How Errors Get In Records
This session, aimed at advanced beginning researchers (or anyone beyond that state) will focus on ways that “errors” creep into genealogical records–focusing on actual records and not compiled genealogies. We will focus on original records discussing ways mistakes into those records, determining what record is being looked at, when mistakes might not be mistakes at all, and ways to handle mistakes when they have been discovered.
Naturalization: An Un-Natural Process
This presentation focuses on US records of naturalization. Includes a discussion of Colonial era naturalizations as well as those into the 20th century. Emphasis will be on records that were created, how those records fit into the larger naturalization process, and how to access and interpret those records. A variety of records and research situations will be used to illustrate key principles and concepts.
Presentation does not include lengthy introductions, constant product inserts, or repeated attempts to sell other products.
Genealogy Brick Walls from A to Z
Our most popular presentation of the year packed full of information and ideas.
Order for immediate download-regular price $18
This presentation:
- will discuss 26 ways to break those genealogy “brick walls” with one for each letter of the alphabet–actually added a few extras
- is aimed at advanced beginner or intermediate genealogists, we will look at ways to get around those stumbling points that seem insurmountable.
- targets American genealogists
- is also a good review of techniques for those who need some reminders or brushing up of their research process.
Ideas are practical, down-to-earth, and easy to follow. Handout included.
Order immediate download for $18
Beginning German Research
This session will focus on starting your German research. The session will include an overview of German genealogical sources (both online and offline), naming patterns and concerns, maps and other geographic finding aids, basics of terminology and handwriting, and more. Intended for those who have not really started researching their German ancestors in Germany.
Purchase this session for immediate download ($18)
Beginning Irish Research
This session focuses on starting your Irish genealogical research. This session will begin with an overview of the importance of completely researching the Irish immigrant in the United States.
Ireland-specific topics will include:
- Irish civil records–overview and search strategies
- Irish religious records–overview and search strategies
- Irish political jurisdictions, their relationships with each other, and what you need to know
- Overview of record destruction–sorry, it’s a reality
- Overview of Irish names
- Overview of Irish migrations
- Reaching out to others who may be able to help and networking strategies
Intended for those who have not done extensive Irish research.
Order for immediate download–handout included–$18
Newspapers
This presentation will discuss how to determine what newspapers were published that could be relevant to your research, determining how to access these newspapers, and search strategies for digital and microfilm versions of old newspapers.
Order for immediate download–handout included–$18.
Researching the Entire Family
This session will briefly discuss the importance of searching the entire family, strategies for determining who “likely other members of the family” are, what records are likely to provide clues as to these family relationships, and prioritizing your work on other family members in order to stay focused on your research goals.
Order for immediate download–handout included–$18.
Strategies for Crossing the Pond
Order for immediate download for $18
This session will discuss a variety of methods for tracing the “across the pond” origins of immigrant ancestors. It’s not just a list of sources, but focuses on process and procedures. Concepts also apply to tracing the origins of migrating ancestors who crossed the United States as well.
Brick Wall Potpourri
.Order for immediate download for $18.00
This presentation is a variety of “tips and tricks” for breaking brick walls that focusing on thinking “outside the box,” analyzing your process, getting past mind blocks, etc. It is not aimed at any one time period or location and is geared towards advanced beginner or intermediate researchers.
What it Does Not Say
Description: This session will discuss how to find and understand those things that are not written in a record–focusing on the law, social customs, life events, legal procedures, etc. Geared towards advanced beginner or intermediate researchers.
US Land Records
Description: This session will provide an overview of local land records in the United States. Focus will be on record organization, search procedures, research strategies, continuing research, problem-solving when records cannot be located, and more. Geared towards advanced beginner or intermediate researchers.
Female Ancestors
Description: This session will focus on research challenges and issues typically encountered when researching female ancestors. Items discussed will include: women’s property rights, citizenship, marriage, “evaporating” females, “magically appearing” females, problem-solving, and more.
UFO Ancestors
Description: Your ancestor was not dropped off by a UFO, but it may seem like it. This session will discuss methods and approaches when a person “just appears” in a location with little in the way of background or identity. See reasons why people just show up and ways to try and determine where they were from before. Geared towards advanced beginners or intermediate researchers.
Introduction to US Probate Records
This session will provide attendees with an overview the US probate process and how records created fit into that entire process and the basic terminology required to understand and interpret the records correctly. Included will be a discussion of ways to interpret and understand the records, determining what additional records should be searched, and ways to access probate records—including search approaches and use of indexes. Handout included.
Introduction to Local US Court Records
This session will provide an overview of local courts in the United States and ways to locate and find information about applicable local court records for personal research. While all court cases can provide genealogically relevant information, this session will focus on those most likely to provide that information and provide examples of “non-typical cases” that were genealogically relevant. Included will be a discussion of ways to interpret and understand the records, determining what additional records should be searched, and ways to access probate records—including search approaches and use of indexes. Handout included.
