National Archives Workshops for Genealogists
August Courses Include an Introduction to Genealogy
Workshop topics include an introduction to genealogy plus methods of researching records such as census schedules, military service and pension records, naturalization records and passenger lists. Participants will learn both what they need to know in order to locate records and what one might expect to find in the records.
The regional facilities have census records, passenger lists, naturalization records and other material available for researching. Those traveling a distance to take courses often plan for an extra day or two of researching. Staff members are on hand to assist with locating records, using microfilm readers and obtaining photocopies.
Freedmen's Bureau Records
Often there are specialized topics such as the Aug. 21 course on Freedmen's Bureau records. The bureau was established by the War Department in 1865. It has records that often provide the only existing proof of a former slave’s existence. Some contain marriage records, others list refugees or other relocated people, and some pertain to confiscated lands in the former Confederate states, the Indian territories and elsewhere. They also contain unexpected records. A recent addition was a record of all murders committed in Maury and Marshall counties of Tennessee between July 1, 1867 and July 1, 1868. Listed are the victim, the perpetrator and the disposition of the case.
Family History Game Show
The monthly family history game shows at Ellis Island are popular, especially for parents and grandparents who want to interest teenagers in family history. Contestants in live game shows learn some basics about immigrant ancestors and the documents that tell their story, including passenger arrival lists, federal census records and naturalization records.
Here is a list of August courses and workshops:
- Introduction to Genealogy, Boston, MA, August 5
- Preserving Your History, San Francisco, August 8
- Using Federal Census Records, Pittsfield, MA, August 14
- Beginning Your Genealogy Research at NARA, Pittsfield, MA, August 16
- Using Federal Census Records, Pittsfield, MA, August 16
- Finding Your Immigrant Ancestors at NARA, Pittsfield, MA, August 16
- Genealogy on the Internet, Pittsfield, MA, August 16
- Family History Game Show, Ellis Island, NY, August 21
- Freedmen’s Bureau Records, Pittsfield, MA, August 21
Separate genealogy programs are conducted in Washington, DC, and in the regional facilities. For details on any given program, contact that facility directly. Links for the regional branches are on the National Archives website. The link to a regional facility will list its courses and include a separate course registration link.
The regional branches are in Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Worth, Kansas City, Laguna Niguel (CA), New York, Philadelphia, Pittsfield (MA), San Francisco and Seattle.
