Beyond the Basics: British Genealogy Research                    

Solving difficult genealogical problems and learning more about the lives of British and Welsh ancestors is dependent upon knowledge of less frequently used record sets. This lecture covers how to access and use federal records from The National Archives, court records throughout England and Wales, tax lists, immigration and emigration records, parish chest records (beyond just parish registers), and the resources available locally at county record centers and local history libraries.

Box Lunch from Panera (optional)

Case Studies in British Genealogy

This session presents several case studies spanning several time periods in British history. Each case is resolved using a different methodology and a variety of relevant sources. Case studies will demonstrate how DNA and documentary evidence helps reconstruct the family of an 1830s immigrant; how British records from the mid-nineteenth century identify illegitimate births and interesting immigration circumstances within a family; and how family lore can be unraveled and the truth can be discovered using interesting sources to gain biographical information about ancestors.

Using DNA to Solve Genealogical Problems

Discover more about using DNA to solve problems and break through genealogical brick walls. This lecture covers how to use autosomal DNA, shared DNA matches, targeted testing plans, X-DNA, Y-DNA, and mitochondrial DNA, and will use several case studies to demonstrate how difficult research problems can be solved with the help of DNA.

Melissa A. Johnson, CG, is a New Jersey-based board-certified genealogist specializing in genealogical research from the colonial period to the present; family history writing, editing, and publishing; using DNA in genealogical research; and forensic genealogy. She focuses on researching families with roots in New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, and the British Isles. Melissa is an instructor in the Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate program, and also teaches at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, and Institute for Genealogy and Historical Research. She also owns and operates the New Jersey Family History Institute, which runs virtual and in person courses and lectures on a variety of genealogy topics.

Amy E. K. Arner is a professional genealogist who specializes in western Pennsylvania research and editing genealogical works. She currently serves as the secretary of the Association of Professional Genealogists and co-edits the North Hills Genealogists newsletter. In 2018 she coordinated a course on Pennsylvania research at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh.

NEW LOCATION FOR OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS:

The Kearns Spirituality Center is on the campus of the Sisters of Divine Providence, which is adjacent to the LaRoche University Campus. (MAP) Signs will be posted at the Babcock Blvd. stoplight and along the route through the campus to the Kearns Center.

DIRECTIONS:  At the intersection of Babcock and Providence Blvds turn towards the Campus. Follow "GENEALOGY" signs up the driveway toward the Motherhouse, continuing straight through three stop signs. Turn left at the 3^rd stop sign to the parking lot area.

NEW DAY OF WEEK FOR OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS:

Please notice that our monthly meetings are now being held on the THIRD MONDAY instead of the third Tuesday.

NEW LOCATION FOR OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS:

The Kearns Spirituality Center is on the campus of the Sisters of Divine Providence, which is adjacent to the LaRoche University Campus. Located at 9000 Babcock Boulevard, Allison Park, PA 15101 (MAP), signs will be posted at the Babcock Blvd. stoplight and along the route through the campus to the Kearns Center.

NEW DAY OF WEEK FOR OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS:

Please notice that our monthly meetings are now being held on the THIRD MONDAY instead of the third Tuesday.