The more research you do, the more unusual records you find, and the more you learn about possibilities for solving seemingly difficult genealogical problems. Enjoy ten favorite sources and learn how they helped solve mysteries. After this webinar, you will be primed to get beyond censuses, vital records, and passenger manifests!
In this engaging Legacy Family Tree webinar, genealogist Jay Fonkert explores the fascinating and often surprising world of historical sources through his presentation “Ten Tantalizing Sources and the Lessons They Teach.” Rather than focusing on a single type of record or research problem, Fonkert encourages genealogists to think critically about how sources are created, recorded, and interpreted. Through ten captivating case studies, he illustrates how records can reveal — and sometimes conceal — the real stories behind our ancestors’ lives. His approach blends rigorous source analysis with the joy of discovery, reminding researchers that genealogy is as much about understanding context and human experience as it is about collecting names and dates.
Key Takeaways:
Evaluate Every Source with Care: Fonkert emphasizes that all records — even official documents — can contain errors. Genealogists must examine the reliability of both the informant and the recorder, understand the provenance of records, and recognize that “consistent information” across multiple sources does not always guarantee accuracy.
Every Record Has a Backstory: Through examples such as shifting names, mistaken identities, and elusive migrations, Fonkert demonstrates that each document opens doors to deeper questions. From census errors to dramatic name changes, his stories show how even flawed or fragmentary sources can uncover hidden family histories when properly analyzed.
Follow Clues Across Time and Space: Fonkert highlights the importance of researching broadly and creatively. He shares how a single church record led to uncovering an ancestor’s unexpected migration to Dakota Territory, and how authored works — when carefully vetted — can offer leads to otherwise lost information.
By blending humor, historical insight, and practical research strategies, Fonkert delivers a masterclass in source evaluation and genealogical storytelling. Viewers are encouraged to watch the full webinar to gain a deeper understanding of how to interpret complex records, recognize potential pitfalls, and turn simple findings into meaningful family narratives.
For genealogists eager to continue learning, the webinar’s syllabus offers a wealth of supplementary resources, examples, and references to help refine research methods. Exploring these materials provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance analytical skills, discover new record types, and enrich one’s own ancestral stories.
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Syllabus
Excellent – very useful and inspiring!!
This was really good information and, as always, I’m now anxious to get in the records! Thank you!
I enjoyed hearing the love and excitement that Jay has in his voice when talking and sharing his research. He certainly got me excited to go back and try again to find information on a lost 3rd great grandmother. Thanks Jay.
Jay highlights the importance of searching for ethnic/foreign language newspapers when searching for immigrants, as well as using many other sources (books, periodicals, land documents, wills, etc.) as hints or clues.
I enjoyed how you unraveled the mysteries or errors that you have found in your genealogy research. Your presentation was excellent. I will keep your advice in mind when I continue my research (Some of which is for Dutch relatives-naming is interesting).
Very interesting as well as thought provoking and inspirational. Jay gives a lot of reasons to “keep digging” instead of losing hope or wallowing in confusion.
This webinar validates why it is essential to dig, dig, dig before accepting something as a fact. Excellent presentation, easy to follow, and full of examples of the how and why to search beyond what is readily apparent.
Fun approach to motivate other genealogists to dig further and deeper. Man, there are so many unconventional stories to be discovered, and not all of them are very politically correct. Be prepared for some rude historical awakening.