16th Annual Bucks County Ancestry Fair

comPENNdium: Pennsylvania Records and Research

In our 2022 Ancestry Fair, the Bucks County Genealogical Society will explore the vast Pennsylvania record sets that have accumulated since 1681 as many millions of people have made their homes here. Michael Lacopo will lead off with an overview of Pennsylvania history and genealogical research. Sidney Cruice will present two lectures — one on Pennsylvania Vital Records and another on Pennsylvania Database Treasures. Jerry Smith will cover Pennsylvania land records.

Registration for the Fair is now open!

Schedule:

9:00-9:15am: Introduction and Welcome

9:15-10:30am: MICHAEL LACOPO - Overview of Pennsylvania Genealogy
Michael Lacopo’s ancestral roots are firmly planted in Pennsylvania. As a result, he has decades of experience in Pennsylvania genealogy. He will draw on his vast experience to share tips for effective Pennsylvania research.

10:30-10:45am: Break

10:45-12:00pm: SYDNEY CRUICE - Pennsylvania Vital Records
Vital records are the backbone of genealogy research. Sidney Cruice will present the history and the different ways which Pennsylvania vital records have been collected. Hear about the unique record sets that can be used as vital record substitutes. Discover all the different ways to access these important records that can move your family history forward

12:00-12:30pm: Lunch

12:30-1:15pm: Pennsylvania Trivia Quiz

1:15-2:30pm: JERRY SMITH - PA Land Records - State and Local
In Pennsylvania the initial distribution of land to individuals was a complex process which resulted in an amazing volume of records. Pennsylvania was created with an initial land grant to William Penn by Charles II of England on March 4, 1681. Penn populated the colony by selling tracts of land. By July 1681, Penn announced his plan of land distribution, and his first land sale followed soon thereafter. When the colony became the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a new method of land distribution and transfer was put into place. The records of those early transactions are often filled with details a genealogist longs for. Jerry Smith will share his knowledge of how to make these records reveal the secrets they hold.

2:30-2:45pm: Break

2:45-4:00pm: SYDNEY CRUICE - Pennsylvania Record Gems and Databases
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is particularly rich with record collections and databases. From military records, Pennsylvania German frakturs to ship crew lists, Pennsylvania’s records can supply details about your ancestors that even federal records cannot. However, making sure you are aware of these hidden gems and the best ways to access them can be a challenge. Learn about these amazing record sets and how to use them.

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Date: October 15, 2022 at 9:00am

Venue: Online

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