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"Let's Get to Know Them-
Our Ancestors from Overseas"
The second lecture in the 1998
series will feature John Philip Colletta
from Washington, D.C. With a family
ancestry of Sicilian, Bavarian,
Alsatian, and Swiss, his interest in
European genealogy began early
during his days as a graduate student
in Paris. He ventured into the primary
sources of Italy, Germany, and
France. Since completing his
Doctorate in French Literature, he has
combined his interest in genealogy
with his expertise in history and
writing.
Since 1985, he has conducted
workshops for the National Archives,
Smithsonian, and local and national
genealogical societies. Dr. Colletta is
a faculty member of the Institute of
Genealogy and Historical Research at
Samford University and of the
Institute of Genealogical Studies here
in Dallas.
His publications include They
Came in Ships: A Guide to Finding
Your Immigrant Ancestor 's Arrival
Record: Finding Italian Roots: The
Complete Guide for Americans, and
numerous articles in popular and
scholarly magazines. He contributed
the chart "How to Find Your
Immigrant Ancestor's Ship" in the
permanent exhibit on Ellis Island.
Four episodes of "Ancestors," the
1997 PBS series, featured
Colletta.
Dr.
Passenger Arrival Records
This lecture discusses the U.S.
passenger arrival records of 1820.
through 1957 that are available at the
National Archives in Washington,
D.C., the Regional Archives, and
through the many thousands of Family
History Centers of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It
explains what facts family researchers
need to know to begin their search for
an immigrant ancestor's ship, as well
as how to conduct the search. Specific
examples illustrate how to utilize
National Archives indexes, published
indexes, and other pertinent research
tools. Also addressed is how to find
arrival information for the colonial
ancestors who came before 1820.
Naturalization Records
This lecture explains the U.S.
naturalization process and describes
the records that resulted from it, 1790
through the 1920's. It addresses the
naturalization of both alien "classes"
and individuals, and it provides
guidance on how to find an ancestor's
records, whether the naturalization
occurred in a municipal, state, or
federal court. Pertinent research tools
such as manuals, indexes, and catalogs
are covered. Citizenship in colonial
America is also briefly described.
Research in European Records
This lecture discusses how
Americans can prepare here in the
United States for successful
genealogical research in European
records. This research can be
conducted in person, through
correspondence, using microfilm, or
via the Internet. Numerous examples
address the facts that are needed to get
started on European research, how to
break through the language barriers,
familiarize yourself with the records of
the target country, and learn to read
the old script. Stressed in this
presentation is the importance of
writing letters of introduction,
knowing the historical and cultural
context in which the old records were
created, and planning the travel for
foreign research. Many examples from
France, Germany, and Italy are used,
but the methodology and principles
addressed apply to all European
countries.
(Continued on page 50)
11'1s ~LA
NEWSLETTER <~
March 1998 Volume 22, Number 3 (issue 187)
