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.
COURSE CONTENT
Course Content
Module 1
Introduction
What are the “Great Lakes”?
Brief Historical Synopsis
Geography, Settlements & Borders
Immigration Patterns
Ethnic Groups
General Research Methodology
Key Records & Resources
Special or Unique Records
Source/Data Worksheets for Documenting & Organizing Information
Setting Research Goals
Creating a Data Sheet on Each Ancestor
Research & Correspondence Logs and Spreadsheets
Timelines
Course Organization
Recommended Reading & Resources
Hints & Tips
Module 2
Illinios
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
Key Records Available on Major Genealogical Websites
Recommended Reading & Resources
Hints and Tips
Module 3
Indiana
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
Key Records Available on Major Genealogical Websites
Recommended Reading & Resources
Hints & Tips
Module 4
Michigan
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers
Key Records Available on Major Genealogical Websites
Recommended Reading & Resources
Hints & Tips
Module 5
Minnesota
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers
Key Records Available on Major Genealogical Websites
Recommended Reading & Resources
Hints & Tips
Module 6
Ohio
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
Key Records Available on Major Genealogical Websites
Recommended Reading & Resources
Hints and Tips
Module 7
Wisconsin
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration and Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers
Key Records Available on Major Genealogical Websites
Recommended Reading & Resources
Hints & Tips
Module 8
Canada
Brief History
Why Research in Canada?
Other Reasons
Getting Started
Key Records
Census
Immigration
Land Records
Vital Registration
Military Records
Additional Records
Recommended Reading & Resources
Hints & Tips
Course Summary
Appendix
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