Huzzah! Welcome to 2026 – the year that ushers in the highly anticipated 250th anniversary of America’s founding. More specifically, this July 4th, marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In looking back at the Revolutionary War period, and the ancestors who lived through this conflict, I am delighted to announce my upcoming virtual GRIP course to help genealogists and family historians better understand the historical context and resources available to tell their complex stories.
Navigating Independence: Researching the Lives of Revolutionary War Ancestors
Joining me in this amazing course are seven genealogy rock star instructors who will share their topical expertise to round out all 18 sessions (click on the title above to see the full course session list and itinerary): J. Mark Lowe, FUGA; Kathryn Lake Hogan, BA, PCLGS, UE; Shelly Viola Murphy, DM; Michael L. Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™; Deborah Maddox; Linda Colston, MA; and William Burchfield II, MSLS
Note: GRIP registration opens on February 5th at 1pm! Seating is limited – so don’t miss this amazing opportunity!
In this course, students will:
- Gain an understanding of the complex groups, communities, governments, and cultures that contributed to the colonial conditions that led to a war for independence from British rule.
- Learn about the structures and inner workings of the military forces involved: Continental, British/Loyalist, Indigenous, Spanish, Hessians, French, etc.
- Learn about the complications of life on the home front, and the shifting nature of governmental powers.
- Explore the religious groups that influenced the trajectory of the fighting, and become inspired by some of the philosophical writings of the time, such as Phillis Wheatley, and Joseph Warren, among others.
- Gain an understanding of the Indigenous groups and governments that supported war efforts on both sides.
- Learn about the precarious years of the early republic and how the war experience continued to shape our ancestors lives for several decades – including infrastructure, settlement, pensions, construction of American identities, and legal developments.
All sessions will provide information regarding access and use of resources not commonly known and which are specific to the timeframe and regions being covered.
Student Prerequisites:
Students must have 1) mastered foundational genealogical research skills and be comfortable conducting research in physical locations beyond web-based resources; and 2) reliable internet access. This course is for intermediate researchers.
Getting a GRIP on Those Revolutionary Ancestors:
As an accompaniment to the America 250th celebrations, we feel that this timely topic is perfect for any genealogist who needs to trace their ancestors into late 18th and early 19th century American records. With a conflict that involved so many people from Europe and the Americas, it is vitally important to understand the context of each group involved as well as seek out the stories of every ancestor from this time. A strong educational foundation is the first step in navigating the methodology necessary to locate and understand the records that reveal those amazing stories from this era of American history.
RootsTech sneak peek: Meet and greet several of the course instructors in-person at the NGS booth during RootsTech 2026 in SLC!
For now – here’s the NGS announcement for the full 2026 GRIP course lineup!
Hope to see y’all real soon!
