Webinar Abstract: DNA testing has exploded onto the genealogy scene in recent years and is now one of the most important tools available to advance family history research. In order to successfully use DNA testing for genealogy, however, it is essential to combine it……
Using the National Archives Online Catalog
Webinar Abstract: The National Archives is the protector of the nation’s history. While not all of the historical documents they have preserved are online, many more are than you may think, and more come each day. This lecture will introduce……
The Anatomy of BMD: What You Don’t Know About Vital Records
Webinar Abstract: Everyone knows about vital records, right? It’s one of the first record sets you look for in the hunt for your ancestors. But do you know everything about those records you seek? What do you do when no……
AI Tools for Genealogy
Webinar Abstract: Whether you’re conducting research, preserving family artifacts, or writing your family history, artificial intelligence (AI) offers immensely powerful tools to the genealogist. Best of all, these tools are not only surprisingly easy to use, they’re often free! This……
Research Stalled? Leads Might be Lurking in Land Records
Webinar Abstract: Take a tour through various kinds of land records (not just deeds!) and see the genealogical evidence they have to offer. The talk highlights records you’ll see in different jurisdictions; county-level records; proprietors’ records; bounty land records, and……
Connecting with Cousins: Using Tools & Technology for Genealogical Collaboration
Webinar Abstract: For genealogists building family trees or seeking information about DNA matches, a plethora of resources are available online. During this session, we will delve into the unique challenges of working with living people and learn practical tips for……
Military Records: What is a Reasonably Exhaustive Search?
Webinar Abstract: To correlate evidence, you must have evidence to correlate. Typical researchers stop too soon in their evidence collection, believing that they have found all that there is to find about a soldier. There is more to military research……
Stitching Together Family History: Finding Women in the Textile Art
Webinar Abstract: Some of our women hid themselves well! Let’s turn to the records of the Textile arts. Our women ancestors were, for the most part, practical, so the textile arts were perfect for them, although at the time most……
Finding the Original Record When the Index is Unclear
Sometimes to find the original record based on a reference or an index will require a concentrated effort and logical thinking skills to find that record. A well‐prepared index can greatly enhance the usefulness of a resource to researchers, but it is important that we understand how this tool was created. Come along as we try to find several important records and discover what is really there – using a step-by-step process.
Researching in Federal Land Records
Over the history of the United States, almost 2 billion acres of land have been in Federal ownership at one time or another. Federal public land came into private ownership in a variety of ways, from cash sales to preemption to homesteading. Federal land was also granted to railroads and states, who then sold it to private individuals. We will look at how our ancestors acquired federal land and how to find the records of these transfers.