Federal Record Lectures

Bankruptcy to Equity: Using Federal Court Records:

Was Grandma a bootlegger? Did Grandpa pay his taxes? Records of the Federal courts are among the National Archives’ largest holdings-and yet some of the least used records. Open a new chapter of your family history and discover little known branches in your family tree as the records of the Federal Court system are discussed in detail.

Genealogical Research in the Customs House Records:

The U.S. Custom Service was created in 1789 with the responsibility for collecting duties on imports, registering vessels, and enforcing the law governing seamen and ships’ passengers. The eastern coastline was divided into districts, each jurisdiction keeping its own records. Many such records created by this department are useful to genealogists.   These records date from the early years of the republic-and include records of Naturalization, Passengers Lists, Crew Lists, Seaman Projection Certificates, among other related records. Discover your family history in these great resources.

Nor Rain, Sleet, Snow or Freezing Rain: Genealogical Records of the United States Post Office:

Was your ancestor a mail carrier? Did they serve as postmaster? Records of the United States Post Office are an overlooked genealogical research that is well worth the efforts to search. Many details about your family members who may have worked with the postal system from the earliest listings in Federal records are available to researchers nationwide. Learn to conduct primary textural research at the National Archives where most of these records are stored.  Discover an unknown branch of your family history.

Shepherd University-Lecture 2006