American Indian genealogy with an emphasis on the Five Tribes: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole. Learn what resources and records are available to researchers and how to access them.
During this presentation, you will learn about Native American genealogy: how to get started, where to go, and how to find the answers you are looking for. Information will be provided on resources and records that are available for Natives beyond enrollment records. The session will conclude with a brief discussion of the benefits and limitations of Native American DNA testing.
Participants will learn how to navigate key Kansas records, including territorial and state censuses, land and homestead records, probate files, newspapers, and vital records. Special attention will be given to understanding migration patterns into Kansas—from the eastern United States, the South, and immigrant communities—as well as the complexities of researching in Indian Territory and neighboring regions.
The session will also highlight valuable repositories such as the Kansas Historical Society, local county archives, and regional libraries, along with online resources that make Kansas research more accessible than ever.
Whether your ancestors were homesteaders, Exodusters, railroad workers, or members of Native nations, this presentation will equip you with tools, tips, and insights to uncover their stories and break through genealogical brick walls.
An insightful presentation designed to help genealogists of all levels explore and access the vast resources of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). This session will guide you through the tools and strategies needed to uncover valuable records and documents that can enrich your family history research.
What You'll Learn:
How to navigate the National Archives’ online catalog and databases
Key collections for genealogical research, including census, military, land, and immigration records
Tips for obtaining copies of records
· Procedures for visiting the records and buildings in-person
Whether you're just beginning your genealogical journey or are a seasoned researcher, this presentation will equip you with practical skills to make the most of the National Archives' resources.
Discover how AI can revolutionize your genealogy research! This presentation will explore innovative tools and techniques to streamline your family history searches, analyze complex records, and uncover connections you never thought possible. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting, learn how to leverage AI to enhance your genealogical journey.
The focus will be on the services offered by Ancestry.com, FTDNA, MyHeritage, and 23andMe. One will gain an understanding of how these companies produce and present your ethnic origins and what that means for your research. This will be followed by a discussion of your matches: what does that mean and how were these numbers computed. Finally, the day will close with tips on how to use your matches to further your genealogical research and break down those brick walls.
Researching Cherokee ancestry requires an understanding of unique historical events, evolving jurisdictions, and specialized records that differ from traditional U.S. genealogy. This presentation provides a guided approach to tracing Cherokee lineage, with a focus on the historical and cultural context that shaped the records researchers rely on today.
Participants will explore key record groups including the Dawes Rolls, Guion Miller Roll, and earlier census and emigration records tied to the Trail of Tears. The session will explain how these records were created, what information they contain, and how to interpret them accurately—while also addressing common misconceptions about Cherokee ancestry claims.
In addition, attendees will learn research strategies for identifying family connections before and after removal, navigating name variations, and distinguishing between individuals with similar names. The presentation will also highlight important repositories such as the National Archives and the Cherokee Heritage Center, along with digital tools that support Cherokee genealogical research.
Whether beginning a search or working through complex family histories, participants will gain practical tools and historical insight to build accurate, respectful, and well-documented Cherokee family trees.
The history of the Trail of Tears, why the Indians were moved off of their land, what it was like for them, and what led up to the Trail of Tears, and he will share some firsthand accounts from those who survived the migration.
We’ll explore how the new relationship calculator, advanced tagging and color-coding systems, notes integration, and tree comparison features can help streamline complex research projects and improve data accuracy.
This session will highlight practical applications for both individual and collaborative research, including methods for evaluating evidence, tracking hypotheses, and maintaining organized, citation-rich family trees. Whether you’re managing multiple projects or mentoring new researchers, you’ll gain strategies to make the most of Ancestry’s Pro Tools to strengthen your genealogical work.
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