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Historical Records

Watch webinars that focus on specific record categories including adoption, vital records, cemetery records, census records, city directories, immigration records, newspapers and more for locations around the world.

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1:49:51
Using Google Earth Web to Tell Your Family History Migration Stories
Learn how to use the free Google Earth Web platform to create and share engaging, interactive, multimedia stories that follow the footsteps of your ancestors. Although both the web and desktop versions have Google Earth in their name, they are very different. Learn how to navigate the platform interface, add multimedia content to your digital story, share your digital family history story, and preserve it. We will also discuss best practices for planning your Google Earth Web story. No coding skills needed!
Learn how to use the free Google Earth Web platform to create and share engaging, interactive, multimedia stories that follow the footsteps of your ancestors. Although both the web and desktop versions have Google Earth in their name, they are very different. Learn how to navigate the platform interface, add multimedia content to your digital story, share your digital family history story, and preserve it. We will also discuss best practices for planning your Google Earth Web story. No coding skills needed!
Fri, October 31 2025: 18:00 UTC
1:05:33
909 views
CC
Mapping for Research Success (a 2025 Reisinger Lecture)
Many challenging research problems involve understanding where our ancestors lived, their land, neighbors, jurisdictions, and landmarks. While historical maps can sometimes be found for the geography of our research problem, they often don’t cover the timeframe or include specific data that our research has uncovered. Genealogists frequently need to edit or create maps to communicate their findings and conclusions. This presentation will focus on leveraging existing maps, using online tools to annotate and edit, and/or create new maps that can be utilized for individual analysis, as well as in research reports and articles. With over 40 years of experience as a professional graphic designer, the lecturer will illustrate techniques using free and paid tools that can be used to produce effective maps.
Many challenging research problems involve understanding where our ancestors lived, their land, neighbors, jurisdictions, and landmarks. While historical maps can sometimes be found for the geography of our research problem, they often don’t cover the timeframe or include specific data that our research has uncovered. Genealogists frequently need to edit or create maps to communicate their findings and conclusions. This presentation will focus on leveraging existing maps, using online tools to annotate and edit, and/or create new maps that can be utilized for individual analysis, as well as in research reports and articles. With over 40 years of experience as a professional graphic designer, the lecturer will illustrate techniques using free and paid tools that can be used to produce effective maps.
Fri, October 17 2025: 20:45 UTC
1:11:42
1.0K views
CC
Finding Uncle John’s Grist Mill, His Neighbors And That Cemetery Using Maps, Records & Stories
Topographic maps and soil maps should help us identify a community, including neighbors, ferries, mills, cemeteries, historic houses, and many other landmarks. By using a combination of resources, the picture of this community will be more visible and more clearly understood.
Topographic maps and soil maps should help us identify a community, including neighbors, ferries, mills, cemeteries, historic houses, and many other landmarks. By using a combination of resources, the picture of this community will be more visible and more clearly understood.
Wed, November 6 2024: 19:00 UTC
1:28:36
Urban Mapping Tools
This presentation will suggest strategies to correlate large amounts of information often developed in urban research, with a significant emphasis on the use of cartographic resources. Generally, researchers of urban settings have an abundance of sources to consider. Many times, the challenge is to connect and analyze multiple, even overwhelming, amounts of information. A variety of resources will be discussed, especially, cadastral maps (land ownership), Sanborn fire insurance maps and city directories.
This presentation will suggest strategies to correlate large amounts of information often developed in urban research, with a significant emphasis on the use of cartographic resources. Generally, researchers of urban settings have an abundance of sources to consider. Many times, the challenge is to connect and analyze multiple, even overwhelming, amounts of information. A variety of resources will be discussed, especially, cadastral maps (land ownership), Sanborn fire insurance maps and city directories.
Wed, April 19 2023: 0:00 UTC
59:36
A Deep Dive into the Map Collections of the Library of Congress
The library holds the world’s largest collection of maps—over 5.2 million maps according to their website. This webinar will describe the collections most valuable for genealogical research. We are going to explore the online resources and how they can help our research. Exploring the phenomenal learning resources is also on the agenda. We will also talk about finding aids, research guides, reproduction capabilities, and alternative ways to access the map collections. Lastly, we will discuss the resources that are only available onsite, such as the cartographic library, cartographic exhibits, and other unique holdings.
The library holds the world’s largest collection of maps—over 5.2 million maps according to their website. This webinar will describe the collections most valuable for genealogical research. We are going to explore the online resources and how they can help our research. Exploring the phenomenal learning resources is also on the agenda. We will also talk about finding aids, research guides, reproduction capabilities, and alternative ways to access the map collections. Lastly, we will discuss the resources that are only available onsite, such as the cartographic library, cartographic exhibits, and other unique holdings.
Fri, September 23 2022: 15:30 UTC
1:05:54
Mining Washington-area Map Repositories
A survey of both online and physical map repositories located in the Washington, DC, area is presented in this webinar.
A survey of both online and physical map repositories located in the Washington, DC, area is presented in this webinar.
Thu, May 16 2019: 0:00 UTC
1:06:55
2.7K views
CC
50 Websites for Finding Maps
Learn more about where to find maps and the diversity of map websites found online with 50 suggestions you can start using today.
Learn more about where to find maps and the diversity of map websites found online with 50 suggestions you can start using today.
Fri, May 3 2019: 0:00 UTC
55:16
Genealogical Applications of Historical GIS
Learn to use these new tools to expand your research tools. GIS (geographic information system) is a database of geographic information. Google Earth is an example of a large and very sophisticated GIS application.
Learn to use these new tools to expand your research tools. GIS (geographic information system) is a database of geographic information. Google Earth is an example of a large and very sophisticated GIS application.
Fri, July 20 2018: 0:00 UTC
1:32:03
4.3K views
CC
Using Maps in Genealogical Research
Every ancestor, at every moment, occupied a specific, physical location. Maps decode and amplify the significance of those locations by providing context and background information. This heavily illustrated lecture shows examples of the map types best-suited to genealogy, and the syllabus provides links to quality online sources for those maps….
Every ancestor, at every moment, occupied a specific, physical location. Maps decode and amplify the significance of those locations by providing context and background information. This heavily illustrated lecture shows examples of the map types best-suited to genealogy, and the syllabus provides links to quality online sources for those maps….
Tue, June 19 2018: 0:00 UTC
1:11:44
Using Military Maps in Genealogy
Military maps have some obvious value to the family researcher. If our person of interest was in a military unit or fought in a battle we might want to understand the battle or locate his unit, knowing he was there at that time and place.
Military maps have some obvious value to the family researcher. If our person of interest was in a military unit or fought in a battle we might want to understand the battle or locate his unit, knowing he was there at that time and place.
Fri, February 9 2018: 0:00 UTC
1:30:11
3.7K views
Southern States Migration Patterns
Why did people migrate from one location to another? What routes did they follow, and how can identifying migration trails help you find your ancestors? Learn from maps and historical details how to follow the trail of your ancestors into and out of the Southern states.
Why did people migrate from one location to another? What routes did they follow, and how can identifying migration trails help you find your ancestors? Learn from maps and historical details how to follow the trail of your ancestors into and out of the Southern states.
Wed, October 11 2017: 0:00 UTC
1:02:43
Where is That? Using Eastern European Atlases, Maps and Gazetteers
In this webinar, you will discover genealogy research methods for finding your ancestor's point of origin. Learn how to use tools such as maps, atlases, and gazetteers to research localities through place name changes and ever-shifting political and geographical boundaries.
In this webinar, you will discover genealogy research methods for finding your ancestor's point of origin. Learn how to use tools such as maps, atlases, and gazetteers to research localities through place name changes and ever-shifting political and geographical boundaries.
Fri, September 8 2017: 0:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

View all (240)
Tue, February 10 2026: 12:00 UTC
French
Mieux naviguer dans son arbre MyHeritage : Vues, réglages et astuces d’affichage
Tue, February 10 2026: 12:00 UTC
Et si vous voyiez votre généalogie sous un nouvel angle ? Dans cette session avec Elisabeth Zetland, nous explorerons toutes les fonctionnalités de votre arbre généalogique. Découvrez toutes les astuces pour optimiser la structure visuelle de votre arbre. De la configuration des fiches individuelles au choix de la vue de votre arbre, apprenez à maîtriser les réglages de MyHeritage pour une gestion fluide et efficace de votre histoire familiale. Simplifiez la gestion de votre arbre pour y voir plus clair !
Et si vous voyiez votre généalogie sous un nouvel angle ? Dans cette session avec Elisabeth Zetland, nous explorerons toutes les fonctionnalités de votre arbre généalogique. Découvrez toutes les astuces pour optimiser la structure visuelle de votre arbre. De la configuration des fiches individuelles au choix de la vue de votre arbre, apprenez à maîtriser les réglages de MyHeritage pour une gestion fluide et efficace de votre histoire familiale. Simplifiez la gestion de votre arbre pour y voir plus clair !
Tue, February 10 2026: 12:00 UTC
Tue, February 10 2026: 19:00 UTC
Discovering your Eastern European Ancestors on MyHeritage
Tue, February 10 2026: 19:00 UTC
If you have Eastern European ancestors, you are probably wondering how to begin your family history search. Come and learn about how MyHeritage can get you started in your family history challenge.
If you have Eastern European ancestors, you are probably wondering how to begin your family history search. Come and learn about how MyHeritage can get you started in your family history challenge.
Tue, February 10 2026: 19:00 UTC
Wed, February 11 2026: 19:00 UTC
Searching for Sisters? Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States
Wed, February 11 2026: 19:00 UTC
Catholic nuns and sisters ran some of the U.S.’s earliest schools, orphanages, and hospitals; nursed on Civil War battlefields and during disease outbreaks; and served millions of Catholic immigrants and their families. Today, those nuns and sisters are mostly forgotten. Many changed their names and moved far from home, making it difficult for genealogists to recognize them in records. But those who can trace a woman into religious life may discover a rich trove of records about the sister and perhaps about her family. Sometimes records even survive for a religious order’s academy, hospital, or other ministry. Come see what you may be able to learn from the many archives of Catholic nuns and sisters from the author of the newly-published Searching for Sisters: Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States.
Catholic nuns and sisters ran some of the U.S.’s earliest schools, orphanages, and hospitals; nursed on Civil War battlefields and during disease outbreaks; and served millions of Catholic immigrants and their families. Today, those nuns and sisters are mostly forgotten. Many changed their names and moved far from home, making it difficult for genealogists to recognize them in records. But those who can trace a woman into religious life may discover a rich trove of records about the sister and perhaps about her family. Sometimes records even survive for a religious order’s academy, hospital, or other ministry. Come see what you may be able to learn from the many archives of Catholic nuns and sisters from the author of the newly-published Searching for Sisters: Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States.
Wed, February 11 2026: 19:00 UTC
Thu, February 12 2026: 14:00 UTC
Spanish
Leyes de Indias: Leyes coloniales españolas y los registros que generaron
Thu, February 12 2026: 14:00 UTC
Desde la planificación urbanística hasta las relaciones con los nativos, «Las Leyes de Las Indias» gobernaron las colonias españolas de América del Norte y más allá, y crearon registros únicos para la investigación de cualquier persona con vínculos ancestrales con la América española. Los subtítulos y la voz de este vídeo se han doblado al español utilizando IA.
Desde la planificación urbanística hasta las relaciones con los nativos, «Las Leyes de Las Indias» gobernaron las colonias españolas de América del Norte y más allá, y crearon registros únicos para la investigación de cualquier persona con vínculos ancestrales con la América española. Los subtítulos y la voz de este vídeo se han doblado al español utilizando IA.
Thu, February 12 2026: 14:00 UTC
Fri, February 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
Breaking the 1870 Brick Wall: Comprehensive Strategies for Tracing Formerly Enslaved African American Ancestors
Fri, February 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
Overcoming the 1870 brick wall in African American genealogy is challenging, but possible. This session presents a clear, step-by-step roadmap for tracing formerly enslaved ancestors using the Genealogical Proof Method. Learn how to reconstruct the freedmen generation, identify potential enslavers, and mine enslaver records for hidden ancestral clues. We’ll explore records on Ancestry and FamilySearch, including census and vital records, Freedmen’s Bureau files, cohabitation records, and estate records. If you’re ready to move beyond 1870 and build a fuller picture of your family’s past, this webinar will equip you with the tools and confidence to begin.
Overcoming the 1870 brick wall in African American genealogy is challenging, but possible. This session presents a clear, step-by-step roadmap for tracing formerly enslaved ancestors using the Genealogical Proof Method. Learn how to reconstruct the freedmen generation, identify potential enslavers, and mine enslaver records for hidden ancestral clues. We’ll explore records on Ancestry and FamilySearch, including census and vital records, Freedmen’s Bureau files, cohabitation records, and estate records. If you’re ready to move beyond 1870 and build a fuller picture of your family’s past, this webinar will equip you with the tools and confidence to begin.
Fri, February 13 2026: 19:00 UTC
Tue, February 17 2026: 14:00 UTC
Spanish
Documentación de cementerios con BillionGraves
Tue, February 17 2026: 14:00 UTC
Si las lápidas pudieran hablar, tendrían muchas historias que contar. Pero no pueden, por eso BillionGraves es la mejor alternativa. BillionGraves es la mayor base de datos del mundo sobre cementerios, conectada a un sistema GPS. Cuando se toman fotos con la aplicación BillionGraves en el teléfono, cada lápida se marca automáticamente con una posición GPS. A continuación, los datos son transcritos por voluntarios, transferidos a planos de cementerios y almacenados en los sitios web BillionGraves, FamilySearch y MyHeritage para millones de familias de todo el mundo y para las generaciones futuras. Los subtítulos y la voz de este vídeo se han doblado al español utilizando IA.
Si las lápidas pudieran hablar, tendrían muchas historias que contar. Pero no pueden, por eso BillionGraves es la mejor alternativa. BillionGraves es la mayor base de datos del mundo sobre cementerios, conectada a un sistema GPS. Cuando se toman fotos con la aplicación BillionGraves en el teléfono, cada lápida se marca automáticamente con una posición GPS. A continuación, los datos son transcritos por voluntarios, transferidos a planos de cementerios y almacenados en los sitios web BillionGraves, FamilySearch y MyHeritage para millones de familias de todo el mundo y para las generaciones futuras. Los subtítulos y la voz de este vídeo se han doblado al español utilizando IA.
Tue, February 17 2026: 14:00 UTC