Database subscriptions are always a popular gift for genealogists. So which ones do I use most? Actually, my favorite site for Connecticut research is free! FamilySearch requires registration but does not charge. The site hosts older land records, images of church records, pre-1900 vital records, probate files, and more. Ancestry is great for Connecticut’s probateContinue reading “Starting Your Holiday Shopping? Favorite Connecticut Genealogy Database Providers…”
Category Archives: Resources
Is the Barbour Collection a Derivative Source?
As an index and abstract to pre-1850 Connecticut vital records, the Barbour Collection is popularly used in lineage society applications as “proof” of birth, death and marriage. (For history of the collection and for information on its three “formats,” visit https://connecticutroots.org/2023/07/28/are-there-multiple-versions-of-the-barbour-collection/.) The collection is generally considered to be reliable. Yet, as genealogists, we want toContinue reading “Is the Barbour Collection a Derivative Source?”
How do I develop historical context for a Connecticut ancestor?
Of the genealogical uses of AI currently being discussed is AI’s purported ability to establish historic context. In reality, LLMs aren’t that great at specifics – they’re looking at predictive patterns, so they’re likely to pull in anything strongly associated with the question you asked. In a recent test, that lead to an LLM extensivelyContinue reading “How do I develop historical context for a Connecticut ancestor?”
Where do I start researching New Haven Colony?
Looking for the records of ancestors residing in New Haven Colony? Here’s where to start: Reference Guides: Nancy Finlay, “A Separate Place: The New Haven Colony, 1638-1665,” Connecticut History.org (https://connecticuthistory.org/a-separate-place-the-new-haven-colony-1638-1665/). “Research Guides,” New Haven Museum (https://www.newhavenmuseum.org/library/research-guides/). Records: Hoadly, Charles J. Records of the Colony or Jurisdiction of New Haven, From May, 1653, to the Union.Continue reading “Where do I start researching New Haven Colony?”
Connecticut Congregational Church Records
Because the Congregational Church was the “state church” of Connecticut until the Constitution of 1818, many Connecticut ancestors were Congregational by default. As a result, Congregational Church records should be part of your search. In the early 20th century, the Connecticut State Library began a project to preserve church records. They asked churches to submitContinue reading “Connecticut Congregational Church Records”
Resources for finding the burial of a veteran ancestor in Connecticut
Looking to discover where a veteran ancestor is buried? Connecticut and national repositories maintain resources that can help. The Nationwide Gravesite Locator lists veterans buried in national cemeteries or in a private cemetery with a military headstone. The SAR has a cemetery search option that includes Revolutionary War ancestors they consider qualifying. The State LibraryContinue reading “Resources for finding the burial of a veteran ancestor in Connecticut”
Do I need an affiliate to access these Connecticut records on FamilySearch?
FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/en/united-states/) has done an amazing job of making images of older Connecticut records accessible for free through the website. However, not everything will be accessible from home. When FamilySearch signs a contract to digitize records, they receive different levels of permission to share. Some of their contracts permit sharing from home, some from an affiliateContinue reading “Do I need an affiliate to access these Connecticut records on FamilySearch?”
How do I find a professional genealogist to assist with my Connecticut genealogy research?
Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions hiring professional help to finish your Connecticut genealogy research project? There are four organizations with directories you can use to find professional genealogists who specialize in Connecticut research. (The membership of the New England Chapter Association of Professional Genealogists overlaps with that of APG.) Association of Professional GenealogistsContinue reading “How do I find a professional genealogist to assist with my Connecticut genealogy research?”
The Connecticut town boundaries have changed. How do I find my ancestor’s land records?
Connecticut land records are stored in the town in which the property was located at the time the transaction occurred. They do not move as town lines change. How do you find your ancestor’s land records? If you know where the property is located today, there’s a webpage created by the Connecticut State Library thatContinue reading “The Connecticut town boundaries have changed. How do I find my ancestor’s land records?”
Holiday Gifts for a Connecticut Genealogist
Is there a Connecticut genealogist in your life starting their holiday wish list? These are a few of my favorite options: Membership to the historical society where your ancestors lived: Because Connecticut historical societies typically don’t hold governmental records, they’re sometimes skipped by genealogists. Yet, they’re the favorite repository for genealogists to retire their papers.Continue reading “Holiday Gifts for a Connecticut Genealogist”
