Heritage Quest Research Library Norwegians in America

J
OIN US for our next class on July 23, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today! Explore the Exceptional Genealogy Classes at HQRL! Join us online via Zoom or in person at HQRL and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts who share your curiosity and drive—together, we can explore the fascinating world of family history!
CLICK HERE to register for this class! Visit our blog for great tips & hints exploring your family story! Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library July Happenings

From Heritage Quest Research Library on 2026-07-02 06:25

HQRL Happenings July 2026 Happy Fourth of July Holiday



Upcoming Events
HQRL Class
Thursday, July 9
Top 10 Tips for Using AI effectively in Genealogy:
Unlocking New Possibilities 
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom)
Join Diane Henriks to learn how to integrate Artificial Intelligence tools into your research workflows confidently and ethically.


Wednesday July 15
Management Team Meeting
12 noon – 2 pm
HQRL Class Room and Zoom


Thursday, July 23
HQRL Class
Norwegians in America 
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom)
Join Eleanor Brinsko to learn about Norwegian immigrant ports of entrance, newspapers, Norwegian settlements in America and strategies to track
your ancestors.
Register in the HQRL Store, $20+tax and $25+tax for non-members.
HQRL classroom in-person (limit of 8 persons) or via zoom – a zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. see flyer

Celebrating Our Roots
A Spectacular Evening of History and Heritage
Our recent heritage event was an absolute triumph, bringing history to life through vibrant storytelling, stunning period attire, and a shared passion for genealogy.


Thanks to Roger Pasquier, who stepped up to serve as our emcee. Roger did a phenomenal job keeping everyone involved and ensured the program moved as smoothly as possible. When he wasn’t at the podium, he was out in the crowd, mingling with guests, sharing laughs, and making new friends feel right at home.


Guests were treated to a truly unique experience when Vern Frykholm took the floor in full dress as General George Washington. He captivated the audience with a detailed outline of the Washington family tree—a fitting topic for our genealogy community! Afterward, “the General” mingled with the crowd, graciously answering history questions. The most adorable moments of the evening came when he politely bowed to the ladies who paused to speak with him, bringing true 18th-century chivalry to the room.


We were also honored to welcome our guest speaker from the Daughters of the American Revolution Pam Gassman, Mary Ball DAR Chapter, Tacoma, who looked stunning in her lovely colonial dress and gave a talk about her own research of her family history. Adding to the authenticity of the event, several of our own HQRL ladies donned beautiful costumes mirroring late 18th-century fashion. Their dedication to historical accuracy truly transported us all back in time and made the celebration unforgettable.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and dressed up to make this event such a resounding success!
 
Many thanks also to M.Hajler Photography, Lakewood, WA, who donated her time and did an excellent job of capturing the many features  that made this event so successful. 


All in all it, our very first dinner-auction was a noteworthy success and great fun. At last estimate we raised over $11,000 for the library.  
  
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library Quest Connections

QUEST CONNECTIONS

June 2026

Volume 31 – Issue 2

Table of Contents

HQRL Dinner and Auction Fundraiser

Upcoming Events

Membership Fees

Welcome New Members

Super Supporters

Above and Beyond

Volunteer Opportunities

New in the Library

Paul Revere Quiz

New Library Books

Quiz Answers

Revolutionary War Slogan

“United We Stand

Divided We Fall”

HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE!

JUST NINE DAYS TO GET READY

FOR

HQRL’s MAJOR FUNDRAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR!

America 250 Patriot Celebration

Place: Farm12, Puyallup, WA

Time: 5-8:30 pm

Final Prep for the Big Event

by Jennifer Pasquier

The Auction Committee has been hard at work. Under the leadership of Carmen McIntyre, we have secured the auction location, confirmed the menu, scheduled the evening, and secured sponsors and auction items. There’s still time to pitch in and lend a hand. We continue to collect auction items and baskets. Our next get-together is on Wednesday, June 3, at 1:00 pm to assemble auction baskets. If you can help, contact Carmen McIntyre (253) 241-6777, camway@outlook.com or Susan Nolan (253) 351044, gaelicsue@yahoo.com for the location directions. We will be assembling and organizing baskets and donations for the Auction. Please join us and help make this auction a fundraising success.

We also need extra hands to help at Farm12, June 9, starting at 1 pm to help decorate, keep things running smoothly during the dinner, and pack up afterward.

Upcoming Events

HQRL Class

Thursday, June 4

What Is Social History & Why Should a Genealogist Care?

Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom)

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Join Annette Burke Lyttle to learn how social history can both improve your research skills and help you better understand and tell the stories of your ancestor’s lives. Register at the library or online using the HQRL Store icon. Fee: $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members. (the zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts)

HQRL 250 Celebration Dinner and Auction

(ticket sales are now closed)

Tuesday, June 9, 5-8:30 pm

Farm12

3303 8th Ave SE, Puyallup, WA 98372

Management Team Meeting

Wednesday June 17, 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

Heritage Quest Research Library Classroom

HQRL Class

Thursday, June 18

Genealogical Research in Missouri: The Basics

Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom)

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Bill Eddleman’s presentation teaches about the thousands of documents available in archives across Missouri. Record survival has been excellent, with French records dating back to the mid-1700’s. Register at the library or online using the HQRL Store icon. Fee: $20+tax for members, $25+tax for non-members. (the zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts)

Sumner Rhubarb Days

Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21

HQRL will have a booth at the celebration on both days. We still need several volunteers to man the booth for three hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday. There is a white board in the classroom where you can sign up or call HQRL, 253-838-1806 to find out what shifts are available. Librarians will be happy to sign the board for you.

Membership Fees Increase

HQRL membership fees increased April 1.

Individual Membership – $50.00

Individual Membership with mailed quarterly newsletter $65.00

Family membership $60.00

Family membership with mailed quarterly newsletter $75.00

Welcome to our New Members

March

Howard Frisk

Juanita Hembrow

Michele Horaney

Laura Lee

Kathy Penne

Shirley Stalgis

Wendi Thurnau

April

Diane Bertram

Sheryl Hayes

Christine and Jason Neil

May

Amy Plumb

Ryan Raburn

Gail Sanders

Peg Hinshaw

Sally Ives

Jamie Mittan

Janet K. Johnson

Super Supporters

Gloria Brain

LeeAnn Fogt

Lori Jewell and Lois Hoult

Judy Line

Carolyn Pasquier

Ileen Peterson

Phyliss Kleist

Holly McGuire

Maureen Vanek

Terry Vaughan

Steve and Roberta Weech

Keith Weissinger

Thank You So Much

Above and Beyond

Our wonderful library thrives thanks to the dedication of our faithful volunteers. These exceptional individuals maintain our facility in immaculate condition year-round. Though they expect little and often fly under the radar, they consistently show up despite personal commitments and challenges.

Debbie Barr – Librarian

Mike Bartlett – Board of Trustees, Librarian

Gloria Brain – Research Coordinator

Angi Burslem – Board of Trustees, Book Repair, Scan Project

Gordon Chisholm – Librarian

Monty Euston – Board of Trustees Chair

Rachel Farley – Webmaster

April Fredricks – Assistant Treasurer

Heidi Geise – Education Coordinator

Elena Gosner – Board of Trustees

David Grimm – Community Events Coordinator

Jo-Anne Huber – Librarian

Sally Hurst – Librarian

Judy Line – Librarian

Dale Loseth – Grant Coordinator, Scan Project Manager

John Gillem – Board of Trustees

Sara McGlothlen – Membership Coordinator, Librarian

Carmen McIntyre – Promotions Coordinator

Jay McNabb – Board of Trustees

Judy Myers – Librarian

Susan Nolan – Volunteer Coordinator, Librarian

Jerry Olson – Librarian

Lauren Orheim – Board of Trustees

Carolyn Pasquier – Director, Collections Manager, Librarian

Linda Perry – Librarian

Joyce Phillips – Board of Trustees, Librarian

Marilyn Schunke – Librarian

Nancy Thaut – Librarian

Jean Van Hoof – Librarian

Terry Vaughan – Treasurer, Librarian

Volunteer Opportunities

Management Team positions

Secretary for the Monthly Management Team Meetings

Technology Manager to Maintain and update computers and electronics

Editor of Quarterly Newsletter

Assistant to the Education Coordinator

New in the Library

If you haven’t been to the library in awhile, you haven’t seen our Suggestion Box. It is placed on the table just in front of the Reception Desk. We welcome any suggestions, concerns, and other comments from our members and visitors.

Special Volunteer Opportunity

Leader for a once-a-month discussion group

One of our members recently suggested that we resume the discussion group we had before covid. In her own words, "The group was very beneficial" and other members agree.


The group would meet to discuss a a topic decided by the leader, their research questions and challenges or other topics of interest. The group would be informal and informative. Plus it is great way to meet other members and make new friends.

What do you know about Paul Revere?

    What was the name of Paul Revere’s parents?
    Where were they born?
    What was Paul Revere’s father’s occupation? 
    When Paul Revere was 15 years old, he and six of his friends were paid to ring the bells at which church in Boston? 
    How old was Paul Revere when he made his midnight ride? 
    What was the name of the horse he borrowed to make his midnight ride?
    Paul Revere was married twice and had 16 children! How many grandchildren did he have?
    Who wrote the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” in 1860 that made the patriot famous?
    On the road to Concord on April 19, 1775, Paul Revere and William Dawes ran into a third rider. What was his name?
    In 1802, Paul Revere’s copper rolling mill in Canton, Massachusetts made the copper sheeting for the dome of the new Massachusetts State House. When the building was completed in 1798, what was the dome originally covered with? 
    A bell cast by Paul Revere in 1801 and connected to the 1766 tower clock rings out the time hourly at Old South Meeting House. What year was the bell installed?  
    How old was Paul Revere when he died and where is he buried?

New Library Books


Discover our New Book Shelf - the first shelf to the left of the classroom door. Our new books are from these generous donors: Sumner Family Search Center, Tacoma Family Search Center, Carolyn Harkness, Alan Manning, Steve Barndt, and Elisabeth Bender.


Thank You for keeping our collection new and fresh.


And a special Thank You to those who are cataloging all these book donations.

Debbie Barr

Angie Burlem

Sara McGlothlen

Nancy Peterson

IL Knox 003 Index to Marriages 1879-1904 Knox County Illinois, Volume II Knox County Genealogical Society

IL Knox 004 1855 Personal Property Tax Lists, Knox County Knox County Genealogical Society

IL Lake 011 Index to Portrait and Biographical Album of Lake County, Illinois, Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society

IL Lake 012 Index to the Past and Present of Lake County, Illinois, Lake County Illinois Genealogical Society

IL Lee 002 Recollections of the Pioneers of Lee County (1893), Seraphina Gardner Smith

IL Tazewell 003 v.1 Tazewell County Illinois Marriage Records Index 1827-1859 volume one, David C. Perkins

IN Cass 004 Will book I, Cass County, Indiana, Barbara Wolfe

IN Owen 005 Owen County Indiana Military Veterans 1775-1903, Owen County Historical and Genealogical Society

IN Putnam 003 Personal Name Index 1971 to History of Putnam County Indiana 1887, Mike Marler

IA Taylor 002 History of Lenox, Iowa 1872-1972, Lenox Centennial

IA Warren 003 Warren County Iowa Cemeteries, Warren County Bicentennial Commission

KS Cherokee 002 Cherokee County Kansas Marriages 1867-1886, first twenty years, Cherokee County Genealogical Society of Southeast Kansas

KY 015 v.1 Kentucky Court of Appeals Deed Books A-G Vol 1, Michael L. Cook, Bettie A. Cook

KY 048 Talley’s Kentucky Papers, William K Talley

KY Bath 001 Bath County Kentucky Records # 1 Marriages 1811-1850 Joan Colbert Gioe

KY Bath 002 Bath County Kentucky Records # 2 Deaths 1852-1859, Wills 1811-1850

KY Edmonson 003 Jacob’s People [Descendants of Jacob Locke; history of Good Spring church; vital records Edmundson County, KY], Kenneth H. Lee

KY Green 003 The Long Hunters of Skin House Branch, Ruth Paull Burdette, Nancy Montgomery

LA 016 Cemeteries in the State of Louisiana by Parishes, Louisiana Cemetery Board

MD 061 Gleanings from Maryland Newspapers 1727-1775, Robert Barnes

MD Baltimore 043 Baltimore Directory of 1807. F. Edward Wright

MD Washington 010 Washington County, Maryland. Our Past, Our People. a Historical Portrait Vol II, Herald-Mail Company

MD Worcester 005 Cemetery records of Worcester County Maryland, Ruth T. Dyland

MA Plymouth 017 History of the Town of Middleboro Massachusetts, Thomas Weston

MO Clay 003 v.1 Clay County Missouri Cemetery Records volume 1, Elizabeth Prather Ellsberry

MO St Francois 002 St. Francois County Missouri Small Cemeteries, Rosalea Hopper

NY 000 Military 12 New York in the American Revolution, a source guide for genealogists and historians, Eric G. Grundset

ND Barnes 002 Zion Free Lutheran Church Valley City, North Dakota 1888-1988, Zion Free Lutheran Church Centennial Book Committee

OH Hamilton 007 Collection of Pioneer Marriage Records, Hamilton County, Ohio 1789-1817 volume 1, John D. Caldwell

OH Hamilton 008 1791-1826 Abstract of Book 1 and Book A Probate Record 1791-1826, Hamilton County, Ohio Hamilton County Ohio Genealogical Society

OH Hamilton 009 Willis Filed Probate Court Hamilton County Ohio 1791-1852, Ohio Genealogical Society

TN Dickson 006 v.1 Dickson County, Tennessee Deeds, Mar. 1804 – Dec. 1808 Vol. 1, Laura Willis

TN Dickson 006 v.2 Dickson County, Tennessee Deeds, Dec. 1808 – Sept. 1812 Vol. 2, Laura Willis

TN Dickson 006 v.3 Dickson County, Tennessee Deeds, Sept. 1812 – Aug. 1815 Vol. 3, Laura Willis

TN Dickson 006 v.4 Dickson County, Tennessee Deeds, Aug. 1815 – Feb. 1818 Vol. 4, Laura Willis

TN Dickson 006 v.5 Dickson County, Tennessee Deeds, Feb. 1818 – Oct. 1820 Vol. 5, Laura Willis

TN Dickson 006 v.6 Dickson County, Tennessee Deeds, Oct. 1820 – Apr. 1823 Vol. 6 Laura Willis

TN Gibson 002 History of Gibson County, Indiana, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, [Published 1884] Jas T. Tarrt & Co.

WV Greenbrier 006 Walking Tour of Historic Lewisburg, West Virginia, Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau

WI Milwaukee 003 Old Cemetery Burials of Milwaukee County Wisconsin Vol 2, Elizabeth Doherty Herzfeld

Foreign IRELAND 000 Research 31 Irish Ancestors, a pocket guide to your family history, John Grenham

Mayflower 039 Mourt’s Relation, a Journal of the Pilgrims at Portsmouth, Dwight B. Heath

Military REV WAR 076 Forgotten Patriots – the untold story of American prisoners during the revolutionary war, Edwin G. Burrows

Military REV WAR 077 Battle of Piqua Revolutionary Encounter in Ohio, [Brief history of the Shawnee Indian Village that formerly occupied the plot of ground now designated as George Rogers Clark Park, Springfield Ohio], Richard Roland Juday

Source GENEALOGY 081 Genealogist’s Question & Answer Book, Marcia Yannizze Melnyk

Source MAPS 023 Ward Maps of United States Cities, selective checklist of pre-1900 maps in the Library of Congress Michael H Shelley

Source PRESERVATION 006 More Than Memories, the complete guide to preserving your family history, Julie Stephani

US History WOMEN 033 Pioneer Women, the lives of women on the frontier, Linda Peavy, Ursula Smith

Family History CLINGENPEEL 01 Clingenpeel Family Lineage, Ronald Harvey Clingenpeel

Family History WATERMAN 01 Genealogical Line of Paternal Descent of the Waterman family of Davenport, Iowa, Fred L. Waterman

Family History WILDMAN 01 Wildman – Huckaby (all spellings), July 5, 1983, Bettina Pearson Higdon

Quiz Answers

Apollos Rivoire and Deborah Hichborn
Paul’s father was born in Riocaud, France; his mother in Boston
Silversmith
Christ’s Church (Old North Church)
He was 40 years old
Brown Beauty
He had 51 grandchildren
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Dr. Samuel Prescott
Wooden Shingles
2011
He was 83 and is buried in the Granary Burying Ground in Boston, Massachusetts

Source: Walking Boston, https://www.walkingboston.com/paul-revere-quiz-1/

Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library What is Social History and Why Should a Genealogist Care?


Explore the Exceptional Genealogy Classes at HQRL! Join us online via Zoom or in person at HQRL and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts who share your curiosity and drive—together, we can explore the fascinating world of family history!
JOIN US for our next class on June 4, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today!
Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes!
Visit our blog for great tips & hints exploring your family story!
HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library America 250 Patriot Celebration

Only 6 more days to buy your tickets! PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS through May 24th! SCAN THE QR CODE or  CLICK HERE to PURCHASE TICKET
If you need help purchasing a ticket or have questions, please call the library at 253-863-1806, Mon-Sat 10am to 4pm As we celebrate the history of our great country and help raise critical funds for the library, come meet Vern Frykholm portraying George Washington who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), leading the colonies to independence from Great Britain. You don’t want to miss it! We look forward to seeing you there!
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library Find Irish Births and Naturalizations in American Records

Explore the Exceptional Genealogy Classes at HQRL! Join us online via Zoom or in person at HQRL and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts who share your curiosity and drive—together, we can explore the fascinating world of family history! JOIN US for our next class on May 21, 2026! Don’t miss out, sign up today! Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! Visit our blog for great tips & hints exploring your family story! HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library Military Appreciation Month

May Happenings 2026 National Military Appreciation Month American 250 Patriot Celebration Our major fund-raising event of the year is coming up on June 9th! There are many different tasks that need to be done with varying degrees of time and/or money commitment involved.
For the next six weeks we are putting all our effort into selling tickets to this event and soliciting items for the auctions (i.e. live, silent, dessert), as well as themed baskets and/or items for a raffle.
We need everyone to become involved in helping to ensure our success. Please ask your family, friends and the businesses you frequent if they would be willing to buy a ticket and/or donate an item or a basket for the auctions. I hope you see the need and will get involved.
You can purchase tickets online using the QR code on the image above, in person at the library. Our librarians can also process ticket purchases over the phone. You will need to give them your credit card information and email address to complete the transaction. Purchase tickets early to to reserve a place for this event as the price for tickets will go up after May 24. All tickets must be pre-purchased and cannot be purchased at the door. If you want to sit with family or friends, please note their names when you purchase your ticket.  You are the key to our success and the future of HQRL! Here’s How You Can Help Outreach Distributing Flyers and Posters Contacting potential donors Solicit local businesses for sponsorship opportunities Invitations to family and friends Donations Auction Items for live auction Baskets Theme basket for auction Items for theme baskets Gift Tickets Event Day Decorating Welcome table coverage Auction spotters Sell raffle tickets Setup and take down Upcoming Events Thursday, May 7 Beginning Your Family History   11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom) This FREE class will be taught by our research librarians. Learn how the library can help you and how to start. Sign up in the HQRL Store so we know you are coming and we can send you handouts/or a zoom link.
Attend in-person at the HQRL classroom (limit of 8 persons), or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. —– Wednesday May 20 HQRL Management Team Meeting HQRL Classroom 12 noon – 2 pm
Thursday, May 21 Unusual Places to Find Irish Births & Naturalizations in American Records   11:00 am to 12:00 pm Heritage Quest Research Library (Classroom & Zoom)
Debra M. Dudek explains how and where to widen your search for your Irish ancestors birth date, place of origin, and their American naturalization details from a variety of underutilized resources! In this lecture, you’ll learn how to utilize a combination of research methodologies and combine them with military rosters, sailing registers, professional registrations, and much more!
Register online using the HQRL Store link on the library website or in-person at the Library
Attend in-person at the HQRL classroom (limit of 8 persons), or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to your email 1-2 days before the class along with any handouts. 
Sunday May 24 America 250 Patriot Celebration early ticket sales ends. Tribute to Carmen If you haven’t met Carmen McIntyre yet, you as missing out. Carmen’s friendly, energetic enthusiasm, and marketing skills makes her an excellent Promotions Coordinator.
Carmen is also very talented in creating graphics for posters. flyers and handouts. She is quick to offer help to others learn new skills.

Working with her is a pleasurable and worthwhile experience. Carmen McIntyre Promotions Coordinator Thank you Carmen for all you do and are!  Tips to Trace Your Roots Through American Independence The Legacy Tree Genealogists Blog Legacy Tree Genealogists, Inc. Rachel Whiting, Genealogist
The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) was a turning point in the lives of countless families across the United States, Canada, and further abroad. If you’ve ever wondered whether your ancestors were involved in the fight for (or against) American independence, Revolutionary War genealogy can be an exciting journey! Tracing your roots back to the American Revolution requires a bit of creativity and an understanding of what records are available (and where to find them). This blog offers several resources to help you discover if your lineage includes Patriots or Loyalists who fought in the American Revolution.

#1: Start With What You Know: Family Lore and Documents As with other genealogical journeys, it is important to begin with your immediate family knowledge. Does your family have an old family bible, letters, or military relics? Have you heard your grandparents talk about an ancestor who “fought in the war” or received land from a military grant?
Participants in the Revolutionary War were often young men, typically born between 1730 and 1760. Women also played a role in the conflict (often as nurses, spies, or supporters); however, their contributions may be harder to identify in the surviving documentary record.
Continue to trace your lineage backward through the 1790 United States Federal Census. Can you identify an ancestor who was of military age between 1775 and 1783?

#2: Where to Find Revolutionary War Records Once you have identified a potential ancestor, the next step is to dig into the records that can confirm their involvement in the Revolutionary War. A number of lineage societies and online databases provide access to documents from this period. These resources can help you verify and explore your connection to the American Revolution: ·      Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR): The DAR maintains the Genealogical Research System (GRS), which includes verified lineages of Revolutionary War patriots, along with documents supporting each claim. The GRS is searchable online and offers an excellent starting point for discovering whether your ancestor has already been documented. ·      Sons of the American Revolution (SAR): The SAR also collects lineage records and maintains the Patriot Research System (PRS), which includes service information, applications, and source documentation. This database is also searchable online. ·     

 National Archives (NARA): NARA houses comprehensive Revolutionary War records, including pension and bounty-land warrant applications, compiled military service records, and muster rolls. Many of these collections are also available online via FamilySearch and Fold3. ·      Museum of the American Revolution: The Museum of the American Revolution houses the Patriots of Color Archive (available for free via Ancestry), which documents African American and Native American soldiers who served with the Continental Army. ·      Library of Virginia: The Library of Virginia offers online access to land grant files, public claims, and county court records that document military service and civilian contributions to the war effort. Other state archives may also house unique collections related to their local militia and war efforts. When searching these online databases, be mindful of spelling variations. Names were often written phonetically. First names may be abbreviated (e.g., “Wm.” rather than “William”) or may be anglicized versions of foreign names. Boundaries and place names also changed during this era—use the FamilySearch Wiki to determine the establishment year for individual counties.

#3: Where to Find Loyalist Records Not all residents of the American colonies fought for independence. It is estimated that approximately one third of the population was loyal to the Crown, and thousands of these early American families relocated to Canada’s eastern provinces following the Revolutionary War. If you believe your ancestor supported the Crown during the American Revolution, these resources can help you verify and explore your Loyalist connection:

United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC): UELAC is the leading organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Loyalists. They also maintain the Loyalist Directory, which includes biographical details, military service records, and settlement information for over 15,000 Loyalists in Canada.
Library and Archives Canada (LAC): LAC maintains several collections of primary documents related to Loyalist history, including land grant petitions, muster rolls, and military service records. Researchers can also access claims submitted by Loyalists for losses sustained during the American Revolution. Many of these records have been digitized and are freely accessible through the LAC website.
Ancestry: Several Loyalist collections are also available from Ancestry, including biographical sketches for early settlers, regimental service records for the British Army, and other documents pertaining to Loyalists who fled to England. Many of these collections are also freely available via Family Search.

#4: Digging Deeper: Adding a Historical Context Military service records, pension files, or bounty land applications often list enlistment dates, unit designations, or even detailed accounts of service. If you are able to identify your ancestor’s regiment, you may be able to trace the unit’s movements using regimental histories, muster rolls, or regimental war diaries! By cross-referencing dates and locations with known Revolutionary War battles, you can piece together where your ancestor might have been during pivotal moments of the American Revolution. https://www.legacytree.com/blog/4-tips-to-trace-your-roots-through-american-independence?_gl=1*137fu55*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdF-N-SuFrWcqifj5BmQ2hWjAPHfyr6ry0E9lxEKhweabl9tI_S15YRoCiVUQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAADimC595rHGw4VALgWZ40lDqXJVOa
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Heritage Quest Research Library America 250 Patriot Celebration Dinner Auction

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!  Come celebrate a very special night with us and help support our incredible genealogy library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Come hear about finding the patriots in your family, enjoy a great dinner and fun auction!
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS BY SCANNING THE QR CODE or CLICK THE LINK BELOW!
CLICK HERE to PURCHASE TICKET
If you need help purchasing a ticket or have questions, please call the library at 253-863-1806, Mon-Sat 10am to 4pm
We look forward to seeing you there!
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library Beginning Your Family History


JOIN US for our FREE CLASS May 7, 2026!
click here for class flyer
Don’t miss out, sign up today!
Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! Visit our blog for great tips & hints exploring your family story! HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US

Heritage Quest Research Library Researching Beyond Your Ancestors

Explore the Exceptional Genealogy Classes at HQRL! Join us online via Zoom or in person at HQRL and connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts who share your curiosity and drive—together, we can explore the fascinating world of family history! JOIN US for our next class on April 16, 2026!
Exploring the Community: Researching Beyond Your Ancestor Julia A. Anderson
click here for class flyer
Don’t miss out, sign up today! Our ancestors didn’t live in a void. Events and people in their communities, region, and world affected their decisions and other factors in their lives. We can learn much more about our families when we research their friends, neighbors, and associates and learn about the history and geography of the places they lived, including neighboring jurisdictions. This lecture will introduce the concept of cluster research and explore resources to help you better understand the jurisdictions and history of the areas in which your ancestor lived.

Julia A. Anderson, MA, AG®, AGL is a Research Specialist at the FamilySearch Library where she manages the Unites States and Canada Team. She has a master’s degree in history with an education emphasis and is an Accredited Genealogist® and Accredited Genealogist Lecturer with expertise in the U.S. Gulf South region. As an adjunct faculty member at Salt Lake Community College, Julia teaches research and accreditation classes online for their genealogy microcredential program. She is also the owner and managing member of Anderson Genealogical Research, LLC based in Orem, Utah. Julia serves as the conference chair for the Utah Genealogical Association and is a commissioner on the board of ICAPGen. She and her husband Scott reside in Orem, Utah.
Click Here to Sign-up
Click Here to See All of Our 2026 Classes! Visit our blog for great tips & hints exploring your family story! HQRL.com / Classes & Events / Contact
Heritage Quest Research Library | 2102 East Main Ave Suite 105 | Puyallup, WA 98372 US