Hello Reader!

Happy spring! I hope the tulips and daffodils will be showing soon where you live. While the PA Ancestors podcast is on hiatus, I want to get back to sharing how to effectively research in Pennsylvania records. And I've also included links on some interesting programs in Pennsylvania this month.

Free Webinar: Local History Records for Genealogy Research

This Friday - Discover the hidden treasures in Pennsylvania’s local archives

In this free 30-minute webinar, I will walk you through the types of historical records found in local courthouses, libraries, and societies—and how to use them in your research.

You’ll discover:

✔️ What records aren’t online (and where they are)

✔️ How to use local archives to add depth to your family story

✔️ Where to start if you feel stuck

Everyone who registers will receive a free chapter from the book Archives in Pennsylvania for Genealogy Research as a thank-you gift.

Short, focused, and packed with practical tips—perfect for busy family historians.

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Why Valley Forge Was the Only Option

Historian Kenneth Gavin brings the winter of 1777 to life in this free April 6th talk. Discover why Valley Forge was the only choice for Washington’s army—and how that decision shaped the Revolutionary War. Join in-person at Washington Crossing Park or attend virtually from home. If you are curious about your patriot ancestors’ world, you’ll enjoy the presentations Washington Crossing Park offers. Registration is free and required for all attendees.​

Honor Your Ancestor with a Roadside Marker

Do you have an ancestor who made a mark in Pennsylvania history? The Pomeroy Foundation offers grants to create roadside markers honoring remarkable people and events. Their team helps guide you through the process—no experience required. If you’re passionate about preserving local history, this is a wonderful opportunity to share your family’s story with the world. Take a look at their programs and see if one is a fit for you.​

Explore the Moravian Archives from Home

Curious about Moravian ancestors or Pennsylvania’s early religious communities? Join “Coffee Hour with an Archivist,” a free online session that shows you how to search the Moravian Archives catalog. Assistant Archivist Tom McCullough will walk you through the process step-by-step. Sessions are April 2 and May 7, and registration is required. If you’ve ever felt unsure about using an archive, this is a friendly and helpful way to get started.

Centre County Estate Records Now Online

Estate records for over 15,000 Centre County residents—from 1800 to 1990—are now digitized and online. Thanks to a major project funded by the LDS Church, these records (plus marriage licenses) are freely available on FamilySearch. No travel needed, no scanning fees. If your roots trace back to Centre County, this is a newopportunity to discover family stories once hidden in basement archives.

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This Friday's free webinar is an experiment to see if genealogists like it. Please share the webinar with friends and in any Facebook groups you are a part of. I appreciate it!

Until next time, happy researching!