Tag Archives: Connecticut

Connecticut Villages: What do you need to know?

Connecticut historically had a village system. Villages – which often included churches, stores, schools and more – were typically organized either (in the 18th and early 19th century) around a church or later, around industrial centers. As much of life revolved around what they experienced in the villages, our ancestor may have listed the villageContinue reading “Connecticut Villages: What do you need to know?”

Don’t have a Connecticut State Library card? Here’s why you should…

If you’re a Connecticut resident, you’re eligible for a Connecticut State Library card. (It can be applied for here.) The State Library is separate from your local public library. The State Library houses the state archives of Connecticut but also functions as the state’s library – which means that it has books and database access.Continue reading “Don’t have a Connecticut State Library card? Here’s why you should…”

What’s a proprietor? (and why does it matter?)

When Connecticut gave land to colonial settlers, it did not do so – as other colonies did – by issuing patents to individuals. Instead, it gave a group permission to settle on a certain area of land. These individuals, referred to as “proprietors” were responsible for establishing town governance and dividing the land among themselvesContinue reading “What’s a proprietor? (and why does it matter?)”

I can’t find a Connecticut birth record. Where do I look next?

Connecticut required vital records beginning in the 1640s on the town level and on the state level beginning on 1 July 1897. Yet, for some families, you may not find birth records until the 1910s. Where do you look next? Church records. Connecticut had a state church until 1818, so many colonial families were CongregationalContinue reading “I can’t find a Connecticut birth record. Where do I look next?”

Resources for researching a French-Canadian family from Connecticut

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought French Canadian families from Quebec, often to work in Connecticut’s factories. If your ancestors were part of that migration, what resources exist to help you trace them? Societies: https://www.fcgsc.org/: French Canadian Genealogical Society of Connecticut “is dedicated to collecting, preserving and disseminating genealogical and historical information aboutContinue reading “Resources for researching a French-Canadian family from Connecticut”

Resources for researching Polish immigrants to Connecticut

Polish immigrants had a presence in Connecticut beginning in the late 19th century. Poland has been part of multiple political jurisdictions over the centuries, which can make it challenging to research. Are there are resources that can help you trace your Polish-American ancestors back to Poland?

Truth or Myth: The older birth certificates were transferred from my ancestor’s Connecticut town to the State Library

Myth. 100% myth. Originals of the birth records are held in the town hall or the town vital records office. They have not been transferred to the State Library. Some records still in the towns have been microfilmed (and digitized) by FamilySearch, and that’s what you’d be reviewing at the State Library. If you areContinue reading “Truth or Myth: The older birth certificates were transferred from my ancestor’s Connecticut town to the State Library”

Struggling to determine an ancestor’s church affiliation? Have you checked the tax records?

Connecticut had an establishment or state church until 1818. That meant many Connecticut residents – but not all – were Congregationalist by default. Yet, the Baptist and Episcopal Churches had a foothold in the state well prior to 1818. How do you determine which of the denominations your ancestor attended? While it is possible toContinue reading “Struggling to determine an ancestor’s church affiliation? Have you checked the tax records?”