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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
They Came in Ships by John Philip Colletta is a comprehensive guide to researching your immigrant ancestors. It provides valuable tips and resources for tracing your family's journey to America.
In They Came in Ships by John Philip Colletta, we embark on an exploration of the lives of our ancestors who first set foot on American soil. The author emphasizes that understanding our ancestors' journey is crucial in tracing our family history and gaining a deeper understanding of our roots. The book begins by discussing the significance of ship passenger lists and how they serve as the starting point for genealogical research.
Colletta takes us back to the 19th century when millions of immigrants left their homelands to seek new opportunities in America. He explains that these immigrants, who arrived by ships, were documented in passenger lists, providing valuable information such as their names, ages, occupations, and places of origin. These details serve as crucial pieces of evidence in tracing our family's migration.
As we delve deeper into the book, Colletta shares essential tips and techniques for effectively navigating through ship passenger lists. He advises us to begin our search with a clear understanding of our ancestor's place of origin, as it significantly narrows down the search. The author also highlights the importance of understanding historical context, such as significant immigration waves and the impact of world events on migration patterns.
Colletta further discusses the various types of passenger lists, including those created by the government, ship captains, and immigration officials. He enlightens us about the challenges and limitations we may face during our search, such as misspelled names and incomplete records, and provides strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
In the subsequent chapters of They Came in Ships, Colletta provides a comprehensive understanding of the immigration process. He explains the different types of passenger ships, their conditions, and the experiences of immigrants during their journey. This insight into the hardships and trials our ancestors endured while crossing the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean helps us appreciate their courage and resilience.
Moreover, the author sheds light on the immigration laws and regulations of different time periods, emphasizing their impact on our ancestors' experiences. He discusses the naturalization process, the creation of immigration records, and the significance of these documents in tracing our family history.
Colletta concludes They Came in Ships by sharing an extensive list of resources for genealogical research. He provides valuable insights into using online databases, microfilm records, and archives to access ship passenger lists. The author also discusses the significance of visiting historical sites, such as Ellis Island and the National Archives, to gain a deeper understanding of our ancestors' immigration experience.
In essence, They Came in Ships is a comprehensive guide that not only teaches us how to find our ancestors in ship passenger lists but also encourages us to empathize with their journey. Colletta's expertise and passion for genealogical research make this book an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to uncover their family history.
They Came in Ships by John Philip Colletta is a comprehensive guide to tracing your immigrant ancestors through the records of their arrival in America. Colletta provides step-by-step instructions and valuable insights to help genealogists navigate through passenger lists, naturalization records, and other resources. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced researcher, this book is an essential tool for uncovering your family's immigration story.
Individuals interested in tracing their ancestors' immigration history
Genealogy enthusiasts looking for practical research tips and resources
People curious about the experiences and challenges faced by immigrants arriving in America
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma