Enrollment options
Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. Great Lakes Ancestors, 211 pages.
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
The Great Lakes region of the United States is an area with a rich and diverse history. This course will focus on generalized and locality specific resources for six states in this area―Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. These six states once formed, in part, the first possession of the United States known as the “Northwest Territory.” A summary of each state’s history and geography will be provided, as well as tips on where to find important genealogical resources (such as census, land, probate, and vital records). A brief discussion of important Canadian records and suggestions for advanced research techniques will also be included.
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Abbreviations
What are the “Great Lakes”?
Brief Historical Synopsis
General Research Methodology
Source/Data Worksheets for Documenting & Organizing Information
Course Organization
MODULE 2
ILLINOIS
Illinois Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Migration Patterns
Immigration & Naturalization
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Census Records
Military Records
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Newspapers
MODULE 3
INDIANA
Indiana Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
General Resources
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Migration Patterns
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers
MODULE 4
MICHIGAN
Michigan Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers
MODULE 5
MINNESOTA
Minnesota Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers
MODULE 6
OHIO
Ohio Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Migration Patterns
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers
MODULE 7
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration and Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers
MODULE 8
CANADA
Brief History
Why Research in Canada?
Getting Started
Key Records
APPENDIX