2026 marks the 250-year anniversary of America’s signing of the Declaration of Independence. At the time of America’s independence, the population of the American colonies was about 2.5 million. While 1776 is a pivotal year, the war for independence (the Revolutionary War) was fought from 1775-1783. About 200,000 Americans served in the Patriots’ cause in some capacity.

This presentation will provide a deep dive into discovering and researching your revolutionary ancestors. It will cover the top resources, strategies, websites, libraries, archives, and organizations for learning more about your ancestors at our nation’s founding. Resources and documents available at the National Archives, DAR, SAR, as well as state and local organizations will be included. The presentation will also reveal that many colonists did not support independence and supported the British/Tory cause. It is an exciting time to jump in and learn as much as you can about your revolutionary ancestors!

About Speaker Scott Norrick
With an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a masters degree from Northwestern University, lead genealogist, Scott Norrick, combines over 30 years of family history research with the necessary skills and passion to provide meaningful and proven results. He has been published in the Indiana Genealogical Society’s Indiana Genealogist, has presented at The Association of Professional Genealogists annual conference and to the Wisconsin Genealogical Society, and has been a featured guest on the radio show/podcast Extreme Genes. Having traced and documented thousands of ancestors and relatives in both the United States and Northern Europe, he is experienced with all of the latest and time-tested genealogical tools and resources.

Speaker Scott Norrick will be joining us via Zoom. Participants may join via Zoom or in-person at the Peoria Public Library North Branch.

Zoom registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/fLaclxMpS4O8EArooTWWyg