Unoccupied, Unacknowledged, Unforgotten: Reclaiming Women’s Stories in the Records

For generations, women’s lives have been underrepresented—or entirely erased—in historical records. From census entries listing them as “unoccupied” to documents that define them only by marital status, the official record often fails to reflect the full scope of women’s contributions.

This session explores how family historians can challenge those silences. We’ll look at how to read between the lines of traditional records and consider the broader social and historical context that shaped how women were recorded—or not recorded at all.

Through real-life examples and thoughtful strategies, you’ll learn how to uncover the hidden labor, influence, and resilience of the women in your family tree.

Whether you’re just beginning your research or looking to deepen your understanding of women’s roles in history, this session will help you bring their stories to light—and ensure they are no longer forgotten.