Maine Genealogical Society's
2010 Workshop & Conference
Genealogical Research into England, Scotland and Wales
with George G. Morgan
The Day's Schedule
8:15 - 9:00
Workshop Registration
Arrive early and reunite with old friends over coffee and refreshments.
9:00 - 9:30
A Brief Overview of the History of Britain
This segment sets the stage for the day with an overview of the geographical and historical context of the areas.
- Why It's Important to Understand the History
- English History since 1066
- Scotland's Medieval History and Unification with England
- Conquest of Wales and Unification
- Putting It All Together
9:30 - 10:30
British Documents of Genealogical Value
This segment addresses the primary document types used by genealogists to place their ancestors and discover essential information. Please note that there are literally hundreds of additional record types across the last 700-800 years, including many different taxes, court records, criminal records, military records, and more that cannot possibly be discussed. A bibliography will be discussed in the last segment of the day.
- Parish and Non-Conformist Registers
- Manorial Documents
- Wills and Estates
- Overview of Important Tax Lists
- Census Records
- Civil Registration Records
- Where Are These Documents Located?
10:30 - 11:00
Morning Break
11:00 - 11:45
Scottish Documents of Genealogical Value
This segment highlights the differences in Scottish records, and it addresses Scottish genealogical materials that may be used. It does not include details about the relocation of Scottish individuals to Ireland and the subsequent Scots-Irish emigrations to North America, Australia, and other locations.
- Parish Registers
- Wills and Testaments
- Legal Registers
- Census Records
- Statutory Records
- Where Are These Documents Located?
11:45 - 12:15
Welsh Documents of Genealogical Value
This segment highlights the Welsh records, many of which parallel English records. There are, however, some important differences. While many Welsh materials are held at The National Archives (TNA) in Kew, there also are many others that reside in archives, libraries, and government repositories in Wales
- Parish and Non-Conformist Registers
- Wills and Estates
- Census Records
- Civil Registration Records
- Where Are These Documents Located?
12:15 - 1:30
Luncheon
Catered by Spectacular Events
Deli-Style Cold Cut Sandwich Buffet with Turkey & Ham Platters, Bulkie Rolls, Cheese & Onion Platter, Salad, Pickles, Chips, Dessert
& Beverage
1:30 - 2:15
Locating Anglican Parish Registers in England
This segment returns to English records to discuss the history of the Church of England, the creation and maintenance of parish records, and to discuss how to locate these materials. Brief mention of the records of Catholic, Jewish, Quaker, and non-Anglican Protestant records will be made.
- Henry VIII
- Required Registration
- Bishop's Transcripts
- Legal Changes over Time
- Locations of Originals and Copies
- Comments about Non-Conformist Records
2:15 - 2:45
Before and After 1858: English and Welsh Wills and Death
Records
Wills and probate records can be valuable for reconstructing families and understanding relationships. 1858 marked the change from the handling by ecclesiastical courts in England and Wales and their processing by civil courts. This segment addresses the challenges in locating and working with those materials.
- Ecclesiastical Courts
- Prerogative Courts of Canterbury and York, and their responsibilities based on Anglican dioceses
- The Probate Court Act of 1857 and the transfer of responsibility of wills and probate activities to civil courts in 1859
- Where to locate wills and probates prior to and after 1859
2:45 - 3:15
Afternoon Break
3:15 - 3:45
Locating and Ordering English BMDs
This segment illustrates how simple it is to locate and obtain birth, marriage, death, and divorce records in England. The process is likewise applicable to obtaining copies of civil records for Welsh and Scottish persons.
- Civil Registration Records
- How Are They Indexed?
- Locating the Right Person
- Ordering a Certificate Online
3:45 - 4:15
Review of an Extensive Bibliography and a List of Online
Genealogical Sites
This final segment will discuss detailed supplemental handout materials that will be supplied to all attendees.
- Review of a Reference Handout
