Fairfax Genealogical Society

Is Proud to Offer a Series of Lectures on

Records Within Reach

Presented by

Claire Bettag, CG, FUGA

Lecture Series:

Federal Land Records

From 1789 to the late nineteenth century, the United States acquired land and added it to the public domain. The federal government then surveyed the land and disposed of it, creating federal land records in the process. Today the National Archives holds land records for the thirty public land states whose lands were part of the U.S. public domain. These records are valuable for locating families and individuals at a specific date and documenting family land holdings. They may also provide additional valuable family information. The presentation discusses land entry papers primarily, with brief mention of surrendered bounty-land warrants.

Congressional Serial Set

The U.S. Congressional Serial Set, published by the U.S. Government Printing Office, is part of a vast collection of published public documents popularly known as “Gov Docs” (government documents). The Serial Set ranks among the most valuable—and most underused—genealogical resources for family historians. Containing records of the U.S. Congress, executive agencies, independent commissions, and other entities, it provides a wealth of information, often untapped by researchers. The presentation discusses Serial Set contents and access, with numerous examples.

Library of Congress Resources: Manuscript Division

The Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress houses more than eleven thousand collections containing about fifty million items. Beyond the Library's Local History and Genealogy Collection, this is one of its best potential sources for family historians. Yet, researchers rarely mine its riches. Among it holdings are the private papers of American political, cultural, and scientific figures: reformers, writers, inventors, scientists, historians, anthropologists, celebrities, journalists, artists, architects, and more; documents from foreign countries related to American colonial histroy, often containing information about individuals and families; and much more.

Details:

Registration

Register online or fill out the form on the opposite side of this brochure and mail it along with your check to the address shown. Keep the rest of this brochure for your information. You may drop off the form and check at any FxGS General Meeting or Education Class. Registration includes all lectures, lunch (see below), access to the vendors, and an electronic syllabus. A printed copy of the syllabus is available for $5.

Lunch

A boxed lunch (sandwich, side, and drink) is included for registrations received by Thursday, October 18th. Registrations after this date include lunch only if extras are available.

Deadlines

Regular registrations must be received by Oct. 18th. All registrations received after Oct. 18th will be charged the late registration fee. A printed syllabus is included for late/walk-in registrations. Registrations post-marked by Oct. 17th but received after the 18th will receive the regular registration fee but will only include lunch if extras are available. Register early or online!

Confirmations

Confirmations will be e-mailed for registrations received in person or by post by October 18th. All online registrations will receive confirmations. Email FallFair@fxgs.org if you do not receive your confirmation.

Refunds

Full refunds are available through October 18th. After Oct. 18th refunds are only available if minimum registration is met. Please contact FallFair@fxgs.org for a refund or questions.

Parking

Parking is available at the fire station as well as on the street. There is also overflow parking in the school parking lot next door.

Arrival

Check-in/registration begins at 8 a.m. Please arrive early enough to check-in/register and pick up your syllabus so we may begin promptly at 9:00. Vendors open at 8 a.m.

Please arrive before 9:00 a.m.

Questions?

Additional information can be found online at the Fairfax Genealogical Society Website at http://www.fxgs.org

Or contact Fall Fair Staff at FallFair@fxgs.org