Webtember 2025 (free) starts Wednesday. Register here.

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Finding Your Ancestors in German Directories
In Germany, more and more directories are online, and some of them are even indexed. This presentation will tell you where to find them, show you how to work with them, and explain how to interpret the information typical for German directories.
In Germany, more and more directories are online, and some of them are even indexed. This presentation will tell you where to find them, show you how to work with them, and explain how to interpret the information typical for German directories.
Wed, September 3 2025: 14:15 UTC
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Ancestors on the Margins: tracing misfortunate ancestors in Britain
This presentation focusses on helping family historians with British ancestry to research those whose conditions or behaviours may have led them to become marginalised, or discriminated against. Their circumstances were often the result of personal misfortune, exacerbated by society’s intolerance and they are often the ancestors who are not given due attention when we research, perhaps because their life experiences make us feel uncomfortable. Now is the time to focus on the Illegitimate, the poverty stricken, the sick and the lawbreakers and restore them to prominence in the family’s story. The presentation will also consider the ethical issues that arise when telling the stories of the marginalised.
This presentation focusses on helping family historians with British ancestry to research those whose conditions or behaviours may have led them to become marginalised, or discriminated against. Their circumstances were often the result of personal misfortune, exacerbated by society’s intolerance and they are often the ancestors who are not given due attention when we research, perhaps because their life experiences make us feel uncomfortable. Now is the time to focus on the Illegitimate, the poverty stricken, the sick and the lawbreakers and restore them to prominence in the family’s story. The presentation will also consider the ethical issues that arise when telling the stories of the marginalised.
Wed, September 3 2025: 9:00 UTC
1:12:02
Ancestors on the Move: Migration from Farms to Cities, 1870–1920
The 1870 census was the first time farmers fell below 50% of American wage earners. Even then, they were still close, at 47.7%. By 1920, farmers were less than one third of the American population. Between 1870 and 1920, 11 million Americans migrated to cities. Learn about the events that spurred this migration and changed our ancestors from rural to urban dwellers and how to reconstruct their stories.
The 1870 census was the first time farmers fell below 50% of American wage earners. Even then, they were still close, at 47.7%. By 1920, farmers were less than one third of the American population. Between 1870 and 1920, 11 million Americans migrated to cities. Learn about the events that spurred this migration and changed our ancestors from rural to urban dwellers and how to reconstruct their stories.
Wed, August 27 2025: 18:00 UTC
58:26
356 views
CC
Why you want Irish Quaker ancestors
The Irish Quaker community is today very small but at the turn of the 19th century, they were a large, active mobile community in Ireland, with strong links to Pennsylvania, which was founded by William Penn, an English Quaker. They also kept amazingly detailed records in both the personal and business spheres. This lecture traces the history and impact of Irish Quakers and showcases their records while considering what a largescale DNA project might uncover for this endogamous and distinct community within Ireland.
The Irish Quaker community is today very small but at the turn of the 19th century, they were a large, active mobile community in Ireland, with strong links to Pennsylvania, which was founded by William Penn, an English Quaker. They also kept amazingly detailed records in both the personal and business spheres. This lecture traces the history and impact of Irish Quakers and showcases their records while considering what a largescale DNA project might uncover for this endogamous and distinct community within Ireland.
Wed, August 6 2025: 9:00 UTC
1:20:56
538 views
Finding Your Scot Ancestors in New Scotland
Nova Scotia (New Scotland) is a land steeped in the History of the Scots who settled in the late 18th Century through to the early 20th century. Will be discussing this history as well as the tools and resources that are available to family historians to help them trace those early settlers whose descendants would go on to make a mark on the world, whether they and their descendants stayed in the province or moved.
Nova Scotia (New Scotland) is a land steeped in the History of the Scots who settled in the late 18th Century through to the early 20th century. Will be discussing this history as well as the tools and resources that are available to family historians to help them trace those early settlers whose descendants would go on to make a mark on the world, whether they and their descendants stayed in the province or moved.
Fri, August 1 2025: 18:00 UTC
1:26:00
1.7K views
CC
Tracing Scots Ancestors Before 1855
Researching Scots ancestors before civil registration in 1855 can be challenging! Learn about some of the rich alternative sources you can mine when looking for your earlier forebears, like tax records, directories, newspapers, and more – where to find them, and how to make the most of them.
Researching Scots ancestors before civil registration in 1855 can be challenging! Learn about some of the rich alternative sources you can mine when looking for your earlier forebears, like tax records, directories, newspapers, and more – where to find them, and how to make the most of them.
Wed, July 16 2025: 18:00 UTC
1:09:42
285 views
CC
Researching your Ancestors in Surrey
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.
Fri, July 11 2025: 18:00 UTC
1:23:34
1.1K views
CC
Irish Ancestors – 5 More Essential Websites You Need to Know About
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.
Wed, July 2 2025: 9:00 UTC
1:30:54
570 views
CC
Southern Ancestors…Black and White…in the Freedmen’s Bureau
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.
Wed, June 25 2025: 18:00 UTC
1:26:12
Finding your Sephardic Jewish ancestors in Mexico
Explore the hidden stories of Mexico’s colonial past and uncover the legacy of Sephardic Jews in New Spain. In this webinar, we’ll examine the types of documents—such as Inquisition records, church registries, and others —that reveal traces of Jewish ancestry. Learn the strategies used to build genealogical cases and prove ancestral connections to unlikely ancestors.
Explore the hidden stories of Mexico’s colonial past and uncover the legacy of Sephardic Jews in New Spain. In this webinar, we’ll examine the types of documents—such as Inquisition records, church registries, and others —that reveal traces of Jewish ancestry. Learn the strategies used to build genealogical cases and prove ancestral connections to unlikely ancestors.
Fri, May 16 2025: 18:00 UTC
1:15:41
1.9K views
CC
See How it Works: Shared DNA Matches Find Ancestors
It’s not just how much DNA you share with your matches–it’s how much DNA they share with EACH OTHER that give needed clues to build family tree connections between your matches. MyHeritage’s Shared DNA Matches tool has been giving us that insight for a long time, and now other sites do, too. How do you leverage that data to answer your DNA questions? Come see how it works in real DNA case studies!
It’s not just how much DNA you share with your matches–it’s how much DNA they share with EACH OTHER that give needed clues to build family tree connections between your matches. MyHeritage’s Shared DNA Matches tool has been giving us that insight for a long time, and now other sites do, too. How do you leverage that data to answer your DNA questions? Come see how it works in real DNA case studies!
Wed, May 14 2025: 18:00 UTC
1:17:30
476 views
CC
Researching your Essex and East London Ancestors
Discover how and where to locate records relating to your Essex and East London Ancestors. Learn about the changes of jurisdictions, and the various depositories that hold the keys to researching your family history. Once one of the seven Kingdoms, Essex and its neighboring East End towns/boroughs are steeped in history – from Tudors hunting in Epping Forest, to the Windrush arriving in the port of Tilbury. Find out how the landscape, particularly the Thames Estuary, played its part in shaping the county and its people. From probate courts to manors, schools to newspapers, a vast array of sources will be covered.
Discover how and where to locate records relating to your Essex and East London Ancestors. Learn about the changes of jurisdictions, and the various depositories that hold the keys to researching your family history. Once one of the seven Kingdoms, Essex and its neighboring East End towns/boroughs are steeped in history – from Tudors hunting in Epping Forest, to the Windrush arriving in the port of Tilbury. Find out how the landscape, particularly the Thames Estuary, played its part in shaping the county and its people. From probate courts to manors, schools to newspapers, a vast array of sources will be covered.
Fri, May 9 2025: 18:00 UTC

Upcoming Live Webinars

View all (62)
Wed, September 3 2025: 15:30 UTC
Exploring Mecklenburg’s Rich History and Genealogical Treasures
Wed, September 3 2025: 15:30 UTC
Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.
Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.
Wed, September 3 2025: 15:30 UTC
Wed, September 3 2025: 16:45 UTC
German Genealogy: Latest and Greatest Websites and Tools
Wed, September 3 2025: 16:45 UTC
The gamut of records, wikis, tools and education available online to assist those with German-speaking ancestry have continued to multiply and include a huge map of resources! Learn about them all!
The gamut of records, wikis, tools and education available online to assist those with German-speaking ancestry have continued to multiply and include a huge map of resources! Learn about them all!
Wed, September 3 2025: 16:45 UTC
Wed, September 3 2025: 18:00 UTC
The Emperor’s New Code
Wed, September 3 2025: 18:00 UTC
Napoleon’s occupation imposed civil registration, the Civil Code, and the Revolutionary Calendar on the German population. This lecture examines the unique genealogical records of this turbulent time in German history.
Napoleon’s occupation imposed civil registration, the Civil Code, and the Revolutionary Calendar on the German population. This lecture examines the unique genealogical records of this turbulent time in German history.
Wed, September 3 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, September 3 2025: 19:30 UTC
Eight Little-used Published German Sources
Wed, September 3 2025: 19:30 UTC
Examine little-known and underused published sources of genealogical information. Learn how to access them and use them.
Examine little-known and underused published sources of genealogical information. Learn how to access them and use them.
Wed, September 3 2025: 19:30 UTC
Wed, September 10 2025: 14:15 UTC
Creating an Ancestor Sketch
Wed, September 10 2025: 14:15 UTC
Face it: most genealogists never get around to publishing that family history book based on their genealogy research. How about a different approach: producing short 3-5 page “sketches” about an ancestor? You’ll learn how to include a cover, photos, facts, family stories, source citations and more! And guess what, once you get a few of these ancestor sketches done, you can compile them together for one big book!
Face it: most genealogists never get around to publishing that family history book based on their genealogy research. How about a different approach: producing short 3-5 page “sketches” about an ancestor? You’ll learn how to include a cover, photos, facts, family stories, source citations and more! And guess what, once you get a few of these ancestor sketches done, you can compile them together for one big book!
Wed, September 10 2025: 14:15 UTC
Wed, September 10 2025: 15:30 UTC
Manage large writing projects through optimistic start, muddled middle, and triumphant finish
Wed, September 10 2025: 15:30 UTC
Big writing projects call for an organizational structure and efficient workflows to keep the work on track. This class will share what Rhonda wishes someone had taught her when she first started writing books and presenting historical research. These are the best practices learned along the way. We will begin with the files and infrastructure Rhonda now sets up at the start of every project and the tools she uses every day. New AI technologies and automations now make quick work of parts that used to be tedious without sacrificing your unique voice and perspective. Learn state-of-the-art tools that will save time without breaking the budget or requiring a ridiculous learning curve. Note: This class does not focus on photo management or genealogy research but emphasizes writing historical fiction, memoirs, and other big projects.
Big writing projects call for an organizational structure and efficient workflows to keep the work on track. This class will share what Rhonda wishes someone had taught her when she first started writing books and presenting historical research. These are the best practices learned along the way. We will begin with the files and infrastructure Rhonda now sets up at the start of every project and the tools she uses every day. New AI technologies and automations now make quick work of parts that used to be tedious without sacrificing your unique voice and perspective. Learn state-of-the-art tools that will save time without breaking the budget or requiring a ridiculous learning curve. Note: This class does not focus on photo management or genealogy research but emphasizes writing historical fiction, memoirs, and other big projects.
Wed, September 10 2025: 15:30 UTC
Wed, September 10 2025: 16:45 UTC
The Five Writing Scripts of the World
Wed, September 10 2025: 16:45 UTC
There are 5 writing systems in the world. These are abugida, syllabary, logography, abjad, and alphabet. These writing systems have been used anciently through today. As genealogists go back in time and across the globe, they may run into these different types of scripts. This lecture briefly explains the differences, gives examples, and directs you where to find more information. Scripts that will be covered include but are not limited to Cherokee, Baybayin (Filipino script), Egyptian, Hebrew, and Old English.
There are 5 writing systems in the world. These are abugida, syllabary, logography, abjad, and alphabet. These writing systems have been used anciently through today. As genealogists go back in time and across the globe, they may run into these different types of scripts. This lecture briefly explains the differences, gives examples, and directs you where to find more information. Scripts that will be covered include but are not limited to Cherokee, Baybayin (Filipino script), Egyptian, Hebrew, and Old English.
Wed, September 10 2025: 16:45 UTC
Wed, September 10 2025: 18:00 UTC
Using Historical Context in Your Genealogy Writing: A Gettysburg Soldier Case Study
Wed, September 10 2025: 18:00 UTC
This presentation addresses the challenge of creating compelling genealogical narratives beyond simple lists of names and dates. By utilizing historical records, archives, research methods, and integrating historical context, participants will learn how to transform their family histories into engaging stories. The presentation will teach genealogists how to perform historical research and incorporate first-hand narratives, pension files, and other historical data using the example of a Gettysburg soldier. Participants will be guided through the research journey, highlighting key decision-making moments and demonstrating where and why to include historical context. This innovative approach will help genealogists add depth and authenticity to their writing, making narratives more vivid and meaningful. The presentation will inspire attendees to share their passion for family history, fostering a deeper appreciation and enthusiasm for genealogical research.
This presentation addresses the challenge of creating compelling genealogical narratives beyond simple lists of names and dates. By utilizing historical records, archives, research methods, and integrating historical context, participants will learn how to transform their family histories into engaging stories. The presentation will teach genealogists how to perform historical research and incorporate first-hand narratives, pension files, and other historical data using the example of a Gettysburg soldier. Participants will be guided through the research journey, highlighting key decision-making moments and demonstrating where and why to include historical context. This innovative approach will help genealogists add depth and authenticity to their writing, making narratives more vivid and meaningful. The presentation will inspire attendees to share their passion for family history, fostering a deeper appreciation and enthusiasm for genealogical research.
Wed, September 10 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, September 10 2025: 19:30 UTC
How to write a genealogical crime mystery story
Wed, September 10 2025: 19:30 UTC
Bring your ancestors to life with this webinar! Author Nathan Dylan Goodwin will teach you the basics of how to write your own genealogical crime mystery. He will cover outlining a story, creating believable characters with realistic dialogue and show how to incorporate genealogy into your story.
Bring your ancestors to life with this webinar! Author Nathan Dylan Goodwin will teach you the basics of how to write your own genealogical crime mystery. He will cover outlining a story, creating believable characters with realistic dialogue and show how to incorporate genealogy into your story.
Wed, September 10 2025: 19:30 UTC