Researching Scots ancestors before civil registration in 1855 can be challenging! Learn about some of the rich alternative sources you can mine when looking for your earlier forebears, like tax records, directories, newspapers, and more – where to find them, and how to make the most of them.
Researching Scots ancestors before civil registration in 1855 can be challenging! Learn about some of the rich alternative sources you can mine when looking for your earlier forebears, like tax records, directories, newspapers, and more – where to find them, and how to make the most of them.
Scottish costume – The Kilt: fact, fiction and pure fantasy
There is so much emotional and heritage capital invested in the Scottish kilt and tartans. But these are not as ancient, and not so uniformly Scottish, as often thought. How much of this is historical fact and how much a modern creation? Dr Bruce Durie sifts the reality from the myth.
There is so much emotional and heritage capital invested in the Scottish kilt and tartans. But these are not as ancient, and not so uniformly Scottish, as often thought. How much of this is historical fact and how much a modern creation? Dr Bruce Durie sifts the reality from the myth.
Scottish Emigration to North America: Before, During and After the Rebellions
We will examine the migration patterns from Scotland to the US and Canada, looking at the push and pull factors, relevant to individual migration time periods. References and guidance will be provided for multiple waves from 17th Century to the present.
We will examine the migration patterns from Scotland to the US and Canada, looking at the push and pull factors, relevant to individual migration time periods. References and guidance will be provided for multiple waves from 17th Century to the present.
Can Americans get a legal Coat of Arms from Scotland?
Can an American get a legal Coat of Arms in Scotland? It is possible, and many have, but it’s not necessarily straightforward or simple. Dr Bruce Durie addresses the How and the Why of Scottish Heraldry.
Can an American get a legal Coat of Arms in Scotland? It is possible, and many have, but it’s not necessarily straightforward or simple. Dr Bruce Durie addresses the How and the Why of Scottish Heraldry.
Understanding and Using Scottish Kirk Session Records
Scottish Kirk Session records have recently come online at ScotlandsPeople. Learn what they represent within the Scottish court process, how they operated and what you will find in the records. Understand how to identify the records needed, how to search and where to go next.
Scottish Kirk Session records have recently come online at ScotlandsPeople. Learn what they represent within the Scottish court process, how they operated and what you will find in the records. Understand how to identify the records needed, how to search and where to go next.
Known in their homeland as Ulster-Scots, these mainly Lowland Scots left their homeland and settled in Ulster during the Plantation, sometimes staying only for a few generations and then many made their way to the New World. Why did these Scots come to Ulster and why did they then subsequently leave? What were the push and pull factors? Why did Presbyterian ministers have such sway over these people? We will look at the perils they faced on their transatlantic journey and what they found when they arrived in the new world. We will examine the range of records and sources where you may find your Ulster-Scots ancestors and that can tell you more about this pioneering ethnic group that produced a number of US Presidents and millions of descendants worldwide today.
Known in their homeland as Ulster-Scots, these mainly Lowland Scots left their homeland and settled in Ulster during the Plantation, sometimes staying only for a few generations and then many made their way to the New World. Why did these Scots come to Ulster and why did they then subsequently leave? What were the push and pull factors? Why did Presbyterian ministers have such sway over these people? We will look at the perils they faced on their transatlantic journey and what they found when they arrived in the new world. We will examine the range of records and sources where you may find your Ulster-Scots ancestors and that can tell you more about this pioneering ethnic group that produced a number of US Presidents and millions of descendants worldwide today.
Everyone from Scotland is in a Clan, right? Wrong. The Clan was a phenomenon of only certain parts of Scotland, and not the majority. Is your surname associated with a Highland or Borders Clan or a Lowlands Family? If so, what can you do about it?
Everyone from Scotland is in a Clan, right? Wrong. The Clan was a phenomenon of only certain parts of Scotland, and not the majority. Is your surname associated with a Highland or Borders Clan or a Lowlands Family? If so, what can you do about it?
Scots began coming to Canada in the mid 1600s, first as entrepreneurs – men on the make, and then as a means to an end – ways to enjoy a better life and to have the opportunity to own their own land. Others were sent to Canada in hopes of…
Scots began coming to Canada in the mid 1600s, first as entrepreneurs – men on the make, and then as a means to an end – ways to enjoy a better life and to have the opportunity to own their own land. Others were sent to Canada in hopes of…
Have you noticed that the given names of our eighteenth and nineteenth century English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh ancestors were drawn from a surprisingly small pool? But how small a pool? How common were our ancestors’ given names? More importantly, how rare were the less common names? Lists of the most common 10, 20, 50 or 100 names are surprisingly unhelpful unless they include frequency statistics. For example, Jeremiah, was ranked 26th in England in the 1800s but the most useful information is its frequency; it was carried by only one man in 500. Most villages had fewer than 500 males at that time. This webinar focuses on given name popularities, changes in popularity, and the reasons for such changes. It also covers spelling variants, abbreviations, and diminutives. For example, if you don’t know that Polly was a diminutive of Mary or that Nellie was a diminutive of Ellen and Eleanor and Helen, you might struggle to find entries for your ancestors. Our ancestors’ given names and surnames are the gateways into our family history research. Learning more about their names may prove useful in determining their ancestry or finding other family connections.
Have you noticed that the given names of our eighteenth and nineteenth century English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh ancestors were drawn from a surprisingly small pool? But how small a pool? How common were our ancestors’ given names? More importantly, how rare were the less common names? Lists of the most common 10, 20, 50 or 100 names are surprisingly unhelpful unless they include frequency statistics. For example, Jeremiah, was ranked 26th in England in the 1800s but the most useful information is its frequency; it was carried by only one man in 500. Most villages had fewer than 500 males at that time. This webinar focuses on given name popularities, changes in popularity, and the reasons for such changes. It also covers spelling variants, abbreviations, and diminutives. For example, if you don’t know that Polly was a diminutive of Mary or that Nellie was a diminutive of Ellen and Eleanor and Helen, you might struggle to find entries for your ancestors. Our ancestors’ given names and surnames are the gateways into our family history research. Learning more about their names may prove useful in determining their ancestry or finding other family connections.
There is no such thing as a “Family Coat of Arms” and a Crest is not the same as Arms. Then there are Laws… Then there’s Procedure… But it IS possible!
There is no such thing as a “Family Coat of Arms” and a Crest is not the same as Arms. Then there are Laws… Then there’s Procedure… But it IS possible!
There comes a time when you have done all of the online researching you can do using the standard databases. In this talk you will learn of databases that aren't as well known but that can assist in breaking through your brick walls.
There comes a time when you have done all of the online researching you can do using the standard databases. In this talk you will learn of databases that aren't as well known but that can assist in breaking through your brick walls.
For the last 500 years, Mexico has been a crossroads of peoples, cultures and ethnicities. Starting in the XVI century, wave after wave of European, African and Asian people. Many records have been preserved which can help you discover your ancestor’s movements. Explore the rich migratory history of Mexico from Passenger Lists to the Indies to XX century foreign registries.
For the last 500 years, Mexico has been a crossroads of peoples, cultures and ethnicities. Starting in the XVI century, wave after wave of European, African and Asian people. Many records have been preserved which can help you discover your ancestor’s movements. Explore the rich migratory history of Mexico from Passenger Lists to the Indies to XX century foreign registries.
El Registro Civil en México: La Clave para tu Historia Familiar
Tue, September 23 2025: 14:00 UTC
¿Has llegado a un “muro de ladrillo” en tu investigación familiar en México? El Registro Civil es, sin duda, la fuente documental más importante para romperlo. Establecido para registrar oficialmente los eventos vitales de la población, estos documentos son pilares fundamentales para construir tu árbol genealógico. En esta clase, aprenderás a navegar y utilizar de manera efectiva los registros civiles de México para trazar tu linaje.
¿Has llegado a un “muro de ladrillo” en tu investigación familiar en México? El Registro Civil es, sin duda, la fuente documental más importante para romperlo. Establecido para registrar oficialmente los eventos vitales de la población, estos documentos son pilares fundamentales para construir tu árbol genealógico. En esta clase, aprenderás a navegar y utilizar de manera efectiva los registros civiles de México para trazar tu linaje.
A detailed look at the origin and development of the American Genealogical and Biographical Index, along with detailed instructions on how to access it today.
A detailed look at the origin and development of the American Genealogical and Biographical Index, along with detailed instructions on how to access it today.
Removing the Rebels: Peter Robinson’s settlement of Irish immigrants to Upper Canada
Fri, September 26 2025: 16:00 UTC
The South of Ireland was in dire straits at the end of the 18th century and on several occasions was on the verge of civil war. The Whiteboys developed as a secret oath-bound society among the poor. Their operations were chiefly in the counties of Waterford, Cork, Limerick, and Tipperary and were not directed against the government, but rather against local landlords. No amount of legislation seemed to tame the anger which had led to many “disturbances”. As a means of removing some of the rebels, offering them a new life and free land in Upper Canada, and hopefully settling the anger back home in Ireland, the government decide to pay for families to be resettled at the expense of the government. Peter Robinson, brother of John Beverley Robinson, was tasked with finding and settling the emigrants. In this presentation we will look at the history and politics that led to what has become known as the Peter Robinson’s Settlement Scheme. We will also take an in-depth look at the various resources available for researching your Peter Robinson Settler ancestors.
The South of Ireland was in dire straits at the end of the 18th century and on several occasions was on the verge of civil war. The Whiteboys developed as a secret oath-bound society among the poor. Their operations were chiefly in the counties of Waterford, Cork, Limerick, and Tipperary and were not directed against the government, but rather against local landlords. No amount of legislation seemed to tame the anger which had led to many “disturbances”. As a means of removing some of the rebels, offering them a new life and free land in Upper Canada, and hopefully settling the anger back home in Ireland, the government decide to pay for families to be resettled at the expense of the government. Peter Robinson, brother of John Beverley Robinson, was tasked with finding and settling the emigrants. In this presentation we will look at the history and politics that led to what has become known as the Peter Robinson’s Settlement Scheme. We will also take an in-depth look at the various resources available for researching your Peter Robinson Settler ancestors.
From The Ashes: The 1922 Irish Public Record Office Fire and Irish Genealogy
Wed, October 1 2025: 9:00 UTC
The destruction of the Public Records Office in June 1922 at the outset of the Irish Civil War has cast a long shadow over Irish genealogical research. Anyone who has sought their Irish ancestors has likely encountered frustration at the gaps in available records caused by this disaster. But how much do we really know about the events that caused the fire and were all our records really lost? This talk will explore the background to the Public Record Office fire and address some of the myths that have grown up around it. It will also examine how recent advances in conservation techniques and modern technology are allowing the recovery of some records previously believed lost, with a particular focus on the recent Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland Project.
The destruction of the Public Records Office in June 1922 at the outset of the Irish Civil War has cast a long shadow over Irish genealogical research. Anyone who has sought their Irish ancestors has likely encountered frustration at the gaps in available records caused by this disaster. But how much do we really know about the events that caused the fire and were all our records really lost? This talk will explore the background to the Public Record Office fire and address some of the myths that have grown up around it. It will also examine how recent advances in conservation techniques and modern technology are allowing the recovery of some records previously believed lost, with a particular focus on the recent Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland Project.
Filae : la maison des archives originales françaises
Tue, October 7 2025: 14:00 UTC
Filae vous ouvre les archives françaises en vous donnant un accès direct aux documents originaux grâce à l’indexation nominative : état civil, recensements, tables de successions, bulletin des lois… Ce webinaire explore nos collections et nos outils de recherche. Apprenez à mener des enquêtes efficaces pour reconstituer les familles et bâtir un arbre généalogique fiable, où chaque événement est prouvé par sa source.
Filae vous ouvre les archives françaises en vous donnant un accès direct aux documents originaux grâce à l’indexation nominative : état civil, recensements, tables de successions, bulletin des lois… Ce webinaire explore nos collections et nos outils de recherche. Apprenez à mener des enquêtes efficaces pour reconstituer les familles et bâtir un arbre généalogique fiable, où chaque événement est prouvé par sa source.
If you’re just starting out, German genealogy can seem incredibly overwhelming. Records in a foreign language, which are written in old-fashioned handwriting, are enough to make finding German ancestors seem near impossible to researchers looking to cross the pond. Luckily, there’s help! In this session, learn the top seven tips to get you started – and confidently embark on – your German genealogy journey.
If you’re just starting out, German genealogy can seem incredibly overwhelming. Records in a foreign language, which are written in old-fashioned handwriting, are enough to make finding German ancestors seem near impossible to researchers looking to cross the pond. Luckily, there’s help! In this session, learn the top seven tips to get you started – and confidently embark on – your German genealogy journey.
Betsy Grant: A Fight for Freedom, Land, Education, and Love
Fri, October 10 2025: 18:00 UTC
Sarah Elizabeth Grant, also known as Betsy, was born enslaved in 1837 in Greene County, Georgia. In 2022, a tweet from the Smithsonian Transcription Center shed light on a letter she wrote to the Freedmen’s Bureau, showing up on the timeline of one of her great-nephews: Orice Jenkins. Further research by Orice revealed Betsy’s complex story, as the daughter of an enslaved woman and a free man of color, who sued her enslaver after emancipation. Various resources were used to determine the identity of her parents, including DNA results, court records, Freedmen’s Bureau records, newspapers, and the new Full-Text Search feature on FamilySearch, leading to the uncovering of a historical phenomenon in the Grant family.
Sarah Elizabeth Grant, also known as Betsy, was born enslaved in 1837 in Greene County, Georgia. In 2022, a tweet from the Smithsonian Transcription Center shed light on a letter she wrote to the Freedmen’s Bureau, showing up on the timeline of one of her great-nephews: Orice Jenkins. Further research by Orice revealed Betsy’s complex story, as the daughter of an enslaved woman and a free man of color, who sued her enslaver after emancipation. Various resources were used to determine the identity of her parents, including DNA results, court records, Freedmen’s Bureau records, newspapers, and the new Full-Text Search feature on FamilySearch, leading to the uncovering of a historical phenomenon in the Grant family.
Using Australian post office directories in MyHeritage
Wed, October 15 2025: 1:00 UTC
This webinar explores the different types of information to be found in post office directories. It looks at how families and individuals can be traced using the directories. Some pitfalls are also highlighted.
This webinar explores the different types of information to be found in post office directories. It looks at how families and individuals can be traced using the directories. Some pitfalls are also highlighted.
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