The Probable English Ancestry of Deacon John Doane of Plymouth & Eastham, Mass.     Beginner-Intermediate

John Done/Doane arrived in New England between 1627 and 1632/3. The family surname book and a NEHGS immigrant sketch provide no clues as to his ancestry. In 1976 an eminent genealogist suggested researching the rector of St. Benet’s Gracechurch in London. Have you looked? A case study on family reconstruction using online 16th & 17th century English parish records.

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.

THE TREASURES OF ONSITE RESEARCH – In Ireland and the United Kingdom    Intermediate

Are you ready to try to locate original records overseas? This lighthearted 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.