Genealogy Workshop: Find Your Patriot

Find Your Patriot, a three‑session genealogy research program designed to help local residents uncover and document their Revolutionary War ancestors was concluded May 2.

Led by professional genealogist Dann Norton, with assistance from trained members of the Historical Society, this hands‑on workshop guided participants through the process of tracing lineage, locating military records, and identifying ancestors who contributed to America’s fight for independence 250 years ago.

Participants learned how to use census records, land deeds, military files, and online databases to build a documented lineage.  This workshop did not guarantee that a patriot would be found or that Society Membership in DAR or SAR would be achieved but most participants not only found one patriot but several.  

“Many families have stories—some whispered, some forgotten—about an ancestor who served in the Revolutionary War,” said Norton. “When people finally see the documents, the signatures, the pension files, and the evidence for themselves, it becomes deeply personal. It’s no longer just history; it’s their history.”

The emotional impact of this research often goes far beyond names and dates. Discovering that a great‑great‑grandparent stood in defense of freedom during the nation’s earliest days can bring a profound sense of pride, connection, and continuity. It allows individuals to see themselves as part of a larger American story—one shaped by courage, sacrifice, and the enduring pursuit of liberty.