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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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1:19:49
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
59:42
3.1K views
CC
Free
Tracing migrating ancestors: Who, what, where, when, why and how
We’re all descended from migrants – it’s a fact of history. But who left Europe when? Where did our earliest known ancestors come from? How can we use what we know about family to understand where to look for records? What if we have almost nothing at all? Join MyHeritage’s Director of Content in Europe, Myko Clelland, as we delve into centuries of travel from the old world to the new, getting to grips with the historical rules and patterns that give us the context to better tell our ancestors stories and lead us to new discoveries.
We’re all descended from migrants – it’s a fact of history. But who left Europe when? Where did our earliest known ancestors come from? How can we use what we know about family to understand where to look for records? What if we have almost nothing at all? Join MyHeritage’s Director of Content in Europe, Myko Clelland, as we delve into centuries of travel from the old world to the new, getting to grips with the historical rules and patterns that give us the context to better tell our ancestors stories and lead us to new discoveries.
Fri, September 2 2022: 16:45 UTC
1:11:46
393 views
CC
Direct Your Letters to San Jose: Following Ancestors’ Migration Trails
U.S. Migration patterns trended from the east to west coasts as Manifest Destiny played out in our American ancestors’ lives. Did they write letters? Yes, they did. Did they keep a diary? Likely. But, have those documents survived, and if so where might they be located? Follow through historical documents the 100+year Westward Migration of one family who created, saved, and handed down pertinent historical documents pinpointing their migration from Kentucky to Illinois in the early 1830s, chronicled an overland journey to the California Gold Rush 20 years later in 1850, then later emigrated from Illinois to Kansas in the early days of the Civil War. Discover what brought one descendant to Kansas City, Missouri, after World War II. Where’s their next stop? This case study is studded with potential research avenues for any genealogist, anthropologist, archivist, cartographer, or automobile enthusiast.
U.S. Migration patterns trended from the east to west coasts as Manifest Destiny played out in our American ancestors’ lives. Did they write letters? Yes, they did. Did they keep a diary? Likely. But, have those documents survived, and if so where might they be located? Follow through historical documents the 100+year Westward Migration of one family who created, saved, and handed down pertinent historical documents pinpointing their migration from Kentucky to Illinois in the early 1830s, chronicled an overland journey to the California Gold Rush 20 years later in 1850, then later emigrated from Illinois to Kansas in the early days of the Civil War. Discover what brought one descendant to Kansas City, Missouri, after World War II. Where’s their next stop? This case study is studded with potential research avenues for any genealogist, anthropologist, archivist, cartographer, or automobile enthusiast.
Wed, August 31 2022: 18:00 UTC
1:22:28
379 views
CC
African Americans Heading West
After the end of the Civil War in 1865, African Americans began leaving the areas where they had been enslaved. Many went to North to larger towns where work was more plentiful. But less discussed is that a number went West to farm, using the Homestead Act of 1862 to claim land of their own. Other settled in and helped develop some all-Black towns in Kansas and Oklahoma. Still others headed to the Pacific Coast for work. What can we find out about these settlers’ lives? Where can we find records?
After the end of the Civil War in 1865, African Americans began leaving the areas where they had been enslaved. Many went to North to larger towns where work was more plentiful. But less discussed is that a number went West to farm, using the Homestead Act of 1862 to claim land of their own. Other settled in and helped develop some all-Black towns in Kansas and Oklahoma. Still others headed to the Pacific Coast for work. What can we find out about these settlers’ lives? Where can we find records?
Fri, August 5 2022: 18:00 UTC
1:09:06
The Voyages of Our German Immigrants
Germans began immigrating to the United States in 1683, according to documented history. This talk will highlight significant aspects of the first four major waves of migration, through 1910. The areas from which they came and motivations that typified each wave will be detailed. Available immigration and emigration records help tell the immigrant’s story. Laws changed over time and impacted various aspects of the immigration experience.
Germans began immigrating to the United States in 1683, according to documented history. This talk will highlight significant aspects of the first four major waves of migration, through 1910. The areas from which they came and motivations that typified each wave will be detailed. Available immigration and emigration records help tell the immigrant’s story. Laws changed over time and impacted various aspects of the immigration experience.
Fri, May 27 2022: 22:57 UTC
1:16:07
Federal Records Relating to Rivers and Canals
Many federal records pertain to the development and use of waterways in the United States. This lecture shows examples and explains the relevance of some of the applicable records found at the National Archives in Washington, DC, in its online holdings, and at its regional facilities like Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas…
Many federal records pertain to the development and use of waterways in the United States. This lecture shows examples and explains the relevance of some of the applicable records found at the National Archives in Washington, DC, in its online holdings, and at its regional facilities like Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas…
Wed, September 22 2021: 0:00 UTC
1:07:36
974 views
CC
Social Reasons for Migration
What pressures and enticements motivated people to migrate from one location to another? Learn about the social forces that stimulated migration to new areas: from the East coast westward, from farms to big cities, north into Canada, and into the Midwest.
What pressures and enticements motivated people to migrate from one location to another? Learn about the social forces that stimulated migration to new areas: from the East coast westward, from farms to big cities, north into Canada, and into the Midwest.
Fri, September 7 2018: 0:00 UTC
1:30:11
3.7K views
Southern States Migration Patterns
Why did people migrate from one location to another? What routes did they follow, and how can identifying migration trails help you find your ancestors? Learn from maps and historical details how to follow the trail of your ancestors into and out of the Southern states.
Why did people migrate from one location to another? What routes did they follow, and how can identifying migration trails help you find your ancestors? Learn from maps and historical details how to follow the trail of your ancestors into and out of the Southern states.
Wed, October 11 2017: 0:00 UTC
1:03:13
Migration Trails Across America
Americans have always been a nation on the move. There were many reasons that brought them here, and once they were here they didn’t stop. Something “out west” always seemed to beckon them. In this class, we will study the major trails used for migration, and the ethnic…
Americans have always been a nation on the move. There were many reasons that brought them here, and once they were here they didn’t stop. Something “out west” always seemed to beckon them. In this class, we will study the major trails used for migration, and the ethnic…
Wed, May 24 2017: 0:00 UTC
1:54:22
6.2K views
Migration Patterns East of the Mississippi Prior to 1860
Why did people migrate from one location to another? What routes did they follow, and how can identifying migration trails help you find your ancestors? Learn from maps and historical details how to follow the trail of your ancestors.
Why did people migrate from one location to another? What routes did they follow, and how can identifying migration trails help you find your ancestors? Learn from maps and historical details how to follow the trail of your ancestors.
Wed, May 27 2015: 0:00 UTC
1:29:40
5.0K views
Tracking Migration Using the Big 4 U.S. Record Sources
Tracking migration in the United States involves using census, vital, land, and probate records, the bread and butter of American research. Get an overview of each of these types of records; learn where to find them, and how to use them effectively to track migration.
Tracking migration in the United States involves using census, vital, land, and probate records, the bread and butter of American research. Get an overview of each of these types of records; learn where to find them, and how to use them effectively to track migration.
Wed, January 14 2015: 0:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

View all (38)
Fri, October 20 2023: 16:45 UTC
Lineage of Land: Tracing Property Without Recorded Deeds (a 2023 Reisinger Lecture)
Fri, October 20 2023: 16:45 UTC
This case study traces a piece of property for two hundred years, from the Native Americans to the Dutch, to the English, and through fourteen members of the Hicks family over five generations. Transfer of title occurs through various instruments, including patents, unrecorded deeds, inheritance, escheatment, private laws, entails, deeds of lease and release, life estates, and coverture. Tracing the lineage of the property elucidates family relationships that were otherwise forgotten. This class is presented live at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City as part of the Joy Reisinger Memorial Lecture Series and is being broadcasted by Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
This case study traces a piece of property for two hundred years, from the Native Americans to the Dutch, to the English, and through fourteen members of the Hicks family over five generations. Transfer of title occurs through various instruments, including patents, unrecorded deeds, inheritance, escheatment, private laws, entails, deeds of lease and release, life estates, and coverture. Tracing the lineage of the property elucidates family relationships that were otherwise forgotten. This class is presented live at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City as part of the Joy Reisinger Memorial Lecture Series and is being broadcasted by Legacy Family Tree Webinars.
Fri, October 20 2023: 16:45 UTC
Wed, November 1 2023: 18:00 UTC
Finding Females in US Naturalization Records, 1790-1945
Wed, November 1 2023: 18:00 UTC
Whether you’re missing a naturalization record or finding an unexpected one, this session helps you discover how female ancestors — both foreign-born and birthright — gained, lost, or regained citizenship in the United States between 1790 and 1945. US citizenship and attendant rights for women could be fragile, depending on marital status, prevailing laws, social norms, and other shifting factors. Examples of US naturalization and citizenship records, and search strategies for finding these records are featured in this presentation.
Whether you’re missing a naturalization record or finding an unexpected one, this session helps you discover how female ancestors — both foreign-born and birthright — gained, lost, or regained citizenship in the United States between 1790 and 1945. US citizenship and attendant rights for women could be fragile, depending on marital status, prevailing laws, social norms, and other shifting factors. Examples of US naturalization and citizenship records, and search strategies for finding these records are featured in this presentation.
Wed, November 1 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, November 3 2023: 18:00 UTC
Friends of Friends: Quakers and African American Communities
Fri, November 3 2023: 18:00 UTC
Well-known for their anti-slavery views, Quakers began to migrate to the slave-free territories in the 19th century. As they migrated out of the South, Quakers emancipated and traveled with their newly freed slaves. Once settled, the sect continued their abolitionist cause by supporting the Underground Railroad – transporting runaway slaves to free states. In turn, free blacks established their own settlements, while still maintaining ties with the Quaker community.
Well-known for their anti-slavery views, Quakers began to migrate to the slave-free territories in the 19th century. As they migrated out of the South, Quakers emancipated and traveled with their newly freed slaves. Once settled, the sect continued their abolitionist cause by supporting the Underground Railroad – transporting runaway slaves to free states. In turn, free blacks established their own settlements, while still maintaining ties with the Quaker community.
Fri, November 3 2023: 18:00 UTC
Thu, November 9 2023: 1:00 UTC
Scottish Emigration to North America: Before, During and After the Rebellions
Thu, November 9 2023: 1:00 UTC
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
Wed, November 29 2023: 19:00 UTC
The Erie Canal History and Its Impact on US Migration West
Wed, November 29 2023: 19:00 UTC
In the early days of the colonization of America and certainly the migration as land opened up further and further west of the original thirteen colonies, waterways played a vital role in the ability to “go west young man”! The Erie Canal was an integral part of that migration ability. The Erie Canal was completed in 1825 and allowed not only migration west but the ability to transport goods to other parts of the country for commerce.
Katie Gertz
In the early days of the colonization of America and certainly the migration as land opened up further and further west of the original thirteen colonies, waterways played a vital role in the ability to “go west young man”! The Erie Canal was an integral part of that migration ability. The Erie Canal was completed in 1825 and allowed not only migration west but the ability to transport goods to other parts of the country for commerce.
Wed, November 29 2023: 19:00 UTC
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
Wed, October 4 2023: 1:00 UTC
Gold Fever and Finding Miners Down Under
Wed, October 4 2023: 1:00 UTC
This presentation examines the lure of gold discoveries in various Australian states in the 19th century. Many people travelled down under to try and make their fortunes but didn’t realise just how hard it was working on Australian gold fields. Mining records and newspapers can be used to trace miners and to understand their way of life.
Shauna Hicks
This presentation examines the lure of gold discoveries in various Australian states in the 19th century. Many people travelled down under to try and make their fortunes but didn’t realise just how hard it was working on Australian gold fields. Mining records and newspapers can be used to trace miners and to understand their way of life.
Wed, October 4 2023: 1:00 UTC
Wed, October 4 2023: 18:00 UTC
Beginning with DNA Painter
Wed, October 4 2023: 18:00 UTC
Learn how the DNA Painter website can help decode your matches. In this introductory webinar, Jonny will explain how and why you would use the site’s main features, as well as explaining what information is needed for each.
Learn how the DNA Painter website can help decode your matches. In this introductory webinar, Jonny will explain how and why you would use the site’s main features, as well as explaining what information is needed for each.
Wed, October 4 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, October 6 2023: 18:00 UTC
Tracing West Indian Ancestors: Strategies & Resources
Fri, October 6 2023: 18:00 UTC
This session introduces a 5-Step Research Methodology to guide family history study and research in the West Indies. Resources available in the U.S. and the U.K. are identified and civil registration and church records are illustrated through exploration of a family line. Emphasis is on the British West Indian experience.
Diane Warmsley
This session introduces a 5-Step Research Methodology to guide family history study and research in the West Indies. Resources available in the U.S. and the U.K. are identified and civil registration and church records are illustrated through exploration of a family line. Emphasis is on the British West Indian experience.
Fri, October 6 2023: 18:00 UTC