Probate, which includes wills and estate records, is an interesting topic because it’s not a source people immediately think about, but the files are rich with information and can provide routes around research roadblocks.

In his presentation, Allan Jordan explores: what is a Probate file; how to determine if someone was likely to have Probate records; how to go about finding the record; and what you may find searching in a Probate record. He will review the ins and outs of searching for wills and estates and how to get started to find your family files.  He will also show examples of typical records and the “unique finds” he has located in his quest through the courts.

A historian and author by background, Allan Jordan first got involved with genealogy working to build his own family tree which today dates back to the 1700s.  He has followed his family from Courland and the Ukraine to the United States, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and the Israel.  He applies his research skills as a historian and became what he likes to call a “professional amateur” genealogist. He enjoys sharing his experiences with fellow researchers and also helps people seeking research in the New York area or extra skills in building their family tree.

Click here to download handout

Research Help

12:30 pm – come early to join the following discussion groups:

Bessarabia Special Interest Group
Litvak-Baltic Special Interest Group (covers Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia)
Poland Special Interest Group

3:00 pm – meet with the Belarus Special Interest Group

Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members. Refreshments will be served.