Category Archives: Resources

How do I take my Connecticut immigrant ancestor back to Europe?

This is one of the more common Connecticut research questions. A simplified version might be “I know my family is Irish (Italian, Polish, German, French, etc.). How do I learn more about where they’re from in Europe.” The short answer: you need a European point of origin. Expecting to find an ancestor in Europe whenContinue reading “How do I take my Connecticut immigrant ancestor back to Europe?”

Connecticut Colonial Census Enumerations

copied from a post at Charter Oak Genealogy To apply to a Revolutionary War era lineage society, the applicant needs to document not only the ancestor’s service but also the ancestor’s residence during the War. For Connecticut ancestors, there are four sources typically used to “prove” residence: One could add a fifth: census enumerations. EvenContinue reading “Connecticut Colonial Census Enumerations”

Running a genealogy group in a Connecticut library? Here are some resources to help.

Connecticut’s libraries are amazing. And many are trying to make programs and projects happen on limited resources. If you are a library staff member or volunteer in a Connecticut library, here are some resources that can help.

Why am I seeing a microfilm icon when researching Connecticut vital records on FamilySearch?

The website FamilySearch is an amazing resource for Connecticut vital records. Most pre-1900 vital records were microfilmed by FamilySearch and placed online after 2018. These records can be accessed by searching for the town name in the catalog. When you make that search, you’ll notice that a few catalog entries still have microfilm reel imagesContinue reading “Why am I seeing a microfilm icon when researching Connecticut vital records on FamilySearch?”

How do you find your ancestor’s Catholic records when all you have is the name of the priest?

Catholic records are a key part of researching Connecticut families who arrived from Quebec, Ireland, Italy, Poland and more. For some families, Church records will be the most detailed records of their time in the US, as they may not have trusted civil government, did not own land, and would have limited assets to leaveContinue reading “How do you find your ancestor’s Catholic records when all you have is the name of the priest?”

What’s the Godard Digest, and how can it help with researching the probate of my Connecticut ancestors?

The Connecticut State Library probate finding aids describe the Godard Digest (Inventory Control Book) as “a list of probate files transferred to the Connecticut State Library.” It further indicates that the Godard Digest “was compiled at the Connecticut State Library under the direction of State Librarian George S. Godard.“ In Connecticut, the probate courts canContinue reading “What’s the Godard Digest, and how can it help with researching the probate of my Connecticut ancestors?”

What’s Connecticut Digital Archive – and how can it help my genealogy research?

Hosted by the University of Connecticut, Connecticut Digital Archive serves as a digital repository for the state’s libraries and museums. While not every state institution is a member, there are over 75 currently involved. You can use the Digital Archive in a few ways. From the home page, you can click on “All Collections” toContinue reading “What’s Connecticut Digital Archive – and how can it help my genealogy research?”

What newspaper covered my Connecticut ancestor?

You’ve heard about The Hartford Courant and The New Haven Register. But how do you identify the smaller newspapers that might have covered your ancestor’s day to day life? The Connecticut State Library has a resource that can help. It allows you to enter a town name and range of years. It will return aContinue reading “What newspaper covered my Connecticut ancestor?”

How do I find Connecticut naturalization records?

When you’re searching for naturalization records, remember that 1906 is the “magic” date. The Naturalization Act of 1906 dramatically increased the level of detail found on a record and limited the number of courts in which one could be naturalized. Prior to that date, applicants could naturalize at any court. Earlier records do exist, butContinue reading “How do I find Connecticut naturalization records?”