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1:26:00
1.7K views
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Tracing Scots Ancestors Before 1855
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.
Wed, July 16 2025: 18:00 UTC
50:03
358 views
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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.
Fri, April 4 2025: 8:00 UTC
50:47
945 views
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Scottish Genealogy – Are we a Clan or a Family? And can we have a Chief?
Not every Scottish surname is a Clan, despite what your “Clan Society” says. Are there really “Septs”? And how do we go about getting a Chief?
Not every Scottish surname is a Clan, despite what your “Clan Society” says. Are there really “Septs”? And how do we go about getting a Chief?
Fri, April 12 2024: 11:00 UTC
56:39
1.4K views
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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.
Thu, November 9 2023: 1:00 UTC
48:34
199 views
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Free
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.
Fri, September 16 2022: 10:00 UTC
1:26:50
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.
Fri, September 9 2022: 18:00 UTC
47:16
1.0K views
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Who were the Scots-Irish?
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.
Fri, April 8 2022: 9:00 UTC
46:52
566 views
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Clans and Families in Scotland
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?
Fri, April 8 2022: 8:00 UTC
1:22:47
875 views
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Finding Your Scottish Ancestors in Canada
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…
Fri, November 19 2021: 19:00 UTC
1:06:29
457 views
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British and Irish Given Names – Part 2
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.
Fri, September 10 2021: 0:00 UTC
37:12
194 views
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How Can I Get a Legal Coat of Arms in Scotland?
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!
Fri, September 3 2021: 7:00 UTC
1:21:37
5.0K views
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Online Sources for Scottish Genealogy Research
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.
Fri, June 18 2021: 18:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

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Wed, September 3 2025: 9:00 UTC
Ancestors on the Margins: tracing misfortunate ancestors in Britain
Wed, September 3 2025: 9:00 UTC
This presentation focusses on helping family historians with British ancestry to research those whose conditions or behaviours may have led them to become marginalised, or discriminated against. Their circumstances were often the result of personal misfortune, exacerbated by society’s intolerance and they are often the ancestors who are not given due attention when we research, perhaps because their life experiences make us feel uncomfortable. Now is the time to focus on the Illegitimate, the poverty stricken, the sick and the lawbreakers and restore them to prominence in the family’s story. The presentation will also consider the ethical issues that arise when telling the stories of the marginalised.
This presentation focusses on helping family historians with British ancestry to research those whose conditions or behaviours may have led them to become marginalised, or discriminated against. Their circumstances were often the result of personal misfortune, exacerbated by society’s intolerance and they are often the ancestors who are not given due attention when we research, perhaps because their life experiences make us feel uncomfortable. Now is the time to focus on the Illegitimate, the poverty stricken, the sick and the lawbreakers and restore them to prominence in the family’s story. The presentation will also consider the ethical issues that arise when telling the stories of the marginalised.
Wed, September 3 2025: 9:00 UTC
Wed, September 3 2025: 14:15 UTC
Finding Your Ancestors in German Directories
Wed, September 3 2025: 14:15 UTC
In Germany, more and more directories are online, and some of them are even indexed. This presentation will tell you where to find them, show you how to work with them, and explain how to interpret the information typical for German directories.
In Germany, more and more directories are online, and some of them are even indexed. This presentation will tell you where to find them, show you how to work with them, and explain how to interpret the information typical for German directories.
Wed, September 3 2025: 14:15 UTC
Wed, September 3 2025: 15:30 UTC
Exploring Mecklenburg’s Rich History and Genealogical Treasures
Wed, September 3 2025: 15:30 UTC
Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.
Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.
Wed, September 3 2025: 15:30 UTC
Wed, September 3 2025: 16:45 UTC
German Genealogy: Latest and Greatest Websites and Tools
Wed, September 3 2025: 16:45 UTC
The gamut of records, wikis, tools and education available online to assist those with German-speaking ancestry have continued to multiply and include a huge map of resources! Learn about them all!
The gamut of records, wikis, tools and education available online to assist those with German-speaking ancestry have continued to multiply and include a huge map of resources! Learn about them all!
Wed, September 3 2025: 16:45 UTC
Wed, September 3 2025: 18:00 UTC
The Emperor’s New Code
Wed, September 3 2025: 18:00 UTC
Napoleon’s occupation imposed civil registration, the Civil Code, and the Revolutionary Calendar on the German population. This lecture examines the unique genealogical records of this turbulent time in German history.
Napoleon’s occupation imposed civil registration, the Civil Code, and the Revolutionary Calendar on the German population. This lecture examines the unique genealogical records of this turbulent time in German history.
Wed, September 3 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, September 3 2025: 19:30 UTC
Eight Little-used Published German Sources
Wed, September 3 2025: 19:30 UTC
Examine little-known and underused published sources of genealogical information. Learn how to access them and use them.
Examine little-known and underused published sources of genealogical information. Learn how to access them and use them.
Wed, September 3 2025: 19:30 UTC
Fri, September 12 2025: 18:00 UTC
Researching in Gloucestershire
Fri, September 12 2025: 18:00 UTC
Learn all about the key resources available for researching ancestors in Gloucestershire. Discover the key archives covering this county and how to use their catalogues and other resources. Find out where records for this county can be found online both within the main commercial websites and county specialist sites. Learn about key historical events that may impact your research in Gloucestershire. Investigate where else you can get help for researching here such as the Family History Society. At the end of this talk, you will be set up for starting your research on your Gloucestershire ancestors. Note that the talk assumes you have already watched ‘Introduction to County Research in England’.
Learn all about the key resources available for researching ancestors in Gloucestershire. Discover the key archives covering this county and how to use their catalogues and other resources. Find out where records for this county can be found online both within the main commercial websites and county specialist sites. Learn about key historical events that may impact your research in Gloucestershire. Investigate where else you can get help for researching here such as the Family History Society. At the end of this talk, you will be set up for starting your research on your Gloucestershire ancestors. Note that the talk assumes you have already watched ‘Introduction to County Research in England’.
Fri, September 12 2025: 18:00 UTC
Fri, September 19 2025: 18:00 UTC
Mexican Immigration Records Through the Centuries
Fri, September 19 2025: 18:00 UTC
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.
Fri, September 19 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, September 24 2025: 14:15 UTC
Just What IS the AGBI, Anyway?
Wed, September 24 2025: 14:15 UTC
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.
Wed, September 24 2025: 14:15 UTC