digitizing Your Family History. She is the editor of the 6th edition of the Genealogist’s Handbook for New England Research. Her areas of expertise include, immigration and naturalization, late 19th- and early 20th-century urban research, missionaries, State Department Federal records, New England, Mid-West, Southern, German, Italian, Scottish, Irish, French Canadian, and New Brunswick research as well as Internet research, genealogical software and online trees.
Melanie McComb, Senior 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.