The next Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills series webinar is on Friday (a members-only event). Learn more here. Become a member here.

The next Best of Elizabeth Shown Mills series webinar is on Friday (a members-only event). Learn more here. Become a member here.

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1:04:59
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Padrones of the Past: Colonial-era Censuses of Mexico
Thousands of localized censuses, or padrones, were taken all over Mexico during the Colonial era. Mostly created during the 17th to 19th centuries, these censuses provide a snapshot in time of our ancestral families. Learn to find these censuses for your research locations and discover the content they may hold.
Thousands of localized censuses, or padrones, were taken all over Mexico during the Colonial era. Mostly created during the 17th to 19th centuries, these censuses provide a snapshot in time of our ancestral families. Learn to find these censuses for your research locations and discover the content they may hold.
Fri, March 17 2023: 18:00 UTC
1:25:12
Tips and Tools for Navigating the English Probate System
The probate system in England and Wales changed significantly in 1858. Learn how the English probate system worked before and after that change, see what records are available and why they are of value. Learn tips and tools for procedures which will simplify the search process, whether the ancestor’s location in England is known or unknown.
The probate system in England and Wales changed significantly in 1858. Learn how the English probate system worked before and after that change, see what records are available and why they are of value. Learn tips and tools for procedures which will simplify the search process, whether the ancestor’s location in England is known or unknown.
Wed, March 1 2023: 1:00 UTC
1:12:48
922 views
Family History on the Canadian Prairies
Most Canadians have connections to the three Prairie provinces, through cousins if not through ancestors. Researching those Prairie families can be rewarding, although it is important to note which sources are common to all three provinces, and which ones are unique to each province. Using examples from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta, this session looks at a variety of resources, and offers tips to help you learn more about your families on the Prairies.
Most Canadians have connections to the three Prairie provinces, through cousins if not through ancestors. Researching those Prairie families can be rewarding, although it is important to note which sources are common to all three provinces, and which ones are unique to each province. Using examples from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta, this session looks at a variety of resources, and offers tips to help you learn more about your families on the Prairies.
Fri, February 17 2023: 19:00 UTC
Advanced
1:27:48
2.0K views
CC
Hints & Tips for Solving Irish Cases of Unknown Parentage Using DNA
There are many examples of Unknown Parentage cases in Ireland – illegal adoptees, a foundling grandparent, or simply an Irish Brick Wall. This talk explores the approach to solving these cases, the challenges faced with Irish records, and some hints & tips to overcome them using DNA.
There are many examples of Unknown Parentage cases in Ireland – illegal adoptees, a foundling grandparent, or simply an Irish Brick Wall. This talk explores the approach to solving these cases, the challenges faced with Irish records, and some hints & tips to overcome them using DNA.
Wed, February 8 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:13:24
579 views
CC
Gradual Emancipation and Enslavement in the North
Slavery existed in some northern states well into the 19th century. Learn about the motives for gradual emancipation, how it affected enslaved African Americans and enslavers at this time, the state laws surrounding slavery, and the records that it created.
Slavery existed in some northern states well into the 19th century. Learn about the motives for gradual emancipation, how it affected enslaved African Americans and enslavers at this time, the state laws surrounding slavery, and the records that it created.
Fri, February 3 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:07:48
535 views
CC
Settlers, Squatters and Selectors: Land ownership in Australia, 1788-1900
Since the early days of British settlement in Australia, land has been considered to be one of its greatest assets. Until 1831, some settlers received large grants of land while others were entitled to only 30 acres, plus an additional 20 acres if married and 10 acres for each child. Over the next seventy years, the colonies developed their own land allocation schemes, each devised for a specific purpose. This presentation will highlight the records which relate to Crown Land, pastoral runs, land selection, occupation records, land orders and land ownership.
Since the early days of British settlement in Australia, land has been considered to be one of its greatest assets. Until 1831, some settlers received large grants of land while others were entitled to only 30 acres, plus an additional 20 acres if married and 10 acres for each child. Over the next seventy years, the colonies developed their own land allocation schemes, each devised for a specific purpose. This presentation will highlight the records which relate to Crown Land, pastoral runs, land selection, occupation records, land orders and land ownership.
Wed, February 1 2023: 1:00 UTC
1:22:14
Trail of Tears to Indian Territory
Following the 1830 Indian Removal Act about 100,000 American Indians were forced from their homes to westward lands. Follow their story, their trails, and their records.
Following the 1830 Indian Removal Act about 100,000 American Indians were forced from their homes to westward lands. Follow their story, their trails, and their records.
Wed, January 25 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:30:37
Foundational Concepts & Reference Tools for Mexican Genealogy
We pour a lot of time, money, and soul into our family history research. So, we want to make sure we are tracing the right people and families in the right place at any given time, and that we glean all possible information and clues from the records. This presentation reviews social and cultural customs, and tools for learning about jurisdictions and key terminology. It is suitable for those still new to Mexican genealogy as well as more experienced researchers.
We pour a lot of time, money, and soul into our family history research. So, we want to make sure we are tracing the right people and families in the right place at any given time, and that we glean all possible information and clues from the records. This presentation reviews social and cultural customs, and tools for learning about jurisdictions and key terminology. It is suitable for those still new to Mexican genealogy as well as more experienced researchers.
Fri, January 20 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:26:17
829 views
CC
Exploring the Records in a Slave Owning Community
This session will focus on the thousands of transactions occurring in Edgefield, South Carolina in a County that did not burn, therefore, these records revealed the value placed on a slave in this community. “In the antebellum South, a prime male hand was the overriding measure for determining prices for enslaved workers. Hearty, prime women who were good breeders also had a high market value. Other factors that contributed to the sale price of a slave were gender, age, and skill.”
This session will focus on the thousands of transactions occurring in Edgefield, South Carolina in a County that did not burn, therefore, these records revealed the value placed on a slave in this community. “In the antebellum South, a prime male hand was the overriding measure for determining prices for enslaved workers. Hearty, prime women who were good breeders also had a high market value. Other factors that contributed to the sale price of a slave were gender, age, and skill.”
Wed, January 18 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:31:20
1.4K views
CC
How Three Types of DNA and Genealogy Uncovered the Long-Lost Enslaved Father
For over 25 years, oral history led Melvin Collier down the wrong road in the search for the father of his great-grandfather, Albert Kennedy (1857-1928) of Leake County, Mississippi. DNA was indeed providing great clues, but he initially attached them to the wrong ancestor. However, more autosomal DNA analysis, Y-DNA evidence, X-chromosome matching, and genealogy research revealed that the oral history had not been entirely true. This put Collier on the right road to discovery. Travel down this exciting genealogical road as Collier shows how DNA and genealogy led him to the identity and the story of his 2X-great grandfather. Ironically, he was born in northern Virginia, where Collier resides now, and was eventually taken to Sugartown, Louisiana during the Civil War. Lots of genealogy and genetic genealogy tips to be gained from this case.
For over 25 years, oral history led Melvin Collier down the wrong road in the search for the father of his great-grandfather, Albert Kennedy (1857-1928) of Leake County, Mississippi. DNA was indeed providing great clues, but he initially attached them to the wrong ancestor. However, more autosomal DNA analysis, Y-DNA evidence, X-chromosome matching, and genealogy research revealed that the oral history had not been entirely true. This put Collier on the right road to discovery. Travel down this exciting genealogical road as Collier shows how DNA and genealogy led him to the identity and the story of his 2X-great grandfather. Ironically, he was born in northern Virginia, where Collier resides now, and was eventually taken to Sugartown, Louisiana during the Civil War. Lots of genealogy and genetic genealogy tips to be gained from this case.
Fri, January 6 2023: 19:00 UTC
1:07:27
279 views
CC
Idaho Research: Genealogy Gems Galore
Abundant records for Census, Church, Court, Land & Property, and Directories make researching in Idaho a productive experience. Online databases for Pre-Territorial Tax Rolls, Old Penitentiary Prison Records, 1882-1961, Wills and Probate Records, 1857-1989, Obituaries, and Historical Newspapers are treasures. True gems are found in the Pioneer Histories, Index of over 75,000 Biographical Sketches, Overland Diaries & Letters, and records for Idaho Indian Tribes described on research facility and American Indian websites.
Abundant records for Census, Church, Court, Land & Property, and Directories make researching in Idaho a productive experience. Online databases for Pre-Territorial Tax Rolls, Old Penitentiary Prison Records, 1882-1961, Wills and Probate Records, 1857-1989, Obituaries, and Historical Newspapers are treasures. True gems are found in the Pioneer Histories, Index of over 75,000 Biographical Sketches, Overland Diaries & Letters, and records for Idaho Indian Tribes described on research facility and American Indian websites.
Wed, December 28 2022: 19:00 UTC
1:18:36
599 views
CC
How the West Was Won in Canada
The Canadian west was not won by cowboys and guns. The west was won by homesteaders, NWMP (RCMP), and railways. For a $10 registration fee and a lot of hard work a male farmer could have 160 acres of land. Farmers or want-to-be-farmers came from all over. We will use a couple of case studies, search for homestead records, review all the components to understand what the records indicate, convert the data to enter and locate it on Google Maps, and view what the area looks like today. Other records such as Hudson’s Bay Company and RCMP records will be shown.
The Canadian west was not won by cowboys and guns. The west was won by homesteaders, NWMP (RCMP), and railways. For a $10 registration fee and a lot of hard work a male farmer could have 160 acres of land. Farmers or want-to-be-farmers came from all over. We will use a couple of case studies, search for homestead records, review all the components to understand what the records indicate, convert the data to enter and locate it on Google Maps, and view what the area looks like today. Other records such as Hudson’s Bay Company and RCMP records will be shown.
Fri, December 16 2022: 19:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

View all (156)
Wed, April 5 2023: 2:00 UTC
Looking for ‘Aliens’ Down Under: A Guide to Australian Naturalisation Records
Wed, April 5 2023: 2:00 UTC
Following the founding of the colony of Australia, individuals born in the British Empire were considered British subjects, irrespective of the nationality of their parents. Residents of Australia whose native place was outside of the British Empire were not afforded the same rights and privileges as British subjects. These rights, in particular the right to buy land and vote, could be conferred to an individual by a process known as naturalisation. This bureaucratic process generated multiple sets of records that contain a wealth of genealogical information. This talk will outline the complex history of naturalisation in Australia, the changing terminology used, how, when and why naturalisation records were created, and discuss the likely availability of records and for whom they may have been created.
Kristy Love
Following the founding of the colony of Australia, individuals born in the British Empire were considered British subjects, irrespective of the nationality of their parents. Residents of Australia whose native place was outside of the British Empire were not afforded the same rights and privileges as British subjects. These rights, in particular the right to buy land and vote, could be conferred to an individual by a process known as naturalisation. This bureaucratic process generated multiple sets of records that contain a wealth of genealogical information. This talk will outline the complex history of naturalisation in Australia, the changing terminology used, how, when and why naturalisation records were created, and discuss the likely availability of records and for whom they may have been created.
Wed, April 5 2023: 2:00 UTC
Fri, April 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
Tick Marks and Number Counts: Understanding and Using the Slave Schedules
Fri, April 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
What exactly are the 1850 and 1860 United States Slave Schedules and what is their value to researchers? A closer look at this enumeration of “slave inhabitants” will streamline interpretation of these records and will help define the do’s and don’ts of working with them.
What exactly are the 1850 and 1860 United States Slave Schedules and what is their value to researchers? A closer look at this enumeration of “slave inhabitants” will streamline interpretation of these records and will help define the do’s and don’ts of working with them.
Fri, April 7 2023: 18:00 UTC
Thu, April 13 2023: 22:00 UTC
Spanish & Latin American Records on MyHeritage
Thu, April 13 2023: 22:00 UTC
Researching Hispanic and/or Latino ancestors? Daniel Horowitz will introduce you to the wealth of historical collections from Spain and Latin America on offer at MyHeritage and give you important pointers for searching and analyzing them.
Researching Hispanic and/or Latino ancestors? Daniel Horowitz will introduce you to the wealth of historical collections from Spain and Latin America on offer at MyHeritage and give you important pointers for searching and analyzing them.
Thu, April 13 2023: 22:00 UTC
Thu, April 13 2023: 23:00 UTC
Liverpool: The Central Hub for Northern Europe’s 19th and 20th Century Emigration
Thu, April 13 2023: 23:00 UTC
Regular sailing schedules between Liverpool and North America began in 1818, and during the 19th century Liverpool became the primary port for emigrants from the British Isles, northern Europe and Russia to North America, Australia, and the rest of the British Empire. Learn how and why this came about, understand what the experience was like going to, in, and leaving from Liverpool. Learn how to identify, access, and use the records of the port and shipping that are available.
Regular sailing schedules between Liverpool and North America began in 1818, and during the 19th century Liverpool became the primary port for emigrants from the British Isles, northern Europe and Russia to North America, Australia, and the rest of the British Empire. Learn how and why this came about, understand what the experience was like going to, in, and leaving from Liverpool. Learn how to identify, access, and use the records of the port and shipping that are available.
Thu, April 13 2023: 23:00 UTC
Fri, April 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
The FAN Club Methodology, DNA, and Genealogy Lead Back to Lunatic’s Plantation
Fri, April 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
Utilizing the FAN Club method, DNA, and enslaved ancestral research, Collier finally found major clues to help solve a longtime mystery – who was the previous enslaver of his great-great grandmother, Polly Partee of Panola County, Mississippi, and where did she come from? Her last enslaver was Squire Boone Partee of Panola County, and Polly had been the head cook on his plantation during and after slavery, according to oral history. According to the censuses, she was born somewhere in North Carolina and sold to Squire by 1852, but her origins had been largely unknown. Collier will present a plethora of DNA evidence, in conjunction with genealogy research and the FAN Club methodology, to uncover Polly’s North Carolina origins. Collier will also argue how a court-investigated lunatic, Alfred Alston of Fayette County, Tennessee, was most likely her previous enslaver.
Utilizing the FAN Club method, DNA, and enslaved ancestral research, Collier finally found major clues to help solve a longtime mystery – who was the previous enslaver of his great-great grandmother, Polly Partee of Panola County, Mississippi, and where did she come from? Her last enslaver was Squire Boone Partee of Panola County, and Polly had been the head cook on his plantation during and after slavery, according to oral history. According to the censuses, she was born somewhere in North Carolina and sold to Squire by 1852, but her origins had been largely unknown. Collier will present a plethora of DNA evidence, in conjunction with genealogy research and the FAN Club methodology, to uncover Polly’s North Carolina origins. Collier will also argue how a court-investigated lunatic, Alfred Alston of Fayette County, Tennessee, was most likely her previous enslaver.
Fri, April 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
Fri, April 14 2023: 6:00 UTC
Polish cemeteries online
Fri, April 14 2023: 6:00 UTC
The presentation will cover Polish cemetery online databases – portals and websites that include information about burials from all over Poland. Kinga will show you how to use these and explain what is the most common information that you may find there.
The presentation will cover Polish cemetery online databases – portals and websites that include information about burials from all over Poland. Kinga will show you how to use these and explain what is the most common information that you may find there.
Fri, April 14 2023: 6:00 UTC
Fri, April 14 2023: 8:00 UTC
To Have but No Longer to Hold: Divorce in Australia
Fri, April 14 2023: 8:00 UTC
The first colony to introduce divorce was South Australia in 1858 to the last New South Wales in 1873. The requirements differed by colony. Each colony handled its own divorces until the Federal Matrimonial Causes Act 1959 provided 14 grounds for the grant of divorce, including adultery, desertion, cruelty, habitual drunkenness, imprisonment and insanity. To succeed on one of these grounds, a spouse had to prove marital fault. There was only one no-fault ground: separation for more than five years. It was not until the Family Law Act 1975 was passed by the Federal Parliament that a “no fault divorce” existed in Australia: imprisonment and insanity. To succeed on one of these grounds, a spouse had to prove marital fault. There was only one no-fault ground: separation for more than five years.
The first colony to introduce divorce was South Australia in 1858 to the last New South Wales in 1873. The requirements differed by colony. Each colony handled its own divorces until the Federal Matrimonial Causes Act 1959 provided 14 grounds for the grant of divorce, including adultery, desertion, cruelty, habitual drunkenness, imprisonment and insanity. To succeed on one of these grounds, a spouse had to prove marital fault. There was only one no-fault ground: separation for more than five years. It was not until the Family Law Act 1975 was passed by the Federal Parliament that a “no fault divorce” existed in Australia: imprisonment and insanity. To succeed on one of these grounds, a spouse had to prove marital fault. There was only one no-fault ground: separation for more than five years.
Fri, April 14 2023: 8:00 UTC
Fri, April 14 2023: 9:00 UTC
Australian indexes online for family history research you might not know
Fri, April 14 2023: 9:00 UTC
This class examines online indexes that are not available through the big subscription sites. Family history societies and volunteer groups have created unique resources only available through their websites. Often free to use or more details are included in a society membership.
Shauna Hicks
This class examines online indexes that are not available through the big subscription sites. Family history societies and volunteer groups have created unique resources only available through their websites. Often free to use or more details are included in a society membership.
Fri, April 14 2023: 9:00 UTC
Fri, April 14 2023: 10:00 UTC
Different calendars in German genealogy
Fri, April 14 2023: 10:00 UTC
Only since 1893, there is one time zone in Germany! However, in the sources relevant for genealogy there are also dates referring to the Julian and Gregorian calendars, as well as the French revolutionary calendar and the church calendar. Here the differences and conversion to today’s dates are explained.
Only since 1893, there is one time zone in Germany! However, in the sources relevant for genealogy there are also dates referring to the Julian and Gregorian calendars, as well as the French revolutionary calendar and the church calendar. Here the differences and conversion to today’s dates are explained.
Fri, April 14 2023: 10:00 UTC