Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG®

Discover how to locate New England church records from before 1900, including those hidden in unexpected places. This talk explores the history of colonial religious groups, key repositories, and strategies for finding records in archives, libraries, and private collections. Learn to use essential reference sources and uncover records that may be stored outside New England, providing valuable insights for genealogical research. Attendees will gain practical methods for uncovering early New England church records, including tips on locating hidden collections outside traditional archives. They’ll explore the unique landscape of colonial religious history and learn about tools and resources that make finding these rare records easier, helping to fill gaps in genealogical research with often-overlooked sources.

It’s no secret that New England is packed with genealogical records—but passing the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) exam takes more than just knowing they exist. You need to know where to find them, how to work with them, and how to demonstrate expertise in this region. This session will guide aspiring AG® candidates through the key record types, research strategies, and quirks that define genealogy in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. From Connecticut’s Barbour and Hale collections to Maine’s late statewide vital registration, to Massachusetts’ extensive town records and the holdings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, each state presents unique treasures and challenges. We’ll also look at New Hampshire’s town clerk records, Rhode Island’s probate and town council records, and Vermont’s land-ownership patterns tied to its late colonial settlement. Along the way, you’ll learn how to maximize essential repositories and archives and build effective study guides and reference tools. Whether you’re starting your Four Generation Project, preparing for the exam, or simply interested in New England research, this overview will give you a strong foundation.