The Power of People – Voices via Petitions

Many researchers don’t realize how widespread the “need” for petitioning state government was in order to create the opportunity for things like schools, toll roads/bridges/ferries, poor houses, and too many items/services to name – individuals, neighbors, communities or even whole counties (or multiple counties) could petition the government. Petitions could also be used to address wrongs (damage from a mill), inequities (court house too far), and more. Historically, petitioning the state government was a much-used means to force change. There were many entities (colonial authorities, governor, legislature, county government, etc.) that could be petitioned. Petitions were a way of life in the 18^th & 19^th  centuries. You will learn who could be petitioned about what, and examples are shared of some common petition types. Additionally, many finding aids let us know that petitions exist but DO NOT index the names of those who signed. How do we leverage this information? Petitions also typically bear original signatures – another valuable genealogical research tactic (when dealing with same-named individuals, movements from one place to another, etc.). Petitions also convey a sense of what was important to those who signed. If you haven't pursued in-state petitions as part of your research plan, you'll be equipped to do so now.

By attending this event, I consent to the use of my photograph, voice, likeness, and image in broadcasts of this event and subsequent productions drawn from video or audio recordings of this event.