Paul Milner’s 2014 Course
Scottish Research: The Fundamentals and Beyond
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Time Period: 1550 – present
Prerequisites: Prior to attending this course, read a book on the history of Scotland. Submit a pedigree chart and family group sheet showing a family you want to learn more about. The instructor will contact you before classes begin to request them.
Course Description:
Scottish laws, regulations and records are different from the rest of the British Isles, yet with enough similarities to create confusion for the unwary. We will address the fundamentals of all the major record groups, examining how to search the indexes, exploring what is and is not available online. Case studies will highlight the research and record evaluation processes to determine next steps. Individual consultations are available to assist each participant with their personal research.
Course Topics:
Definitions, Sources and Repositories
Scottish Emigration to North America
Finding the Right Place: Maps and Gazetteers
Civil Registration
Making Sense of the Census
Church Records
Inheritance: Wills and Executries
Inheritance: Transfer of Land
Burghs and Their Records
Occupation Records
British Military (2 sessions)
Overlooked Sources: 17th and 18th Centuries
Overlooked Sources: 19th and 20th Centuries
Planning Your Trip to Scotland