Linda Hirshman with The Color of Abolition: How a Printer, a Prophet, and a Contessa Moved a Nation
Join author Linda Hirshman and moderator L'Merchie Frazier for a discussion of Hirshman's new work chronicling abolition: the social spirit, people, and political alliances that changed American history. Presented in partnership with the Boston Public Library, GBH Forum Network, and the Museum of African American History. February 28 at 6 p.m. (ET). Register Now
Online Seminar
Getting Started in Jewish Genealogy
Today there are an estimated 7.6 million Jewish Americans living in the country, the majority of whom descend from diaspora Jewish populations from Central and Eastern Europe. This four-week online seminar will provide you with key strategies for progressing in your Jewish family history research. Live broadcasts: March 2, 9, 16, and 23 at 6 p.m. (ET). Members save 10%!Register Now
Free Virtual Family History Conference
Join Us at RootsTech 2022
RootsTech, the world's largest celebration of family history, returns to a virtual platform March 3-5, 2022 with inspiring keynote speakers, over 1,500 sessions, and more. Make sure to visit the American Ancestors booth in the virtual expo hall for special conference offers and check out class sessions from our own David Allen Lambert, Ann Lawthers, and Melanie McComb. Register Now
Spotlight: Derry Public Library, New Hampshire
by Valerie Beaudrault
The town of Derry is located in Rockingham County in southern New Hampshire. The Derry Public Library provides a number of family history resources online through the digital archives of The New Hampshire Room, including local newspapers from 1880-2016; a searchable index of obituaries appearing in the Derry News from 1880-1886, 1912, and 1915-present; Derry town reports (1858-2008); a collection of historic photographs of Derry; and the Forest Hill Cemetery Project (1700-2016), including an index and a cemetery map. Search Now
Free Virtual Talk with D. Brenton Simons
A “Thousand Heraldries, and Twilight Saints, and Dim Emblazonings”: My Ventures and Adventures in Genealogy and Heraldry
In a lively and richly illustrated talk, Brenton Simons will discuss the genealogical field today in the context of the groundbreaking international work of AmericanAncestors.org. He will also recount his own experiences in the study of heraldry, share numerous rarely seen armorial examples from personal and institutional collections, and discuss important connections in genealogy and heraldry. Hosted by the Honourable Company of Freeman of the City of London of North America and the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada. March 16 at 7 p.m. (ET). Register Now
Free Online Lecture
Understanding Irish Land Divisions
Senior Genealogist Rhonda R. McClure will discuss various Irish land divisions, discuss their importance in family history research, and provide guidance on finding records within each land division. March 10 at 3 p.m. (ET).
Webinar: Black Families of Revolutionary-Era Plymouth, MA
Learn about the enslaved and free Black Revolutionary War veterans from Plymouth who worked towards the abolition of slavery and made important contributions of the development of America.
Our Irish experts will help you navigate the basics of Irish migrations to America and Canada, provide key records and strategies for research, and demonstrate how DNA can help. March 19 at 2 p.m. (ET).
Where Did Family-Bible Genealogies Come From? “Royal lineage tracing, British laws of inheritance, and patriarchal Protestantism all contributed to the genealogical literacy of some Americans.”
Witch Windows “According to folklore, Vermont's slanted windows were installed to keep witches from flying into the house.”
The Weekly Genealogist Survey
Last week's survey asked what era you would choose if you could pick any time to live in as an adult. We received 2,893 responses. The results are:
8.64%, 2000–present
21%, 1950–1999
7%, 1900–1949
8%, 1850–1899
3%, 1800–1849
4%, 1750–1799
1%, 1700–1749
1%, 1650–1699
1%, 1600–1649
2%, A time span prior to 1600
40%, I would not change my time frame.
4%, I would choose to live at some point in the future.
This week’s survey asks if you attended a school that your parents or grandparents attended. Take the survey now
Want to share your thoughts on the survey with us? We are always happy to hear from our readers. Email us at weeklygenealogist@nehgs.org. Responses may be edited for clarity and length and featured in a future newsletter.
Last week's survey asked what time period you would choose if you could pick any era to live in as an adult. Thank you to everyone who replied. Below is a selection of reader responses.
Patricia Rentz, Reston, Virginia: Although I am fascinated by history, I wouldn’t want to have lived at any earlier time. We have annual family reunions at a farm in Vermont built in 1858 by my ancestors. For mere days I’ve experienced living with no running water, no electricity, using an outhouse, and building a fire in the stove to cook. No thank you. Some of my ancestors had up to twelve children and died in childbirth or from typhoid or diphtheria or smallpox. Women had few choices. Every time I think I might yearn for simpler times I remember those night-time trips to the outhouse. . .
Beth Ullman, Sherwood Forest, California: This may seem strange for a researcher who spends over ten hours a day on the internet, but I would choose to live on Crete during the height of the Minoan civilization (1650–1550 BCE). This was a very peaceful, egalitarian society with hot and cold running water, flush "toilets," little disease, clean air and water, a mild climate, beautiful and abundant flora and fauna, excellent farming, and a benign government that was not militaristic. Art and music flourished along with trade, and the Minoans were literate, with a complex and sophisticated writing system. What more could one ask for?
Bill Hallett, Newburyport, Massachusetts: For over 25 years, my wife and I have been Civil War reenactors. We live the 1860s while at these events, going so far as to eat only food that is in season and wear historically accurate glasses fitted with modern prescriptions lenses. That said, if I had to pick an era to live in and not just visit, I’d choose the first 50 years of the 20th century. Cars would exist, and I’d love to see our modern nation develop, but I’d really enjoy radio! I’m a former radio announcer and I would love to be part of the golden age of radio.
Database News
New Database: Descendants of Nathaniel Woodward, 1630-1900
This new database contains the book Some Descendants of Nathaniel WoodwardWho Came from England to Boston about 1630 by Harold Edward Woodward, published by NEHGS in 1984. Descendants lived in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, California, Nova Scotia, and in other states and provinces. Search Now
