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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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52:22
So, You Think You Know All About City Directories?
Most are thick books listing the heads of household with address and occupation; later the spouse and adult children appear. Add business listings and ads plus government agencies, relief agencies, civic and religious organizations, and other listings and you have a goldmine of information. Do you know how and when the material was collected? The differences in the early ones? How to use them for the history of businesses, owners, and other entities. What about the unique directories that serve as a census, tell of military service, where someone moved to, include fake names, and provide clues to vital records. The problems with some digitized directories, issues with the canvassing for listings, and the sales pushed that occurred will be covered. I’ll share the rewards of in-depth sleuthing about the directories, their compilation, some surprises, and obvious and hidden places to find them today.
Most are thick books listing the heads of household with address and occupation; later the spouse and adult children appear. Add business listings and ads plus government agencies, relief agencies, civic and religious organizations, and other listings and you have a goldmine of information. Do you know how and when the material was collected? The differences in the early ones? How to use them for the history of businesses, owners, and other entities. What about the unique directories that serve as a census, tell of military service, where someone moved to, include fake names, and provide clues to vital records. The problems with some digitized directories, issues with the canvassing for listings, and the sales pushed that occurred will be covered. I’ll share the rewards of in-depth sleuthing about the directories, their compilation, some surprises, and obvious and hidden places to find them today.
Fri, September 15 2023: 15:30 UTC
1:08:43
1.2K views
CC
Free
A Deep Dive into U.S. City Directories at MyHeritage
U.S. City Directories are useful for finding a person’s residence at a given place and time, but we can glean many more facts from City Directories. Discover how to use MyHeritage’s U.S. City Directories collection to find not only residential information about your ancestors but much more. Learn how to use MyHeritage’s unique features and search capabilities.
U.S. City Directories are useful for finding a person’s residence at a given place and time, but we can glean many more facts from City Directories. Discover how to use MyHeritage’s U.S. City Directories collection to find not only residential information about your ancestors but much more. Learn how to use MyHeritage’s unique features and search capabilities.
Tue, July 25 2023: 18:00 UTC
8:00
571 views
CC
How a City Directory worked for me again
Following up on his recent case study webinar, “How I Debunked an Online Tree Hint”, Geoff Rasmussen shows how a city directory put a final nail in that hint’s coffin (not sure how great that analogy is, but hopefully you get the point…) and provided new clues to continue his research.
Following up on his recent case study webinar, “How I Debunked an Online Tree Hint”, Geoff Rasmussen shows how a city directory put a final nail in that hint’s coffin (not sure how great that analogy is, but hopefully you get the point…) and provided new clues to continue his research.
Thu, June 30 2022: 0:00 UTC
1:07:27
8.6K views
CC
Free
City Directories: Much More than Ye Olde Phonebooks
Learn about the fascinating details which may be hiding in your ancestors' City Directories listings, such as addresses, names of neighbors, professions, and services provided. Advertisements from old City Directories will open the door to a wealth of information about how your ancestors lived.
Learn about the fascinating details which may be hiding in your ancestors' City Directories listings, such as addresses, names of neighbors, professions, and services provided. Advertisements from old City Directories will open the door to a wealth of information about how your ancestors lived.
Tue, March 24 2020: 0:00 UTC
44:30
6.5K views
CC
Free
City Directories: No Town Too Small, No Clue Too Little
Most genealogists aren’t taking full advantage of all the clues available in city directories. Learn how go beyond a mere “lookup” of your ancestor and their family. Understand how city directories were created, the secrets of various abbreviations, and how to use the F.A.N. Club approach to getting the most…
Most genealogists aren’t taking full advantage of all the clues available in city directories. Learn how go beyond a mere “lookup” of your ancestor and their family. Understand how city directories were created, the secrets of various abbreviations, and how to use the F.A.N. Club approach to getting the most…
Wed, May 15 2019: 0:00 UTC
1:46:16
Finding and Using Land Ownership Maps
Land ownership maps in the US are generally focused on the county level. Produced largely in the nineteenth-century in single sheet or atlas format, they were sold by subscription and also developed to commemorate events such as the centennial of the American Revolution. Though advances in printing such as lithography…
Land ownership maps in the US are generally focused on the county level. Produced largely in the nineteenth-century in single sheet or atlas format, they were sold by subscription and also developed to commemorate events such as the centennial of the American Revolution. Though advances in printing such as lithography…
Wed, April 26 2017: 0:00 UTC
1:37:07
4.1K views
Watch Geoff Live: Adding a City Directory
In this webinar, Legacy’s Geoff Rasmussen will demonstrate what to do with a city directory as he adds the information to his real, personal Legacy family file. This class will be presented live and unscripted, giving attendees a first-hand look at how a professional genealogist analyzes and records information from…
In this webinar, Legacy’s Geoff Rasmussen will demonstrate what to do with a city directory as he adds the information to his real, personal Legacy family file. This class will be presented live and unscripted, giving attendees a first-hand look at how a professional genealogist analyzes and records information from…
Tue, December 13 2016: 0:00 UTC
1:02:04
Ten Years Is A Long Time – Census Substitutes for the In-Between Years (BONUS webinar for subscribers)
The federal census gives us wonderful clues for our research, but the ten years between each census is a long time. This presentation will discuss records that can be used to fill in the gap and add more points to your ancestor's timeline.
The federal census gives us wonderful clues for our research, but the ten years between each census is a long time. This presentation will discuss records that can be used to fill in the gap and add more points to your ancestor's timeline.
Fri, August 14 2015: 0:00 UTC
1:24:00
4.1K views
Direct Your Research with City Directories
Browse the pages of various types of directories to discover where your ancestor worked, lived and played. City Directories are for more than family research. The details can help you date a photograph or plot your relative on a map.
Browse the pages of various types of directories to discover where your ancestor worked, lived and played. City Directories are for more than family research. The details can help you date a photograph or plot your relative on a map.
Fri, August 2 2013: 0:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

View all (14)
Thu, December 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
Where Did Your U.S. Ancestors Go to Church? 5 Ways to Find Out
Thu, December 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
Finding a U.S. ancestor’s church affiliation is the first key step to discovering their stories in related records, but it isn’t usually easy. Learn 5 essential strategies, illustrated by inspiring examples. Viewers will come away with sensible, actionable steps they can apply to their own research.
Finding a U.S. ancestor’s church affiliation is the first key step to discovering their stories in related records, but it isn’t usually easy. Learn 5 essential strategies, illustrated by inspiring examples. Viewers will come away with sensible, actionable steps they can apply to their own research.
Thu, December 14 2023: 1:00 UTC
Fri, December 1 2023: 19:00 UTC
Who Were “Felix Richards’ Slaves”?: Identifying Enslaved People Photographed During the Civil War
Fri, December 1 2023: 19:00 UTC
Nine African Americans — two women and seven children — were posed amid a laundry day setting in a rare Civil War-era photograph. The handwritten caption identified them only as “Felix Richards Slaves” and the location as Volusia, near Alexandria, Va. Could their true identities be established? In this case study, historian and genealogist Amy Bertsch discusses a variety of sources, including probate records, a chancery suit, Civil War pension applications, and the former enslaver’s federal compensation claim, she used to identify the individuals in the photo, which is now at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She explores how these records can yield new discoveries for family historians and she also demonstrates the importance of researching the enslaver’s family when conducting African American family research.
Nine African Americans — two women and seven children — were posed amid a laundry day setting in a rare Civil War-era photograph. The handwritten caption identified them only as “Felix Richards Slaves” and the location as Volusia, near Alexandria, Va. Could their true identities be established? In this case study, historian and genealogist Amy Bertsch discusses a variety of sources, including probate records, a chancery suit, Civil War pension applications, and the former enslaver’s federal compensation claim, she used to identify the individuals in the photo, which is now at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She explores how these records can yield new discoveries for family historians and she also demonstrates the importance of researching the enslaver’s family when conducting African American family research.
Fri, December 1 2023: 19:00 UTC
Wed, December 6 2023: 1:00 UTC
Can you Write a Wrong? Copyright in Australia
Wed, December 6 2023: 1:00 UTC
Knowing what we can freely use, without permission, in our family histories ensures that we are not infringing on the rights of others. For example, did you know that if you watch your grandmother make her secret pasta sauce, writing down the ingredients and methods she used, you have created your own ‘literary work’ which is now protected by copyright? (Just don’t tell Granny!) How then does copyright law apply to published and unpublished works? What is fair use and moral rights? Can a distant cousin use information in her family book that I have researched? This presentation will examine those aspects of Australia’s copyright law which apply to family historians and discusses ways we can comply with the law.
Knowing what we can freely use, without permission, in our family histories ensures that we are not infringing on the rights of others. For example, did you know that if you watch your grandmother make her secret pasta sauce, writing down the ingredients and methods she used, you have created your own ‘literary work’ which is now protected by copyright? (Just don’t tell Granny!) How then does copyright law apply to published and unpublished works? What is fair use and moral rights? Can a distant cousin use information in her family book that I have researched? This presentation will examine those aspects of Australia’s copyright law which apply to family historians and discusses ways we can comply with the law.
Wed, December 6 2023: 1:00 UTC
Wed, December 6 2023: 19:00 UTC
5 Tips for Deciphering Handwritten Documents
Wed, December 6 2023: 19:00 UTC
Reading handwritten documents can be one of the most challenging aspects of genealogical research. This webinar will offer five tips from a genealogical translator to help you make those hard to read words understandable.
Reading handwritten documents can be one of the most challenging aspects of genealogical research. This webinar will offer five tips from a genealogical translator to help you make those hard to read words understandable.
Wed, December 6 2023: 19:00 UTC
Tue, December 12 2023: 19:00 UTC
The Latest Developments in Searching Historical Records on MyHeritage
Tue, December 12 2023: 19:00 UTC
MyHeritage is home to billions of historical records containing countless discoveries for family historians everywhere; but what good is all that information if it’s hard to find? In this session, Maya Geier, Product Manager at MyHeritage, responsible for publication of historical records at MyHeritage, will show you all the latest cutting-edge developments in the search experience at MyHeritage that make it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for.
MyHeritage is home to billions of historical records containing countless discoveries for family historians everywhere; but what good is all that information if it’s hard to find? In this session, Maya Geier, Product Manager at MyHeritage, responsible for publication of historical records at MyHeritage, will show you all the latest cutting-edge developments in the search experience at MyHeritage that make it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for.
Tue, December 12 2023: 19:00 UTC
Fri, December 15 2023: 19:00 UTC
Landscape of Dreams: Jewish Genealogy in Canada
Fri, December 15 2023: 19:00 UTC
The landscape of Canada is extensive, and so are our genealogy resources! In this presentation we’ll take a look at accessing some of the most common Canadian genealogy documents available online including census, immigration, military, and vital records. We’ll also explore the abundant number of Canadian Jewish specific resources including archives and heritage organizations, newspapers, and digitized books.
Kaye Prince-Hollenberg
The landscape of Canada is extensive, and so are our genealogy resources! In this presentation we’ll take a look at accessing some of the most common Canadian genealogy documents available online including census, immigration, military, and vital records. We’ll also explore the abundant number of Canadian Jewish specific resources including archives and heritage organizations, newspapers, and digitized books.
Fri, December 15 2023: 19:00 UTC
Wed, December 20 2023: 1:00 UTC
Finding Sophia’s Family: A Case of Fratricide and Forgotten Identity
Wed, December 20 2023: 1:00 UTC
A quarrel between brothers turns into tragedy. The murdered man’s young widow and children leave their rural home for city life, never returning. Former family connections are forgotten in time. This webinar illustrates the case of finding the birth family of a mid-nineteenth-century South Carolina widow who left her family’s homeplace. No record provides an exact birthplace or fully identifies her parents. Learn how widow Sophia’s forgotten identity was reconstructed by understanding the era’s social context, creating and testing hypotheses, and conducting whole family research.
A quarrel between brothers turns into tragedy. The murdered man’s young widow and children leave their rural home for city life, never returning. Former family connections are forgotten in time. This webinar illustrates the case of finding the birth family of a mid-nineteenth-century South Carolina widow who left her family’s homeplace. No record provides an exact birthplace or fully identifies her parents. Learn how widow Sophia’s forgotten identity was reconstructed by understanding the era’s social context, creating and testing hypotheses, and conducting whole family research.
Wed, December 20 2023: 1:00 UTC
Wed, December 20 2023: 19:00 UTC
Got Old Negatives? Scan Them With Your Phone and These 5 (Mostly) Free Apps!
Wed, December 20 2023: 19:00 UTC
Are your old film negatives wasting away in a box in the closet? Let’s bring them to life so you can enjoy them! These days, it’s quick, easy, and inexpensive to scan film negatives with your smartphone. Find out how with these five apps and a few household items!
Are your old film negatives wasting away in a box in the closet? Let’s bring them to life so you can enjoy them! These days, it’s quick, easy, and inexpensive to scan film negatives with your smartphone. Find out how with these five apps and a few household items!
Wed, December 20 2023: 19:00 UTC
Using Evidence Creatively: Spotting Clues in Run-of-the-Mill Records
Fri, December 22 2023: 19:00 UTC
The records we use are filled with “trivia,” bits and pieces of information that seem to have no “genealogical” value—at least not until we become more innovative in our research and analysis. Each piece of trivia in every document is an opportunity waiting to be connected to something else. Our ability to resolve problems depends upon our ability to make those connections. This class explores eighteen types of records and the kind of hidden clues each offers to help us resolve problems of identity, kinship, and origin. *** This class requires a password and an active webinar membership to attend. On the day of the webinar, obtain the password (located at the top of FamilyTreeWebinars.com when logged in as a member). Then click the Join Webinar link in your confirmation/reminder email, and enter the password when prompted. ***
The records we use are filled with “trivia,” bits and pieces of information that seem to have no “genealogical” value—at least not until we become more innovative in our research and analysis. Each piece of trivia in every document is an opportunity waiting to be connected to something else. Our ability to resolve problems depends upon our ability to make those connections. This class explores eighteen types of records and the kind of hidden clues each offers to help us resolve problems of identity, kinship, and origin. *** This class requires a password and an active webinar membership to attend. On the day of the webinar, obtain the password (located at the top of FamilyTreeWebinars.com when logged in as a member). Then click the Join Webinar link in your confirmation/reminder email, and enter the password when prompted. ***
Fri, December 22 2023: 19:00 UTC