Entries in late 19th and early 20th century immigrant passenger manifests often include cryptic number and letter codes. Most genealogists simply look past them. Learn how to interpret these codes and what significant details they can reveal about your ancestor’s immigration and naturalization experience. Discover additional information about aliens who were detained or deported. This presentation is heavily illustrated with examples from New York and Philadelphia alien passenger lists and the handout includes a glossary of the terms, codes, and abbreviations found on these manifests.
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Delving into the often-overlooked details of passenger lists, this enlightening webinar by professional genealogist Elizabeth Williams Gomoll uncovers the rich trove of information hidden in the cryptic notations found on alien passenger manifests. Aptly titled Unlocking Notation Codes on Alien Passenger Lists, the session reveals how these seemingly obscure codes can illuminate the immigration experience of ancestors, offering insights far beyond names and dates. From deciphering abbreviations used by immigration officials to interpreting marks indicating detention or special inquiries, this webinar equips genealogists with powerful tools to deepen their research and more accurately reconstruct family migration stories.
Understanding Notation Codes Unlocks Hidden Stories: Passenger list notations—such as ticket contract numbers, “SI” for special inquiry, or “X” for detention—often reveal personal experiences like delayed entry, relationships between travelers, or medical concerns. Decoding these marks allows genealogists to move beyond surface-level information to better understand an immigrant’s journey and challenges faced at ports like Ellis Island.
Naturalization Clues Are Embedded in Manifests: Between 1926 and 1943, notations were frequently added to passenger lists to document naturalization verification. Codes included court district numbers, application references, and verification dates, which can be matched to corresponding documents. These entries can lead researchers directly to naturalization records and sometimes even suggest an immigrant’s early place of residence in the U.S.
Detained & Special Inquiry Records Provide Valuable Context: Approximately 10% of immigrants were detained, and 2% were deported. Lists of detained passengers, often located at the end of a manifest, detail causes of detention, outcomes, and even the number of meals served during the hold. Those held for Special Inquiry, commonly labeled “LPC” (likely to become a public charge), faced stricter scrutiny and left behind even more detailed paper trails, sometimes including appeals and medical notes.
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To fully appreciate the depth of insight offered in this session, view the full webinar replay—especially if you have ancestors who immigrated to the U.S. in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. This resource will guide you through the notation-deciphering process with real-world examples and invaluable tips. Whether you’re just starting to explore passenger records or revisiting familiar names, you’ll gain tools to uncover new connections and previously untold stories.
Be sure to download the comprehensive six-page syllabus that accompanies the presentation. It includes lists of common codes, links to decoding district court numbers, and examples of how to interpret complex entries—an essential reference for any serious genealogist. Unlock the full potential of passenger manifests and bring your family’s immigration history vividly to life.
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Syllabus
This was a very interesting and well-organized presentation. I have not heard this topic before and appreciate your presentation.
So interesting!
Seeing codes, but not knowing how to decipher them, has been very frustrating to me. I am very grateful for the detailed explanations given in this webinar. Please tell the presenter that her presentation has given me a great boost of encouragement in my family research.
The Topic was very informative and I am very glad there is a syllabus because there is so much information that cannot be remembered.Elizabeth W. Gomol has a pleasing and well understood voice & Diction or maybe it is just because I Live in Shakopee, MN
very interesting
Very complete syllabus to reinforce learning. Great background information, such as the document being VERY LONG and scrolling to the right until the document ends. With the advancement of AI, might that be an avenue of translating what the letters are in a person’s name? Thank you.
An excellent webinar, even for the seasoned genealogist. Elizabeth Williams Gomol had researched immigrant passenger lists thoroughly and presented the details in a helpful and entertaining manner.
Thanks so much, for this webinar. I have been looking for a webinar like this to better understand the passenger list I have been researching passenger list for years and did not understand them. Thank you thank you. I will surely watch it again.