Community Research Using the National Register of Historic Places and the Historical Marker Database

The engaging Legacy Family Tree webinar "Community Research Using the National Register of Historic Places and the Historical Marker Database," presented by accredited genealogist Peggy Lauritzen, offers a deep dive into two often-overlooked resources that can significantly enhance genealogical research. Lauritzen introduces viewers to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Historical Marker Database (HMDB), demonstrating how these tools can help family historians place their ancestors within the context of the communities, structures, and landscapes where they lived. This webinar not only highlights how these resources provide historical depth but also shares personal insights that bring the research process vividly to life.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• Discover Ancestor-Linked Locations through the National Register of Historic Places: The NRHP, managed by the National Park Service, catalogues over 96,000 properties deemed worthy of preservation. Lauritzen demonstrates how to navigate the NRHP database using downloadable spreadsheets and reference numbers to access detailed nomination forms, historical narratives, architectural descriptions, and photographs—resources that can directly mention ancestral families or their communities.
• Enhance Contextual Research with the Historical Marker Database: The HMDB offers a searchable collection of historical markers found across the U.S. and internationally. These markers often commemorate significant people, migration routes, battles, churches, and local landmarks—providing an accessible avenue to learn about the environments and historical events that shaped ancestors' lives.
• Bring Genealogy to Life with Place-Based Storytelling: Lauritzen emphasizes the power of connecting genealogy with local history. Through personal examples, such as tracing her Johnston ancestors to Virginia’s Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church and their Stone House residence, she illustrates how these resources can transform static family data into meaningful stories about heritage, faith, and migration.

For genealogists eager to deepen their family history research, this webinar provides both inspiration and practical instruction on leveraging two underused yet powerful tools. To fully understand the methods Lauritzen outlines and explore the potential these resources hold for your own genealogical projects, view the complete webinar. The presentation walks viewers step-by-step through real examples, making the process approachable and effective for researchers at all levels.

Additionally, don't miss the valuable syllabus and resource list included with the webinar—essential tools to help guide your searches and maximize the impact of your findings. Dive into these resources today to enrich your ancestral research with meaningful historical context and discover the places where your family's story truly unfolded.