1. To a Stake in the Prairie: Using Land Records in Genealogy
Why do genealogists use land records? Where are land records located? What facts and “gems” may be tucked into land records? What are “metes and bounds” and the “rectangular survey system”? What can genealogists unearth in federal land records? |
Return to topics page |
| |
2. For the Settling of My Temporal Estate: Using Probate Records in Genealogy
What are probate records and why do genealogists use them? What other records may provide information about an ancestor’s death? Where can researchers find probate records, and what kinds of documents might they include? Who wrote wills and how can these documents benefit your research? (PowerPoint presentation) |
Return to topics page |
| |
3. Abiding and Leaving: City Directories and Obituaries
(NEW topic in 2008)
City directories and obituaries are important, informative, and accessible resources spanning the past two centuries. These publications areespecially useful for research in the "dark hole" periods before the 1850 census, between1880 and 1900,and after the1930 census. Numerous examples illustrate the benefits of using these resources. (PowerPoint presentation) |
Return to topics page |
| |
4. The Last Word, or Uncle Harry Made the Newspaper...Finally
(NEW topic in 2010)
Obituaries and brief newspaper death notices date back several centuries in America. Some provide more personal and genealogical information than others, but all can be useful. Whether on microfilm, in a family Bible or scrapbook, in a newspaper archive or online, these notices are valuable for genealogists. This presentation considers how to locate, evaluate, and use these records. (PowerPoint) |
Return to topics page |
| |
5. Finding Their Names in Print: Using Newspapers in Genealogy
Newspapers from ancestral communities or organizations may reveal vital statistics; names and relationships; information on ancestral homes, education, occupations, and activities; and social history of the ancestral community. Learn to find the newspapers you need.
|
Return to topics page |
| |
6. Location, Location, Location: Using Maps in Genealogy
(NEW topic in 2004)
Because genealogists research records from specific ancestral locations, maps are an important part of a genealogist’s toolkit. City, county, and state maps help researchers become familiar with ancestral ground, locate cemeteries and other records, and learn about the role of geography in ancestral lives. Historical maps provide unique perspectives on ancestral communities and migration routes. Even some Web sites help genealogists locate named places and patented ancestral land. |
Return to topics page |
| |
7. The Census: Is What You See Always What You Get?
(Revised in 2007)
Census records are among the most widely used and most useful genealogical resources and, at the same time, can be the most irritating. Using examples, this PowerPoint presentation explores common and less common aspects of census entries, evaluating what you see in the entries, and citing the records in the documentation process. The session focuses on the needs of beginning and intermediate-level researchers. |
Return to topics page |
| |
8. Lost in 1890? What To Do When the Census is Missing
(NEW topic in 2006)
Do the 1880–1900 years loom as a dark hole before you? What parts of the 1890 census survived? What options do you have for making progress without that census? Your research may not be doomed after all. Use the same strategies when other censuses are missing or when existing schedules missed your ancestors. (PowerPoint presentation) |
Return to topics page |
| |
9. Splitting the Blanket: Divorce in America (NEW topic in 2010)
For generations, couples in America have gone their separate ways, sometimes creating problems for their genealogists. Since no national law governs divorce, researchers are faced with the laws of each state and changes in the laws over time, from no divorce but legal separation to legislative divorce and ultimately to the broader laws and judicial process of today. This PowerPoint presentation illustrates changes in the laws and the process over time and demonstrates the use of these records in genealogy. |
Return to topics page |
| |
10. The Territorial Papers of the United States (Revised in 2011)
In United States history, what were territories and what are Territorial Papers? How can these documents benefit genealogical research and where can you use them? Illustrations (a) demonstrate the great variety of information available in these documents and (b) show that, even though “progress” and technology may change human lifestyles, human nature remains constant. PowerPoint presentation. |
Return to topics page |
| |
11. Old Dominion Research: Our Virginia Ancestors
Many genealogists need Virginia records in their research because many ancestors lived in this populous colony and state. In addition to traditional records such as censuses and city directories, genealogists may find evidence of Virginia ancestors in colonial land patents and in numerous tax, vital, and county courthouse records. Valuable finding aids include the Library of Virginia Web site, the Family History Library Web site, and the Virginia Historical Index. Don’t miss out on special Virginia records. |
Return to topics page |
| |
12. Genealogy in the Urban South
(NEW topic in 2005)
Researching ancestors who lived in towns and cities often has advantages over rural research. Explore strategies for using urban resources, including city directories, city vital records, Sanborn fire-insurance maps, records of organizations and institutions, and others. |
Return to topics page |
| |
13. Digging for Roots in Dixie. (NEW topic in 2011.)
Genealogists must often be creative in dealing with Southern genealogy. Yes, many Southern counties have lost records to fires and other disasters over the years. These circumstances can frustrate genealogists in their search for previous generations. However, with surviving and re-recorded documents and alternative resources, Southern genealogists can often make progress in their research. PowerPoint presentation. |
Return to topics page |
| |
14. Sifting Through the Ashes: Research in "Burned Counties"
(NEW topic in 2005)
Does your heart sink when you learn your ancestors lived in a "burned county"? What does this mean, and what can you do about it? What are your research options? Examples and a case study illustrate strategies that can help you make progress. (PowerPoint presentation) |
Return to topics page |
| |
15. Their Place in Time: Broadening the Perspective Beyond Dates and Places
Genealogy is more than gathering lists of names, dates, and places. Lesser-known sources supplement traditional genealogical sources to help you uncover interesting details of ancestral life and place each ancestor in historical context. Combining your knowledge of history with genealogical research also helps you understand what you may or may not find in available sources.
|
Return to topics page |
| |
16. Show and Tell: Sharing Your Results
You don’t have to be a professional writer to share your research results and family history. In choosing how to present your information, consider your audience, time, budget, inclination, and the specifics they want to share. Discover ways to make a creative presentation with personal memories, a recipe booklet, a collection of family papers and letters, and other formats. Narrative biography that sets the ancestor into historical context is another achievable option. |
Return to topics page |
| |
17. Genealogy 101: Getting Started
(Revised in 2007)
This introduction to genealogy or review of the basics includes fundamental concepts, methods, and commonly used sources within the family and in public repositories. This PowerPoint presentation helps you lay the foundation for success with a focus on such topics as organizing, documenting your research, and setting realistic goals. |
Return to topics page |
| |
18. The "R" Word Need Not Be Scary
“R” is for “research.” This follow-up to Genealogy 101 considers the basic who, what, when, where, why, and how of research along with an introduction to handwriting of the past and ways that genealogists look at dates. |
Return to topics page |
| |
19. FAQs and Answers
How do I know which spelling of a name is correct? Can I cite personal knowledge as a source? What should be in my personal genealogy library? Why does Soundex exist for only certain censuses? Why should I join a local genealogy society when my ancestors lived across the country? What is”Nuck-Muck” (NUCMC)? This presentation answers many of genealogists’ frequently asked questions. |
Return to topics page |
| |
20. Timely Tools for Genealogists
(NEW topic in 2004)
Like other DIY efforts, genealogy projects usually go better when you have the proper tools. Among the most useful genealogical tools are the indispensable timelines—personal, family, and historical. Whether for in-depth study or for ancestors you consider "brick walls," timelines help you (1) plan and evaluate research, (2) see ancestors in the context of the family of which they were a part, and (3) understand more about ancestors' lives in the context of the historical events happening around them. Learn how to create and use timelines effectively in your research. |
Return to topics page |
| |
21. Proof and the Paper Trail: Documenting Your Research
Ideally, genealogical paper trails tell exactly where you found each piece of information and how the bits and pieces fit together. Effective documentation gives credibility and validity to your conclusions, charts,or narrative family history. It also helps you and others evaluate your sources and your evidence, and provides other benefits to your research. Learn effective ways of documenting your genealogy. PowerPoint presentation. |
Return to topics page |
| |
22. Detour! Bridge Out Ahead: Alternate Approaches to Genealogical Problems.
(NEW topic in 2007)
Genealogists face challenges such as finding birth, marriage, or death dates or places, identifying ancestral parents or siblings, and resolving discrepancies. With mini-case studies, this PowerPoint presentation illustrates ways to address such issues for beginning and intermediate-level researchers. |
Return to topics page |
| |
23. If at First You Don't Succeed, What Do You Try, Try Again ... To Find That Unknown Generation?
(NEW topic in 2007)
With tips and mini-case studies, this PowerPoint presentation offers tips and different approaches for identifying ancestral parents both before and after the 1850 census. The session also addresses the question "When do you have enough to make a conclusion?" For beginning and intermediate-level researchers. |
Return to topics page |
| |
24. Seeing is Not Always Believing: Avoiding False Assumptions
(NEW topic in 2008)
Genealogical records are full of facts, both true and false. With examples from public records and compiled genealogies, this session explores ways to avoid contaminating our family histories with untrue assumptions. (PowerPoint presentation) |
Return to topics page |
| |
25. Hidden in Plain Sight: Details We Sometimes Miss
(NEW topic in 2008)
The details in genealogical documents are vital to our research. Sometimes their “wow factor” is lost in our inexperience or rush to read. Common examples, especially from land and probate records, invite you to research with new eyes. (PowerPoint presentation) |
Return to topics page |
| |
26. You're Known by the Company You Keep: Cluster Genealogy, an Essential Tool for Research
Like you, ancestors did not live in a vacuum but among a cluster of relatives, neighbors, friends, and associates. Identifying and studying the cluster around specific ancestors can help us locate ancestral records, learn more about ancestral lives, and sort out people with the same names. Case studies illustrate how cluster genealogy helps connect the dots. |
Return to topics page |
| |
27. Likely, Logical, and Convincing: Resolving Conflicting Evidence
(NEW topic in 2004)
Facts are the backbone of genealogy, but sometimes individual pieces of information (or evidence) conflict with each other. In this session, we consider why this happens, who cares, and ways to recognize and resolve the questions. Case studies consider conflicting birth and death dates, names within family groups, and the identity of wives. |
Return to topics page |
| |
28. You Be the Judge: Considering the Evidence
(NEW topic in 2009)
Genealogists collect various types of evidence on ancestors. Often circumstantial, conflicting, or negative, the evidence challenges us to determine what it means and how the bits and pieces fit together. Case studies illustrate ways of gathering and evaluating evidence and drawing conclusions. (PowerPoint Presentation.) |
Return to topics page |
| |
29. Don't Break a Leg Jumping to Conclusions (NEW topic in 2010)
Genealogists sometimes research with pre-conceived ideas of what they expect to find or uncertain thoughts about what they have discovered. Some stop research before understanding what they have found and thus draw erroneous conclusions. How can we protect our research from ourselves and prevent inaccurate assumptions and premature conclusions? (PowerPoint) |
Return to topics page |
| |
30. Picking the Lock: Opening Up Genealogical Possibilities
(NEW topic in 2010)
Rather than declare yourself facing a solid brick wall, think of your research dilemma as a locked door in the wall for which you need to find a way inside. This presentation considers ways you might open the lock on the door in order to move your research forward.(PowerPoint) |
Return to topics page |
| |
[1] 2 
