Unfinished Chapters: Rediscovering Children Who Died Young

Before the 20th century, childhood mortality was heartbreakingly common, especially among children under the age of five. Nearly every family experienced the loss of young children, many of whom left behind little to no official record. As family historians, it's essential to recognize that these missing children can leave noticeable gaps in family trees. In this lecture, we’ll focus on practical strategies to help you identify children who may have died young and were overlooked in traditional records. You’ll learn how to:• Spot clues in census data, birth and death records, church records, probate records and cemeteries.• Use indirect evidence to infer the presence of missing children. • Target specific records and resources that are most likely to reveal these hidden stories.By the end of the session, you’ll be better equipped to build a more complete and compassionate picture of your ancestors’ lives.

Participants will benefit from bringing a mobile device.