Using the Kaskaskia Manuscripts

SESSION: W125, DATE & TIME: Wednesday, 8 May 2019, 11:00 a.m.

SPONSOR: History and Genealogy Department, St. Louis County Library

Larry Franke

The Kaskaskia Manuscripts comprise a collection of primarily 18^th century civil records kept by the French in Southwestern Illinois.  Among the document types are marriage contracts, wills, land records, and manumissions.  Come and learn how to use this fascinating set of manuscripts for genealogical or historical research.

Researchers with French roots in the Illinois Country [the present-day states of Missouri and Illinois] and those assisting researchers with French roots in this area are encouraged to attend.  if you are interested in learning what resources are available for finding records on French North American ancestors, Larry is presenting two additional lectures on this topic.

• Deciphering French Records on Thursday, 9 May at 2:30 p.m. – Learn to read the records you find!
• French North American Research on 10 May at 8:00 a.m. – Resources for finding records

Larry will also be at the St. Louis County Library table in the NGS Exhibit Hall from time to time from Wednesday to Friday if you want to stop by to chat about these or other topics in genealogy.

BIO: Larry Franke is a Reference Librarian in the History and Genealogy Department at St. Louis County Library Headquarters.  Before working at St. Louis County Library, he taught English as a Second Language to refugees and immigrants for many years.