Measuring Your Pennsylvania Ancestors: Using State and County Land Records is a five-module/week (10 hour) program designed for genealogists to explore the land records of Pennsylvania, understand the procedures used to distribute land, and how that distribution impacts modern day genealogical research. Portions of the program will be “hands on” workshops on how to analyze and evaluate deed documents, utilize proper transcription methods, and employ metes and bounds surveys while exposing participants to case studies in family history research relating to land transfers.

This course is intended for advanced beginners to intermediate and advanced researchers who desire a greater understanding of the land records of Pennsylvania and the use of deeds in genealogical research. It is ideally suited for graduates of HSP's Foundations of Genealogy II course to increase and solidify their knowledge of a specific subject in family history exploration. 

Measuring Your Pennsylvania Ancestors runs for five consecutive Thursdays, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., beginning October 19 and concluding November 16. A detailed schedule can be found here.

Instructor Bios:

Sydney Cruice Dixon is a professional genealogist, researcher, coach, presenter, and avid genealogy teacher in the Philadelphia area.  She has taught numerous classes at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and surrounding suburbs and has been instrumental in developing the genealogical education programs of HSP.  She is the President, Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists, and serves on the HSP Genealogical Advisory Committee.  

Frank Southcott is a professional genealogist who specializes in historic Chester County, Pennsylvania including Revolutionary War era militia, land record, and tax analysis.  He is the President, International Society for British Genealogy and Family History, and Past President, the Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter, Association of Professional Genealogists.  He has been instrumental in developing the genealogical education programs of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and serves on the HSP Genealogical Advisory Committee.