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FORGOTTEN PEOPLE, FORGOTTEN PLACES: THE LIVES & LESSONS OF THE ERIE COUNTY POORHOUSE CEMETERY PROJECT
October 28, 2021 9:00 a.m.
Sponsored by the Holland Land Office Museum
Free - In-Person and Streaming
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Presentation Descriptions
Jennifer Liber Raines and Amy Miller are regular lecturers for genealogical and historical organizations, libraries, community groups, and regional conferences. Contact us today to schedule an in-person or virtual program.
GENEALOGY 101
60 minutes
Whether new or returning to family history, participants learn about the types of resources available, research strategies, standard of proof, as well as best practices for organizing physical and digital materials.
“PLACES, FACES, AND SOCIETY GRACES: USING NEWSPAPERS IN YOUR RESEARCH
60 minutes
This program discusses the exciting possibilities found in New York State newspapers. Gain an understanding of available newspaper resources - both online and in libraries/archives. Attendees will learn important strategies for structuring searches, logging research, and naming files.
“DEATH IS NOT THE END”: INTRODUCTION FOR PROBATE, TRUST, AND ESTATE IN NEW YORK
60 minutes
When an individual dies, the impacts of that death can be felt by immediate family, distant relatives, and present-day genealogists. Often underutilized by researchers, County probate records can offer a wealth of genealogical data helpful in exploring ancestral histories and breaking down brick walls. Contained within the Surrogate’s Court archives are the wills, legal filings, and actions that are key in understanding multi-generational relationships, family migration, assets and quality of life, as well as in identifying other such resources as land, tax, and guardianship records. Using actual probate examples from Western New York, we will explore how to locate records in person and online and document and interpret our findings.
FORGOTTEN PEOPLE, FORGOTTEN PLACES: THE LIVES & LESSONS OF THE ERIE COUNTY POORHOUSE CEMETERY PROJECT
60 minutes
When the skeletal remains of 372 individuals were discovered on the South Campus of the University at Buffalo in 2012, extensive efforts were undertaken to better understand the institutional history, demographics, and experiences of the reported 181,000 individuals “relieved” at the Erie County Poorhouse complex. Operating on Main Street (Buffalo, New York) from 1851-1926, the Erie County Poorhouse served the poor, sick, disabled, and mentally ill as both an almshouse and hospital - complete with psychiatric, maternity, and consumptive wards. This presentation will discuss the burials recovered, the research, and how, through a collaborative, multi-discipline approach and community engagement, scholars, archivists, and the public can contribute to our understanding of the lives of 19th and 20th century poor and support the preservation of our shared history.
UNDERSTANDING WESTERN NEW YORK LAND RECORDS
60 minutes
Land records are valuable resources that are often overlooked and underutilized by genealogists. In this information packed program, attendees will learn about Western New York land history and available records and resources wealth of information they contain. Through real-world research examples, participants will develop enhanced research strategies and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to expand their genealogical research.
CAPTURING HISTORICAL DATA: UNDERSTANDING & USING TRANSCRIPTIONS, ABSTRACTS, AND INDEXES IN YOUR RESEARCH
30 minutes
Transcription, abstraction, and indexing are essential techniques for capturing, analyzing, and accessing the information contained in historical records. By understanding the definitions and considerations for all three methods, genealogists can develop better and more effective research plans. Attendees will learn about best practices and potential project strategies while examining real-world examples.