Learn about key records and repositories to support your research of eighteenth and nineteenth century ancestors from present-day California and nearby regions. We will also cover important historical events and context to help identify additional resources for your research.
Learn about key records and repositories to support your research of eighteenth and nineteenth century ancestors from present-day California and nearby regions. We will also cover important historical events and context to help identify additional resources for your research.
Worth More than Gold or Silver – MyHeritage’s U.S. Naturalization Records, Northern California, 1852-1989 Collection
This Index is all about immigrants – over 544,000 of them – and spans 137 years! They came to California for various reasons and took a chance for a new life as a US citizen. Finding an immigrant is easier due to multiple search options. Minimal info is not a problem!
This Index is all about immigrants – over 544,000 of them – and spans 137 years! They came to California for various reasons and took a chance for a new life as a US citizen. Finding an immigrant is easier due to multiple search options. Minimal info is not a problem!
Settlers in California’s Sacramento Delta – History and Resources
Upon completion of the Transcontinental and other railroads throughout the American West, many Chinese immigrant railroad workers went to work building levees in the Sacramento River delta. This process reduced flooding and created rich farmland. Many ethnic groups have farmed in this area and their children had to attend segregated schools for a number of years. Learn about this fertile ground, the people who lived there, and what they left behind.
Upon completion of the Transcontinental and other railroads throughout the American West, many Chinese immigrant railroad workers went to work building levees in the Sacramento River delta. This process reduced flooding and created rich farmland. Many ethnic groups have farmed in this area and their children had to attend segregated schools for a number of years. Learn about this fertile ground, the people who lived there, and what they left behind.
Few events in America have had the impact of the California Gold Rush and the desire to have a better life; an event that lasted seven short years. The Gold Rush swelled the population of California by the hundreds of thousands. And, it was all for the little flecks of…
Few events in America have had the impact of the California Gold Rush and the desire to have a better life; an event that lasted seven short years. The Gold Rush swelled the population of California by the hundreds of thousands. And, it was all for the little flecks of…
What resources are available for researching your California ancestress? California women received the right to vote in 1911 which results in records nonexistent in some other states but other activities like club memberships, church activities, and work leave even more. Periodicals, directories, cookbooks, and organizational records leave…
What resources are available for researching your California ancestress? California women received the right to vote in 1911 which results in records nonexistent in some other states but other activities like club memberships, church activities, and work leave even more. Periodicals, directories, cookbooks, and organizational records leave…
The story of California is the story of its diverse ethnic population. Rich records exist to trace the citizens of California in archival, library, museum, historical and genealogical collections. Learn more about these collections documenting the lives of the Chinese, Japanese, Mexicans, African Americans, and Native Americans in California. We
The story of California is the story of its diverse ethnic population. Rich records exist to trace the citizens of California in archival, library, museum, historical and genealogical collections. Learn more about these collections documenting the lives of the Chinese, Japanese, Mexicans, African Americans, and Native Americans in California. We
Not all California courthouse records are at the courthouse. And for most courthouses, the researcher must rely on paying for a search which may or may not result in the records they need. Knowing the structure of the California court system and how to access records is important in order…
Not all California courthouse records are at the courthouse. And for most courthouses, the researcher must rely on paying for a search which may or may not result in the records they need. Knowing the structure of the California court system and how to access records is important in order…
In this webinar we look at the printed word. Newspapers provide us with the details of everyday life that are hard to find anywhere else. Digitized books span the realm of the local history and biography which helps to tell the story of places and people. Where can you find…
In this webinar we look at the printed word. Newspapers provide us with the details of everyday life that are hard to find anywhere else. Digitized books span the realm of the local history and biography which helps to tell the story of places and people. Where can you find…
Counting California: Censuses, Directories, and Voter Records
One of the first things we do as family history researchers is to track our ancestor in the federal census. This provides us with a time and place for our family. But there are other records that can also provide that information. Aside from the federal census, it's important to…
One of the first things we do as family history researchers is to track our ancestor in the federal census. This provides us with a time and place for our family. But there are other records that can also provide that information. Aside from the federal census, it's important to…
California land ownership has changed over time starting with Spanish land grants. Understanding where the records are depends on the historical time period. A good map of California is a must and over time the map of this state has evolved from showing California as an island to the California…
California land ownership has changed over time starting with Spanish land grants. Understanding where the records are depends on the historical time period. A good map of California is a must and over time the map of this state has evolved from showing California as an island to the California…
Researching in California – Libraries, Archives and Online
Have California ancestors? Where do you start looking? Trying to figure out what is available can be intimidating and time consuming. In this webinar we look at what you need to know to start your California research. We'll explore repositories for research starting with archives, libraries, and museums and then…
Have California ancestors? Where do you start looking? Trying to figure out what is available can be intimidating and time consuming. In this webinar we look at what you need to know to start your California research. We'll explore repositories for research starting with archives, libraries, and museums and then…
To Live and Die in California: Researching Vital Records
Birth, marriage, death, and a final resting place. These are all important events in documenting our ancestor's life. California officially started recording BMD events in 1905 but what counties started the process earlier? What alternative sources exist for vital records when a government issued certificate is not available? Once you…
Birth, marriage, death, and a final resting place. These are all important events in documenting our ancestor's life. California officially started recording BMD events in 1905 but what counties started the process earlier? What alternative sources exist for vital records when a government issued certificate is not available? Once you…
As genealogical interest continues to grow, new sources become available, new tools are published and new approaches are developed. Successful research demands keeping up to date, especially for a state as complex as New York. From colonial to 20th century, both online and print only, these new tools can supercharge your stagnant New York research problems!
As genealogical interest continues to grow, new sources become available, new tools are published and new approaches are developed. Successful research demands keeping up to date, especially for a state as complex as New York. From colonial to 20th century, both online and print only, these new tools can supercharge your stagnant New York research problems!
An insight into the wealth of information that is available within newspapers including the British Newspaper Archive and The Gazette as well as hints and tips for getting more out of searching and finding useful articles within the newspapers.
An insight into the wealth of information that is available within newspapers including the British Newspaper Archive and The Gazette as well as hints and tips for getting more out of searching and finding useful articles within the newspapers.
Top 5 Strategies for Researching Early Kentucky and Virginia Families
Thu, June 12 2025: 0:00 UTC
Researching early families in Kentucky and Virginia can be particularly challenging. Every location has multiple people of the same name making even surviving records difficult to sort. There are few available birth and death records and other records may be difficult to locate or non-existent. Learn effective strategies for researching that difficult early Kentucky or Virginia family.
Researching early families in Kentucky and Virginia can be particularly challenging. Every location has multiple people of the same name making even surviving records difficult to sort. There are few available birth and death records and other records may be difficult to locate or non-existent. Learn effective strategies for researching that difficult early Kentucky or Virginia family.
Family Legacies Reclaimed: “Building Family Ties Through Genetic Genealogy”
Fri, June 13 2025: 18:00 UTC
In this presentation, Adwoa Ulzen-Setrakian, founder of spanDNA and Human Temple Therapeutics LLC, explores how genetic genealogy has become a powerful tool for families of African descent to reclaim their histories and restore connections severed by displacement, migration, and historical traumas. Through a family-centered approach, Adwoa demonstrates how commercial DNA testing can do more than uncover personal ancestry—it can reconstruct the bonds of kinship across generations and continents. Drawing from real-life case studies, Adwoa will share stories of how African-descended families are using genetic genealogy to facilitate reconnecting with lost relatives, restoring collective memory, and explore opportunities for healing from intergenerational wounds. Attendees will learn about the unique challenges faced by these families, especially when traditional records and oral histories fall short, and how spanDNA’s method helps bridge the gaps using DNA analysis, compassionate research, and a collaborative, community-based approach. A key focus will be the culmination of these efforts at gatherings such as the upcoming Transatlantic Genealogy Summit 2025, where families who have reconnected through DNA will come together to celebrate their shared heritage, foster deeper connections, and continue building their family legacies. Attendees will walk away with: Insight into how genetic genealogy can be a transformative tool for family legacy-building, particularly within the African diaspora. Practical knowledge of how to use commercial DNA testing platforms to connect with genetic relatives and uncover ancestral histories. A better understanding of how family reunions and summits, such as the Transatlantic Genealogy Summit, can serve as a powerful culmination of genealogical research and DNA connections. Real-life examples of success stories and the emotional impact of restoring long-lost family ties. This presentation may inspire families to see themselves as protagonists in their own stories, capable of uncovering veiled memories and reclaiming their place within the larger, interconnected human family.
In this presentation, Adwoa Ulzen-Setrakian, founder of spanDNA and Human Temple Therapeutics LLC, explores how genetic genealogy has become a powerful tool for families of African descent to reclaim their histories and restore connections severed by displacement, migration, and historical traumas. Through a family-centered approach, Adwoa demonstrates how commercial DNA testing can do more than uncover personal ancestry—it can reconstruct the bonds of kinship across generations and continents. Drawing from real-life case studies, Adwoa will share stories of how African-descended families are using genetic genealogy to facilitate reconnecting with lost relatives, restoring collective memory, and explore opportunities for healing from intergenerational wounds. Attendees will learn about the unique challenges faced by these families, especially when traditional records and oral histories fall short, and how spanDNA’s method helps bridge the gaps using DNA analysis, compassionate research, and a collaborative, community-based approach. A key focus will be the culmination of these efforts at gatherings such as the upcoming Transatlantic Genealogy Summit 2025, where families who have reconnected through DNA will come together to celebrate their shared heritage, foster deeper connections, and continue building their family legacies. Attendees will walk away with: Insight into how genetic genealogy can be a transformative tool for family legacy-building, particularly within the African diaspora. Practical knowledge of how to use commercial DNA testing platforms to connect with genetic relatives and uncover ancestral histories. A better understanding of how family reunions and summits, such as the Transatlantic Genealogy Summit, can serve as a powerful culmination of genealogical research and DNA connections. Real-life examples of success stories and the emotional impact of restoring long-lost family ties. This presentation may inspire families to see themselves as protagonists in their own stories, capable of uncovering veiled memories and reclaiming their place within the larger, interconnected human family.
Over the past few years, the website for Library and Archives Canada has undergone a number of changes. For some long-time users of the old site, this has caused moments of frustration. In this talk we take a look at the new site, touch upon using the new census search system, and explore other resources they have made available to us.
Over the past few years, the website for Library and Archives Canada has undergone a number of changes. For some long-time users of the old site, this has caused moments of frustration. In this talk we take a look at the new site, touch upon using the new census search system, and explore other resources they have made available to us.
Southern Ancestors…Black and White…in the Freedmen’s Bureau
Wed, June 25 2025: 18:00 UTC
Explore the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands to discover details of the Reconstruction lives of black freedmen and free people of color as well as white farmers and wealthy planters.
Explore the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands to discover details of the Reconstruction lives of black freedmen and free people of color as well as white farmers and wealthy planters.
Irish Ancestors – 5 More Essential Websites You Need to Know About
Wed, July 2 2025: 9:00 UTC
Following on from the ‘Irish Ancestors – Top 5 Websites You Need To Know About’ webinar delivered in January 2024, this talk examines five more key websites. These websites, most of which are free to access, hold a wealth of information that can help to build your family tree and build a picture of their lives. We will examine the type of records held on each site and will include search hints and tips to get the most out of your research on the following websites: The National Archives, Griffith’s Valuation, The Registry of Deeds, Roots Ireland, The British Newspaper Archive.
Following on from the ‘Irish Ancestors – Top 5 Websites You Need To Know About’ webinar delivered in January 2024, this talk examines five more key websites. These websites, most of which are free to access, hold a wealth of information that can help to build your family tree and build a picture of their lives. We will examine the type of records held on each site and will include search hints and tips to get the most out of your research on the following websites: The National Archives, Griffith’s Valuation, The Registry of Deeds, Roots Ireland, The British Newspaper Archive.
Often viewed as a rural retreat for London residents, Surrey presents unique challenges for genealogical research due to its shifting boundaries over the 19th and 20th centuries. This talk will help you build a solid foundation for exploring your Surrey roots with confidence, guiding you through the complexities of tracing your Surrey ancestry, offering strategies to streamline your research journey. Learn about the essential archives and genealogical sources available, both online and in-person, and gain insights into where to find support from local Family History Societies.
Often viewed as a rural retreat for London residents, Surrey presents unique challenges for genealogical research due to its shifting boundaries over the 19th and 20th centuries. This talk will help you build a solid foundation for exploring your Surrey roots with confidence, guiding you through the complexities of tracing your Surrey ancestry, offering strategies to streamline your research journey. Learn about the essential archives and genealogical sources available, both online and in-person, and gain insights into where to find support from local Family History Societies.
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