Author Archives: Bryna O'Sullivan

How do I determine what Connecticut laws might have impacted my ancestor?

Civil records of our ancestors were the end result of a series of laws. Laws determined when vital records were created, who had to be recorded, what information was included, what fees were charged for that recording, and more. Reviewing the original laws can help us understand what a source can and cannot tell usContinue reading “How do I determine what Connecticut laws might have impacted my ancestor?”

What is the Connecticut Church Record Abstract Collection and how can it help my research?

Until 1818, the Congregational Church was the establishment or state church of Connecticut. As a result, many families were members by default. Congregational Church records can provide substitute records of birth, marriage, and death. In the early 1900s, the Connecticut State Library began to collect copies of the state’s church records to ensure their preservation.Continue reading “What is the Connecticut Church Record Abstract Collection and how can it help my research?”