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Digging Up Our Revolutionary Roots

Colonial Genealogy Presented by Valeri Shafer

Join professional genealogist Valeri Shafer for an engaging and interactive seminar exploring the records, resources, and research strategies used to uncover Revolutionary-era family connections.

This program will begin with a general instructional seminar covering the foundations of colonial genealogical research, including how to establish a family tree, determine residency during the Revolutionary period, and navigate local, county, state, federal, and genealogical society records. Participants will also learn how cemetery records, land bounty records, loyalist claims, and organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) can help verify military service and ancestral status.

Following the presentation, attendees will take part in a guided, hands-on discovery session as Valeri works in real time to uncover a possible Patriot connection from a local family line. There will also be time for audience questions and individual exploration of records with guidance from the presenter.

Please bring your laptop if you would like to participate in the hands-on research portion of the program. Open to adults, registration is suggested but not required. 

About the Presenter:

Valeri Shafer is a professional genealogist and founder of Kindred Genealogy. After leaving the teaching profession over a decade ago, she began her own genealogical journey and has since shared her expertise in genealogy and local history with audiences throughout the region. Her research specialties include Early American English and Dutch settlers, Pennsylvania Deutsch immigration, early Manhattan settlement, and colonial East Jersey families. She is especially passionate about helping others uncover the stories and historical connections hidden within their own family histories.

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