Land Records: The Secret to Your Genealogical Successby Michael S Ramage
Land records, including warrants, surveys, patents, deeds and mortgages, are essential genealogical, original records that most often provide participants’ information and answer questions of identity, relationship, event, or situation, as required by the Genealogical Proof Standard. These records often answer questions not answered by any other documents. And yet, land records are the least understood and pursued records in the field of family history. This presentation aims to provide both the real estate background and research specifics to lead you to the land records that may solve your brick walls.
Michael S. Ramage, JD, CG, is a full-time professional genealogist, author and lecturer. Mr. Ramage has served as a Trustee, officer and now General Counsel of BCG. His 25-year law practice included real estate and estate law and litigation. He has taught numerous genealogy courses at genealogy conferences and institutes around the country. His related publications include the “Forensic Specialization” and “Ethical Considerations” chapters in Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards, Elizabeth Shown Mills, editor (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2018). Michael is the 2021 recipient of both The Donn Devine Award for Extraordinary Service to the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, and The APG Professional Achievement Award that honors individual excellence and ethical behavior.
