In the engaging webinar "Neglected Gold in Older Genealogical and Historical Periodicals," esteemed genealogist Paula Stuart-Warren shines a light on a powerful but often underutilized resource for family historians. With her signature enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, Stuart-Warren guides viewers through the wealth of genealogical clues and historical context tucked away in older periodicals produced by genealogical societies, historical organizations, and niche publications. This session delivers an eye-opening exploration of how these sources can reveal family connections, migration stories, and local histories that are often absent from more commonly searched records or databases.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar:
- Discover Rich Context and Hidden Records: Older genealogical and historical periodicals frequently contain abstracts of records, cemetery transcriptions, Bible records, migration accounts, and family histories that may not be available elsewhere. Stuart-Warren emphasizes how these publications can include unique details such as occupation-specific listings, ethnic group insights, and even early genealogical queries or corrections published decades before the internet era.
- Master Finding Aids and Search Strategies: The webinar introduces a variety of finding aids like PERSI (Periodical Source Index), NUCMC, ArchiveGrid, JSTOR, and the Online Books Page. Stuart-Warren provides guidance on how to navigate these resources effectively, recommending keyword and surname variations, and suggesting libraries, genealogical societies, and digital archives where these periodicals may be accessed.
- Expand Beyond Traditional Genealogy Sources: Stuart-Warren encourages researchers to explore beyond genealogy-specific publications, highlighting the value of occupational journals, ethnic group newsletters, scholarly journals, and historical society quarterlies. Examples include circus people periodicals, railroad telegrapher magazines, and publications focused on ethnic migration chains—each offering surprising and valuable genealogical insights.
To gain the full benefit of Paula Stuart-Warren’s expertise and discover strategies that could unlock missing pieces of your family history puzzle, watch the complete webinar. This presentation is filled with examples and techniques that can help genealogists at all levels tap into a resource-rich world of periodical research.
Don’t forget to explore the syllabus and additional resources included with the webinar. These tools offer even more pathways to locate periodicals, indexes, and archives, empowering you to uncover stories and details that bring your family’s past vividly to life.
Comments (64)
Neglected no longer! I love hearing Paula revel in unrelated articles just for the joy of learning. It’s a great reminder that we shouldn’t feel that time was wasted. Instead, let’s appreciate the incredible information available to us with the investment of our time. Thank you.
"I hope no one ever told you that it would be quick research . . ."\n\nHonestly, no one ever, until Paula today and Elizabeth Shown Mills, ever says it's not. Many . . . too many . . . are given the impression by ancestry, genealogy shows such as Who Do You Think You Are? Finding Your Roots and the Genealogy Road show that "research" is both quick and easy. It is the single most disappointing thing to me about these websites, particularly Ancestry, and these shows.
Paula is so easy to follow in her presentations. She does wonderful work.
Great presentation Learned new resources
Really helpful ideas!
Enjoyed the Webinar and learning about periodicals and Historical Societies
Todays was like attending a university class with your favorite professor! Well done.
Exciting to learn new resources I would never have thought of!