Webtember

Take your genealogy skills to the next level with this online genealogy conference, held each Friday in September: 25 live webinars in all. Join live for all five Fridays or just one, and if you can’t, we’ve got you covered! Enjoy the recordings at your convenience below.

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1:14:30
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Using Negative Evidence: The Power of Silence in the Records
Can genealogists take a negative (the absence of something) and develop it into a positive (proof of something)? Yes! If we understand what we’re working with and how to develop it. Negative evidence is a tool used by many investigative fields; but its definition varies between disciplines. This session defines the concept used by genealogists and historians: contextually suggestive silence. In layman’s language, Mills clearly separates negative evidence from concepts that are often confused with it: negative searches, negative findings, negative arguments, and negative conclusions. Case studies using autosomal and Y-DNA, censuses, church records, death certificates, land deeds and grants, topo maps, and other source types to demonstrate how to recognize contextually suggestive silence and develop it into solutions for situations in which no document explicitly answers our research question. *** 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. ***
Can genealogists take a negative (the absence of something) and develop it into a positive (proof of something)? Yes! If we understand what we’re working with and how to develop it. Negative evidence is a tool used by many investigative fields; but its definition varies between disciplines. This session defines the concept used by genealogists and historians: contextually suggestive silence. In layman’s language, Mills clearly separates negative evidence from concepts that are often confused with it: negative searches, negative findings, negative arguments, and negative conclusions. Case studies using autosomal and Y-DNA, censuses, church records, death certificates, land deeds and grants, topo maps, and other source types to demonstrate how to recognize contextually suggestive silence and develop it into solutions for situations in which no document explicitly answers our research question. *** 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, September 22 2023: 19:30 UTC
1:11:36
636 views
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Finding John Lee
Discover how DNA, online and offline genealogy converged to break down a more than 100 year old brick wall revealing the life, times, and relations of a mysterious multi-ethnic man named John Lee.
Discover how DNA, online and offline genealogy converged to break down a more than 100 year old brick wall revealing the life, times, and relations of a mysterious multi-ethnic man named John Lee.
Fri, September 22 2023: 18:00 UTC
59:16
301 views
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Lighthouses and Their Keepers; For Those in Peril on the Sea
As far back as 2,000 years ago there were lighthouses, with the earliest known in Egypt. As Europeans made their new homes in British America they also needed beacons to protect the craggy shores of this new land and the inland waters.
As far back as 2,000 years ago there were lighthouses, with the earliest known in Egypt. As Europeans made their new homes in British America they also needed beacons to protect the craggy shores of this new land and the inland waters.
Fri, September 22 2023: 16:45 UTC
55:35
612 views
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Hidden Treasure in New England Town Records
New England town records represent a unique resource for Family historians. Early settlers from England brought their traditions of town governance to the new world, including their ideas of legal matters and record keeping. The result is a treasure trove of documents that capture aspects of our ancestors’ lives as they went about their day-to-day business. These records are especially valuable for the 17th and 18th centuries as many other records may not have survived. This webinar covers not only vital record sources but also records from the Town Treasurer, Overseers of the Poor, and the Selectmen.
Ann Lawthers
New England town records represent a unique resource for Family historians. Early settlers from England brought their traditions of town governance to the new world, including their ideas of legal matters and record keeping. The result is a treasure trove of documents that capture aspects of our ancestors’ lives as they went about their day-to-day business. These records are especially valuable for the 17th and 18th centuries as many other records may not have survived. This webinar covers not only vital record sources but also records from the Town Treasurer, Overseers of the Poor, and the Selectmen.
Fri, September 22 2023: 15:30 UTC
52:42
859 views
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10 Things To Do Before Leaving a Library or Archives
Have you ever gotten home from a genealogy research trip or left a genealogy website and said to yourself “I forgot to do that!”. Learn the 10 vital things every genealogist should do before leaving a library or archives building or website to make your next research trip to an archives physical building or visit to an archive’s website successful.
Have you ever gotten home from a genealogy research trip or left a genealogy website and said to yourself “I forgot to do that!”. Learn the 10 vital things every genealogist should do before leaving a library or archives building or website to make your next research trip to an archives physical building or visit to an archive’s website successful.
Fri, September 22 2023: 14:15 UTC
1:06:21
533 views
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Diving into the Newly Released 1931 Canada Census
With the 1931 Canada census finally released to the public on June 1, 2023, a new window into the lives of ancestors who lived in Canada in the early 20th century is being thrown open! This census offers a snapshot of Canada at a fascinating and difficult historical period, a few years into the Great Depression. Join us for a deep dive into this long-awaited collection and discover what you can learn about your ancestors living in Canada during this time.
With the 1931 Canada census finally released to the public on June 1, 2023, a new window into the lives of ancestors who lived in Canada in the early 20th century is being thrown open! This census offers a snapshot of Canada at a fascinating and difficult historical period, a few years into the Great Depression. Join us for a deep dive into this long-awaited collection and discover what you can learn about your ancestors living in Canada during this time.
Fri, September 15 2023: 19:30 UTC
1:02:14
164 views
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Mexican Land Reform and the Ejido: History and Records
Between 1916 and 1945 the Mexican government distributed 74 million acres of land to Mexican citizens – many of whom had been dispossessed of the right to that land in preceding generations. In this session, we will review the laws, administrative processes and records related to the distribution of that land, known as the ejido. We will also review strategies for requesting the original records. Intended for those with experience in Mexican and/or Hispanic genealogy, this session can help you take your research to the next level.
Between 1916 and 1945 the Mexican government distributed 74 million acres of land to Mexican citizens – many of whom had been dispossessed of the right to that land in preceding generations. In this session, we will review the laws, administrative processes and records related to the distribution of that land, known as the ejido. We will also review strategies for requesting the original records. Intended for those with experience in Mexican and/or Hispanic genealogy, this session can help you take your research to the next level.
Fri, September 15 2023: 18:00 UTC
50:15
330 views
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Driven by Faith: The German Protestants in Ukraine
Ethnic Germans went to Ukraine for two major reasons: For economic opportunities and for the chance to practice their chosen religions. The Lutherans, Baptists and Mennonites who migrated east often followed different paths, but there are common factors in their history as well. This session reviews some of the most important sources that apply to all, as well as sources that are specific to each denomination.
Ethnic Germans went to Ukraine for two major reasons: For economic opportunities and for the chance to practice their chosen religions. The Lutherans, Baptists and Mennonites who migrated east often followed different paths, but there are common factors in their history as well. This session reviews some of the most important sources that apply to all, as well as sources that are specific to each denomination.
Fri, September 15 2023: 16:45 UTC
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
54:43
747 views
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Free
Hidden Roots in Your DNA: Adoptee Success & Surprise Discoveries
Learn how adoptees and others find biological parents and siblings through DNA testing. Review the case that started it all and see today’s recommended strategies. View examples of surprise discoveries and see the tools used to identify relationships.
Richard Hill
Learn how adoptees and others find biological parents and siblings through DNA testing. Review the case that started it all and see today’s recommended strategies. View examples of surprise discoveries and see the tools used to identify relationships.
Fri, September 15 2023: 14:15 UTC
1:03:53
1.0K views
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Explore Your Ancestors’ Names in the MyHeritage ‘Newspaper Name Index’
What has almost a billion names from a couple of centuries, therefore putting the odds in your favor of finding relatives? Well, it’s the MyHeritage “Newspaper Name Index, USA and Canada” database! Learn more about newspaper research as well as some tips and tricks to work with this massive database!
What has almost a billion names from a couple of centuries, therefore putting the odds in your favor of finding relatives? Well, it’s the MyHeritage “Newspaper Name Index, USA and Canada” database! Learn more about newspaper research as well as some tips and tricks to work with this massive database!
Fri, September 8 2023: 19:30 UTC
1:14:49
1.1K views
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Life Cycle of a Record: From Clerks and Clerics to You, The Digital User
What are you looking at? Where did it come from? Why was it created? How did it get online? Records from the past didn’t just show up digitally one day as if by magic. From record creation to storage to archiving and (hopefully) preservation, records made their way through various formats and institutions before showing up online. Understanding the history of a source, its life before the Internet, and the context in which it exists online today can help you discover more about the genealogical information it contains and the quality of that information, propelling your research forward.
What are you looking at? Where did it come from? Why was it created? How did it get online? Records from the past didn’t just show up digitally one day as if by magic. From record creation to storage to archiving and (hopefully) preservation, records made their way through various formats and institutions before showing up online. Understanding the history of a source, its life before the Internet, and the context in which it exists online today can help you discover more about the genealogical information it contains and the quality of that information, propelling your research forward.
Fri, September 8 2023: 18:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

View all (43)
Fri, September 29 2023: 14:15 UTC
50 Family History Writing Tips in 50 Minutes
Fri, September 29 2023: 14:15 UTC
Learn how to conquer family history writer’s block with 50 fun and practical tips for getting words on the page.
Learn how to conquer family history writer’s block with 50 fun and practical tips for getting words on the page.
Fri, September 29 2023: 14:15 UTC
Fri, September 29 2023: 15:30 UTC
A Revolutionary War Case Study: Joseph L. Harper
Fri, September 29 2023: 15:30 UTC
Using case studies the lecturer builds on his previous lectures relating to the Revolutionary War tracing soldier Joseph L. Harper from before the War until his death.
Using case studies the lecturer builds on his previous lectures relating to the Revolutionary War tracing soldier Joseph L. Harper from before the War until his death.
Fri, September 29 2023: 15:30 UTC
Fri, September 29 2023: 16:45 UTC
Mini Case Studies Demonstrate Finding a Town of Origin
Fri, September 29 2023: 16:45 UTC
Finding your immigrant ancestor’s town of origin is an essential piece of information. With it, the family line can be extended across the ocean. Trips to visit the homeland may be planned. Have you spent years searching for this elusive piece of information? This lecture uses mini case studies to demonstrate strategies for finding a village of origin.
Finding your immigrant ancestor’s town of origin is an essential piece of information. With it, the family line can be extended across the ocean. Trips to visit the homeland may be planned. Have you spent years searching for this elusive piece of information? This lecture uses mini case studies to demonstrate strategies for finding a village of origin.
Fri, September 29 2023: 16:45 UTC
Fri, September 29 2023: 18:00 UTC
Welsh Emigration to North America
Fri, September 29 2023: 18:00 UTC
Examine migration patterns from Wales to the US and Canada, looking at the push and pull factors. An understanding of the group migration and historical processes can help in determining the place of origin. We will examine all the Welsh settlements in the US and Canada.
Examine migration patterns from Wales to the US and Canada, looking at the push and pull factors. An understanding of the group migration and historical processes can help in determining the place of origin. We will examine all the Welsh settlements in the US and Canada.
Fri, September 29 2023: 18:00 UTC
Fri, September 29 2023: 19:30 UTC
Worth More than Gold or Silver – MyHeritage’s U.S. Naturalization Records, Northern California, 1852-1989 Collection
Fri, September 29 2023: 19:30 UTC
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!
Fri, September 29 2023: 19:30 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
Tue, October 10 2023: 18:00 UTC
The Latest Photo Feature from MyHeritage
Tue, October 10 2023: 18:00 UTC
Explore the exciting latest addition to the MyHeritage arsenal of photo features! Since 2020, MyHeritage has led the world in technologies that help you see your family photos in a new light. In this session, Tel Erlichman, VP of Product at MyHeritage, will tell you all about the most recent feature and how it will enrich your family history research through family photos.
Explore the exciting latest addition to the MyHeritage arsenal of photo features! Since 2020, MyHeritage has led the world in technologies that help you see your family photos in a new light. In this session, Tel Erlichman, VP of Product at MyHeritage, will tell you all about the most recent feature and how it will enrich your family history research through family photos.
Tue, October 10 2023: 18:00 UTC