Your ancestors may have arrived in the United States with the great waves of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Or they may have emigrated before the Civil War. While there are specific strategies for each ethnic group, there is also a systematic process that applies to any search for immigrants. Margaret will guide you through each step of the process with examples. Discover your immigrant ancestors and tell their stories!

This is a hybrid event, so you may attend in person at the library or attend via Zoom. Registration on Main Line Genealogy Club's EventBrite is required. 

Margaret R. Fortier, CG® is a Board-certified genealogical researcher, writer, editor, and lecturer. Named for her grandmothers and inspired by her mother’s phenomenal memory, she has been researching for 20 years. She is co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly.

She specializes in immigrant ancestors to New England. A graduate of Boston College and Bentley University, she holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. She is thankful that her husband’s French-Canadian Furkey ancestors changed their name back to Fortier.Focusing on immigration to New England, particularly Italian, Portuguese, and French-Canadian immigrants (she is fluent in French), she also helps applicants prepare documentation for dual citizenship with Italy.Margaret serves on the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and on the Program Committee for the 2021 New England Regional Genealogical Consortium Conference.She volunteers for the Medford Slavery Project through The Royall House & Slave Quarters Museum. She also volunteers with the Unclaimed Persons group.

This program fulfills PA Forward's Information Literacy: "The ability to find, evaluate, use, share, and create content using print and digital technologies and communication networks."