Tracing New Netherland Families – Registration
Tracing Dutch ancestors who arrived in New Netherland? Learn more about how to find ancestors in this vast, dynamic colony that encompassed parts of the present-day states of Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York.
This on-demand New York Family History School course begins with a historical overview of New Netherland and then outlines essential resources for researching Dutch families who immigrated to the colony. It also provides guidance for understanding Dutch surnames and Dutch words that commonly appear in genealogical documents.
Course Fee
- NYG&B Members: $89
- General Registration: $99
Please Note: This Family History School course is available for on-demand viewing. Registrants have 60 days from date of purchase to complete this course in its entirety. For example, if you purchase this course on December 15, 2026, you have until February 15, 2027, to complete it.
Historical Overview: A Genealogical Timeline of New Netherland
In this session we will: understand the chronological development of New Netherland; explore key historical events that impact genealogical research in New Netherland; discover additional resources to learn about the history of New Netherland.
Led by D. Joshua Taylor
Language and Traditions
In this session we will: explore the origin and meaning of Dutch surnames; the most common naming patterns and the use of first names; a (limited) number of Dutch words that can be found in genealogical documents.
Led by John Boeren
Compiled Sources and Related Materials
In this session we will: discover the NYG&B Record and de Halve Maen as major sources of New Netherland materials; explore other periodicals with New Netherland materials; learn about major published collections of New Netherland materials, both online and offline; find the NYG&B Collections at the New York Public Library.
Led by Aaron Goodwin
Accessing Original Materials, Part I: New York City Municipal Archives and Other Locations
In this session we will: explore New Amsterdam records of the Dutch colonial era, beginning in 1642; find Old Town records, beginning in 1644; discover Farm Histories; learn about Dutch people in English records after 1664.
Led by Aaron Goodwin
Accessing Original Materials, Part II: New York State Archives, New Netherland Institute, and Others
In this session we will: discover original materials’ repositories; learn access points for materials at New York State Archives; learn access points for New Netherland Institute; explore additional material sources.
Led by Susan R. Miller
About the Presenters
John Boeren is one of few full-time genealogy professionals in the Netherlands with more than 35 years of experience. Through his business Antecedentia, he offers genealogical research, heritage trips, and transcriptions/translations. He frequently presents at international events. Currently, he serves as the President of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).
Aaron Goodwin is the author of the award-winning New York City Municipal Archives: An Authorized Guide for Family Historians. He specializes in New York City research across all time periods, from the Dutch colonial era to the 21st century.
Susan R. Miller is the Director of Publications at the NYG&B. She is also the editor of the NYG&B's New York Researcher magazine and the managing editor of the award-winning publication New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer. Sue has been with the NYG&B for over 25 years, researching her family history in New York and New England.
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, is the President of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society (NYG&B), an organization dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing family history and stories from across New York State. A nationally known and recognized genealogist, Joshua was named President of the NYG&B in 2016 and is an Officer, Trustee ex Officio, on NYG&B’s Board of Trustees.
About the NYG&B's New York Family History School
The New York Family History School lets participants learn at their own pace through guided, on-demand sessions focusing on a specific family history topic. Registration includes access to multiple sessions for 60 days, syllabus materials, and a certificate of completion.