[NEW]  YOUR ANCESTOR’S OCCUPATION – Exploring the 1821 Irish Census             Beginner-Intermediate

In Ireland all of our ancestors had an occupation. While some might later change their name, few changed their trade or means of making a living. When used in combination with other factors, an occupation can be a powerful tool to help identify OUR ancestor, among the hundreds of same named Irish immigrants. Explore the occupations outlined in Irelands’ 1821 Census for the town of Ballyhaise in County Cavan. It’s records are among a handful of remaining census fragments, which were not destroyed by the Public Records Office fire in 1921.

DIGGING UP NEW DIRT – Part 1: Unearthing the REAL New England Immigrant    Beginner

Do you believe that family associations know everything about their early New England ancestors? Well, guess again! While Deacon John Doane’s activities in the Plymouth Colony are well documented, his life in his mother country was a complete mystery. Learn what nuggets YOU might uncover about your elusive ancestor, by revisiting original records and adding a little historical context to your timeline.

[NEW]  DIGGING UP NEW DIRT – Part 2: Finding, Proving, & Publishing    Intermediate-Advanced

Follow the trials and tribulations of a small group of dedicated family researchers who set out to identify the ancestor of Deacon John Doane. Over a decades long search, plausible theories were researched and eventually discarded as dead ends. Then, the release of online records resulted in a wave of new discoveries. Comparative analysis from both sides of the pond eventually proved that a candidate from London, England as the likely youthful Deacon. A case study for the ages for anyone with a lost New England ancestor.

IRISH RECORDS ONLINE @ Find My Past & Ancestry  Beginner-Intermediate

Most of us start our family history with what we’ve been able to collect at home. But how does that line up with the historical records from the Emerald Isle? Explore and compare Irish records available on both Find My Past & Ancestry before paying for a subscription.

[NEW]  CROSSING THE POND – Researching in British and Irish Libraries and Archives    Intermediate

Are you ready to try to locate original records overseas? This light hearted tale will help you determine if your travels skills are ready for such an adventure. Also, explore other cost-effective options such as a genealogy tour group, or just stay home by hiring an agent!

DETOURS AROUND – Irish Roadblocks and Stone Walls    Beginner

Tired of making little progress finding your elusive Irish ancestors? Learn about Ireland’s top ten roadblocks and stone walls. Let this session springboard you to discover the Irish branches on your family tree.

FAVORITE RESOURCES FOR IRISH GENEALOGY     Beginner     (30 min) 

Today is a great time to be an Irish genealogist! New records are being digitized and released throughout Ireland. These are available for both the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland. Some websites are free, while others require a small fee or subscription. Discover new on-line resources and how to get the most of old favorites.

IRISH FRIENDS MIGRATION TO PENNSYLVANIA – Uncovering an Ulster Family Story    Beginner

Did you know that Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) was one of three major religions in America prior to the revolution? While small in numbers, the travels of Irish Friends are so well documented they provide a migration template for English-speaking nonconformists.

IRISH FOLK PARKS – Your Ancestor’s World    Background Loop 

Can you imagine your ancestor’s house, farm, place of worship, or their village? Ireland has outdoor museums called ‘Folk Parks.’ Sit back and relax as you visit both the Ulster American Folk Park at Omagh and the Ulster Folk Park and Travel Museum at Belfast in Northern Ireland.

IRISH ROOTS – Jeopardy    Beginner

If you’ve seen Jeopardy, you know how it goes. Five categories, questions from $100 to $500, a Daily Double, and of course “the answers must be in the form of a question”. Short explanations after each question provide you with a colorful back story about your Irish ancestors.