If you’ve been tracing your family history through early American records, now might be a good time to take a second look at some often-overlooked collections. These sets cover everything from colonial town life to westward migration, offering insights into land
ownership, probate matters, family relationships, and even professions. They’re especially useful when more common records come up short, or when you’re trying to track a relative who moved between regions during the 1600s through the 1900s.
You might uncover a long-lost ancestor in town meeting notes, find a medical school listed next to a physician’s name, or stumble across a lineage that links to a hereditary society. Some of these records even include handwritten entries and detailed personal information that help bring your ancestors’ stories to life. Whether your roots run through New England villages or pioneer homesteads in the
Midwest, these collections are a strong starting point for expanding your research.
