Register

Pathways to Belonging: Citizenship, Rights, and Records

through History

Join us for a FREE, virtual program on Tuesday, November 18th at 2:30 PM ET!

From naturalization records to military enlistments, the journey to citizenship in the United States has left a rich paper trail for genealogists. This program explores when and how various groups—including immigrants, women, Indigenous peoples, and formerly enslaved individuals—gained legal recognition as citizens. We’ll trace the evolving definitions of citizenship, the rights and responsibilities it conferred at different times, and the historical records that document these transitions. Participants will gain insights into how these changing laws and policies impacted their ancestors and where to look for relevant genealogical records, from early petitions for naturalization to modern documentation. Spanning from the founding of the nation to today, this session highlights how the pursuit of belonging has shaped individual lives and collective history. Presented by Allison DePrey Singleton and Elizabeth Hodges.

Program given in partnership with the Allen County Committee for America250. Click here to learn more about Amercia250: https://www.in.gov/usa250/about/