Family History   

This class covers the immigrants to each of the original 13 colonies and the best genealogy records to be found for each of those groups. As expected, there are a large variety of records for these colonies, and fortunately, a great many of these records can be found on-line. The record types include: property and land records; early military data; data from books; church and civic records; and immigration records. Key sources include different specialized collections, libraries, and different genealogy societies.

 *This class is being recorded. 

This class offers a step-by-step process to show how to find ancestors in historical newspapers and books. There are several large sites that provide data for on-line newspapers or books, but it is often challenging to find the specific data you need. This class shows how to use the "finding sites" so that you can readily zero in on the data you need to find for your ancestors. Also, there is a discussion of the use of off-line data as needed.

 *This class is being recorded. 

This class defines the most essential tools required for the modern 2023 genealogist. Eight categories are covered: (1) hardware; (2) software; (3) the large genealogy search engines; (4) the major specialty sites and collections; (5) off-line genealogy data; (6) the "genealogy data finding sites;" (7) the requisite DNA tools; and (8) the genealogy learning sites. The genealogy world has been changing rapidly with many new sites, features, and data finding opportunities so it is important to stay current in these areas.

 *This class is being recorded. 

This class takes a "how-to" approach to show the detailed steps used to extend a family tree using DNA results combined with the regular "paper data." One example shows how DNA data provided the means to define a 5th generation Revolutionary War soldier. Another example illustrates the process to find and verify new ancestors back in the 6th and 7th generation. With recent new features in the big DNA companies the value of DNA has increased markedly along with the ease of finding new ancestors.

 *This class is being recorded. 

This class covers a variety of German genealogy records that are often available to supplement or even substitute for the commonly used church records. Record types include: civic vital records; court records; land and property records; military records; tax records; town anniversary books; and Family books. Examples are provided for each of the record types.

 *This class is being recorded. 

Are you one of the more than 33 million Americans who have Irish or Scots-Irish ancestors? Good news: finding those ancestors back to the 1800's is easier now. The Irish government now provides free online civil record images (including pre-1922 Northern Ireland). We'll cover how to get started, websites for Irish and Scots-Irish genealogy and a Case Study demonstrating how six of those websites were used to find two generations of Irish ancestors (and exactly where they lived in Ireland) after starting with just the names of two immigrants to America. Includes 10-page handout.

 *This class is being recorded.