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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Historical Records

Watch webinars that focus on specific record categories including adoption, vital records, cemetery records, census records, city directories, immigration records, newspapers and more for locations around the world.

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1:21:40
1.1K views
Free
PERSI 2.0: The New PERSI for Everyone
You may be missing 30% of genealogy discoveries if you’re not digging into issues of old periodicals for biographical profiles, stories about ancestral churches or schools, how-to tips for researching a locale, indexes and transcripts of local records. Learn to find and access this content using PERSI, the Periodical Source Index, NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE on the Allen County Public Library website, and hear success stories that can inspire your own searches.
You may be missing 30% of genealogy discoveries if you’re not digging into issues of old periodicals for biographical profiles, stories about ancestral churches or schools, how-to tips for researching a locale, indexes and transcripts of local records. Learn to find and access this content using PERSI, the Periodical Source Index, NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE on the Allen County Public Library website, and hear success stories that can inspire your own searches.
Wed, March 22 2023: 18:00 UTC
1:27:07
1.4K views
CC
Written in Stone: In-Depth Study of a Gravestone
Genealogists use gravestone information to document death information, but oftentimes, a burial marker provides more than biographical information. Gravestones, like any record, should be analyzed but to do so requires one to think beyond genealogical research. In this presentation, we will explore types of cemeteries, the anatomy of a marker, and the “hidden” information the marker provides.
Genealogists use gravestone information to document death information, but oftentimes, a burial marker provides more than biographical information. Gravestones, like any record, should be analyzed but to do so requires one to think beyond genealogical research. In this presentation, we will explore types of cemeteries, the anatomy of a marker, and the “hidden” information the marker provides.
Thu, March 9 2023: 1:00 UTC
1:07:48
537 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
48:19
Deconstructing a Conflicted Census Enumeration: Carrie Peterson aka Clara Moore
Census enumerations offer invaluable snapshots of families, but like any record, can lead researchers astray. Names may be mangled, ages fudged, or individuals or families be enumerated twice – or not at all. This entertaining presentation follows a Norwegian immigrant family forward and backward in time to untangle the makeup of a 1910 Minnesota family.
Census enumerations offer invaluable snapshots of families, but like any record, can lead researchers astray. Names may be mangled, ages fudged, or individuals or families be enumerated twice – or not at all. This entertaining presentation follows a Norwegian immigrant family forward and backward in time to untangle the makeup of a 1910 Minnesota family.
Fri, December 23 2022: 0:30 UTC
1:30:16
1.3K views
CC
The Migration of European Ancestors: Their Experiences and the Records, 1820-1920
Many factors pushed or pulled our European immigrant ancestors to come to the New World. Follow in the footsteps of those who arrived between 1820 and 1920. What did our ancestors experience when they decided to leave their homes and communities to sail to America? What was the voyage like? How did they settle into their new homes? Then discover essential and unusual resources for migration research for all US and Canadian ports in this presentation.
Many factors pushed or pulled our European immigrant ancestors to come to the New World. Follow in the footsteps of those who arrived between 1820 and 1920. What did our ancestors experience when they decided to leave their homes and communities to sail to America? What was the voyage like? How did they settle into their new homes? Then discover essential and unusual resources for migration research for all US and Canadian ports in this presentation.
Thu, November 10 2022: 1:00 UTC
1:19:49
1.6K views
CC
Colonial Migrations to 1770
Before the Revolutionary War, geography, topography and a strong indigenous people presence shaped migration patterns. This webinar covers the dominant push-pull forces and challenges for colonial migration. Using maps and other graphics, the major migration routes by region will be described: New England, mid-Atlantic and southward from Virginia. Famous paths such as the Kings Highway, the Great Valley Road, and the Fall Line Road as well as less well-known paths such as the Greenwood Path and the Forbidden Path will be covered. Using a set of case studies, the process of locating clues in local histories, land records, and vital records is unfolded.
Ann Lawthers
Before the Revolutionary War, geography, topography and a strong indigenous people presence shaped migration patterns. This webinar covers the dominant push-pull forces and challenges for colonial migration. Using maps and other graphics, the major migration routes by region will be described: New England, mid-Atlantic and southward from Virginia. Famous paths such as the Kings Highway, the Great Valley Road, and the Fall Line Road as well as less well-known paths such as the Greenwood Path and the Forbidden Path will be covered. Using a set of case studies, the process of locating clues in local histories, land records, and vital records is unfolded.
Wed, October 19 2022: 18:00 UTC
58:31
480 views
CC
Separate Even in Death – Black Funerals and Cemeteries
Segregation extended into death for African Americans, especially for those in the Southern United States. What led to the development of separate funeral homes and burial grounds? This presentation looks at burial practices for African-Americans from the 16th to the 20th century.
Segregation extended into death for African Americans, especially for those in the Southern United States. What led to the development of separate funeral homes and burial grounds? This presentation looks at burial practices for African-Americans from the 16th to the 20th century.
Fri, September 30 2022: 15:30 UTC
59:38
935 views
CC
Documenting Cemeteries with BillionGraves
If headstones could talk, they would have a lot of stories to tell. But they can’t, so BillionGraves is the next best thing. BillionGraves is the world’s largest GPS-linked cemetery data resource. As you take photos with the BillionGraves app on your phone, each gravestone is automatically marked with a GPS location. The data is then transcribed by volunteers, plotted on cemetery maps, and preserved on BillionGraves, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage websites for millions of families around the globe for generations to come.
If headstones could talk, they would have a lot of stories to tell. But they can’t, so BillionGraves is the next best thing. BillionGraves is the world’s largest GPS-linked cemetery data resource. As you take photos with the BillionGraves app on your phone, each gravestone is automatically marked with a GPS location. The data is then transcribed by volunteers, plotted on cemetery maps, and preserved on BillionGraves, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage websites for millions of families around the globe for generations to come.
Fri, September 23 2022: 16:45 UTC
59:36
A Deep Dive into the Map Collections of the Library of Congress
The library holds the world’s largest collection of maps—over 5.2 million maps according to their website. This webinar will describe the collections most valuable for genealogical research. We are going to explore the online resources and how they can help our research. Exploring the phenomenal learning resources is also on the agenda. We will also talk about finding aids, research guides, reproduction capabilities, and alternative ways to access the map collections. Lastly, we will discuss the resources that are only available onsite, such as the cartographic library, cartographic exhibits, and other unique holdings.
The library holds the world’s largest collection of maps—over 5.2 million maps according to their website. This webinar will describe the collections most valuable for genealogical research. We are going to explore the online resources and how they can help our research. Exploring the phenomenal learning resources is also on the agenda. We will also talk about finding aids, research guides, reproduction capabilities, and alternative ways to access the map collections. Lastly, we will discuss the resources that are only available onsite, such as the cartographic library, cartographic exhibits, and other unique holdings.
Fri, September 23 2022: 15:30 UTC
59:41
369 views
CC
Fruit of the Earth: Using Deeds to Uncover Your Ancestors
Deed Records are one of the best records for researching family history, but their legal language can intimidate even seasoned researchers. In this session, Ms. Smith describes the various ways that land records can help our genealogical research not just on our ancestors, but also on the communities in which they lived. Land records can tie together multiple generations of a family and provide evidence for relationships. They can also shed light on the social history of a locale, which is important information to add context to the lives of our ancestors.
Deed Records are one of the best records for researching family history, but their legal language can intimidate even seasoned researchers. In this session, Ms. Smith describes the various ways that land records can help our genealogical research not just on our ancestors, but also on the communities in which they lived. Land records can tie together multiple generations of a family and provide evidence for relationships. They can also shed light on the social history of a locale, which is important information to add context to the lives of our ancestors.
Fri, September 23 2022: 10:00 UTC
43:04
93 views
CC
Swedish-American Church Books – Great Genealogical Source!
Many Swedes who immigrated to North America (United States and Canada) joined a Swedish American Church. While most of these congregations were Lutheran, there were also Swedish Covenant, Swedish Methodist, Swedish Baptist, Swedish Mission and other free churches. Many of these churches kept detailed records as they did in Sweden. These records are a wonderful source to discover where in Sweden the person came from and in some cases tracing internal migration within North America. This presentation will highlight the history of Swedish American churches, the various denominations and what types of records were kept and where you can find these records both online and offline. We will review a few records to show the immense detail that was kept by some of these churches.
Many Swedes who immigrated to North America (United States and Canada) joined a Swedish American Church. While most of these congregations were Lutheran, there were also Swedish Covenant, Swedish Methodist, Swedish Baptist, Swedish Mission and other free churches. Many of these churches kept detailed records as they did in Sweden. These records are a wonderful source to discover where in Sweden the person came from and in some cases tracing internal migration within North America. This presentation will highlight the history of Swedish American churches, the various denominations and what types of records were kept and where you can find these records both online and offline. We will review a few records to show the immense detail that was kept by some of these churches.
Fri, September 23 2022: 10:00 UTC
1:33:55
Essential Immigration Records for Researching Your Mexican Ancestors
Did your Mexican ancestors immigrate to the United States in the 20th century? This period of history witnessed significant waves of Mexican immigration to the U.S., both permanent and temporary. The types of immigration records introduced or refined during this era, provide a wealth of information.
Did your Mexican ancestors immigrate to the United States in the 20th century? This period of history witnessed significant waves of Mexican immigration to the U.S., both permanent and temporary. The types of immigration records introduced or refined during this era, provide a wealth of information.
Fri, September 16 2022: 18:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

View all (155)
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: 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: 4:00 UTC
We Remember: Researching, Remembering and Commemorating those who served
Fri, April 14 2023: 4:00 UTC
Researching, remembering and commemorating those in our families who served. Michelle will explore ways family historians can research, remember and commemorate those in our families who served. The presentation will include tips about where to find service records and the gems of information that can be found within. Lest We Forget.
Researching, remembering and commemorating those in our families who served. Michelle will explore ways family historians can research, remember and commemorate those in our families who served. The presentation will include tips about where to find service records and the gems of information that can be found within. Lest We Forget.
Fri, April 14 2023: 4:00 UTC
Fri, April 14 2023: 14:00 UTC
Giving Them Their Glory: First Kansas/US Colored Troops 79th Regiment
Fri, April 14 2023: 14:00 UTC
Organized in August 1862, the First Kansas Colored Infantry was the first Black unit recruited in the North, the first to see and die in battle in the Civil War. Made up of both free and enslaved men, including those from the Five Tribes, its exploits were legendary. Yet, the lives of its rank and file outside of their service were prolific and unsung.
Organized in August 1862, the First Kansas Colored Infantry was the first Black unit recruited in the North, the first to see and die in battle in the Civil War. Made up of both free and enslaved men, including those from the Five Tribes, its exploits were legendary. Yet, the lives of its rank and file outside of their service were prolific and unsung.
Fri, April 14 2023: 14:00 UTC
Wed, April 19 2023: 0:00 UTC
Urban Mapping Tools
Wed, April 19 2023: 0:00 UTC
This presentation will suggest strategies to correlate large amounts of information often developed in urban research, with a significant emphasis on the use of cartographic resources. Generally, researchers of urban settings have an abundance of sources to consider. Many times, the challenge is to connect and analyze multiple, even overwhelming, amounts of information. A variety of resources will be discussed, especially, cadastral maps (land ownership), Sanborn fire insurance maps and city directories.
This presentation will suggest strategies to correlate large amounts of information often developed in urban research, with a significant emphasis on the use of cartographic resources. Generally, researchers of urban settings have an abundance of sources to consider. Many times, the challenge is to connect and analyze multiple, even overwhelming, amounts of information. A variety of resources will be discussed, especially, cadastral maps (land ownership), Sanborn fire insurance maps and city directories.
Wed, April 19 2023: 0:00 UTC
Fri, May 5 2023: 18:00 UTC
Working on the Railroad: Pullman Porters and Maids
Fri, May 5 2023: 18:00 UTC
The Pullman Company was one of the leading employers of African Americans, primarily male Porters, who worked on the railroad in the late 19th and early 20th century. This presentation will look briefly at the general growth of the railroad as well as the Pullman Company which built rail cars and rented them to rail companies. Pullman hired primarily African American men and women to staff the dining and sleeping cars. What was the job like and what were lives like for the Porters and Maids? How do we find records of ancestors who were Pullman Porters or Maids?
The Pullman Company was one of the leading employers of African Americans, primarily male Porters, who worked on the railroad in the late 19th and early 20th century. This presentation will look briefly at the general growth of the railroad as well as the Pullman Company which built rail cars and rented them to rail companies. Pullman hired primarily African American men and women to staff the dining and sleeping cars. What was the job like and what were lives like for the Porters and Maids? How do we find records of ancestors who were Pullman Porters or Maids?
Fri, May 5 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, May 12 2023: 18:00 UTC
Spies, Slackers, and Aliens: Records of the American Protective League
Fri, May 12 2023: 18:00 UTC
Organized in Chicago, IL in 1917 by citizens who believed the United States Department of Justice was understaffed and not up to the task of fighting against espionage. They grew to a volunteer force of more than 250,000 members. The APL was given absolute power to stop ordinary citizens in the streets by checking whether men were legally registered for draft, or were sympathetic to the Germans, or those unregistered aliens living in the United States. Long believed to be a pseudo-patriotic organization. The APL documented both members and their activities in rich genealogical and historical details at the time the United States entered World War I.
Organized in Chicago, IL in 1917 by citizens who believed the United States Department of Justice was understaffed and not up to the task of fighting against espionage. They grew to a volunteer force of more than 250,000 members. The APL was given absolute power to stop ordinary citizens in the streets by checking whether men were legally registered for draft, or were sympathetic to the Germans, or those unregistered aliens living in the United States. Long believed to be a pseudo-patriotic organization. The APL documented both members and their activities in rich genealogical and historical details at the time the United States entered World War I.
Fri, May 12 2023: 18:00 UTC
Wed, May 31 2023: 18:00 UTC
Finding Chinese Railroad Worker Files in the U.S.
Wed, May 31 2023: 18:00 UTC
There is little documentation about Chinese railroad workers who built the Transcontinental and many other railroads in the U.S. starting in the 1860s. This webinar will describe some of the materials that do exist and other sources to use to learn more.
There is little documentation about Chinese railroad workers who built the Transcontinental and many other railroads in the U.S. starting in the 1860s. This webinar will describe some of the materials that do exist and other sources to use to learn more.
Wed, May 31 2023: 18:00 UTC
Wed, June 28 2023: 18:00 UTC
A Fresh Light on Old Newspapers
Wed, June 28 2023: 18:00 UTC
Researching in old newspapers no longer means sitting at a microfilm reader for hours on end, winding through a seemingly endless string of news stories and advertisements. Today, the results we seek could be a matter of minutes away, thanks to the many digitization projects that have placed millions of newspaper pages on the Internet. But what are the pitfalls? This presentation takes you through the digitization process, from hard copy to your computer screen. It is designed to help you achieve the best results from your work. (Note: Dave Obee has worked in newspapers for 50 years, has researched with them for 50 years, and has been behind a major digitization project. This talk draws from real experience.)
Researching in old newspapers no longer means sitting at a microfilm reader for hours on end, winding through a seemingly endless string of news stories and advertisements. Today, the results we seek could be a matter of minutes away, thanks to the many digitization projects that have placed millions of newspaper pages on the Internet. But what are the pitfalls? This presentation takes you through the digitization process, from hard copy to your computer screen. It is designed to help you achieve the best results from your work. (Note: Dave Obee has worked in newspapers for 50 years, has researched with them for 50 years, and has been behind a major digitization project. This talk draws from real experience.)
Wed, June 28 2023: 18:00 UTC