Course Type: Immersive

June 16, 2026 7PM - 9PM ET

Embark on a historical quest! Unravel the mysteries of your Virginia ancestry, tracing your roots in America's cradle. This course isn't just about names and dates; it's a journey through fire-ravaged courthouses and forgotten plantations. We'll equip you with the tools to conquer the unique challenges of Virginia genealogy – from navigating the labyrinth of lost records to deciphering the secrets hidden within the Old Dominion's rich, complex history. Discover the hidden stories etched into Virginia's landscape, from its sprawling counties to its vital record repositories, and unlock the specialized resources that will bring your family's past to life.

Break through Virginia's "burned county" barriers! Learn to reconstruct your family history with confidence, discover hidden resources, and save countless hours of frustrating research.

This two-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. Led by genealogy expert Shannon Combs-Bennett, you’ll benefit from:

• Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
• Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
• PLUS - Registrants receive the digital Virginia State Research Guide ($9.99 value) FREE

What You’ll Learn

• Overcome record loss: Use the FAN principle to rebuild your family tree.
• Master Virginia's geography: Navigate its unique regions and county changes with ease.
• Reveal marginalized histories: Access colonial records of diverse populations.
• Unlock genealogical breakthroughs: Leverage the power of Chancery Records.
• Find elusive vital records: Get results despite inconsistent records.
• Maximize your research time: Utilize the Library of Virginia's digital resources like a pro.
• Resolve county confusion: Accurately identify your ancestor's location.
• Trace military service: Uncover your ancestor's role in Virginia's history.
• Discover your immigrant ancestors: Decipher colonial immigration records.
• Bring your ancestors to life: Find their stories in digitized historical documents.

How You'll Benefit:

• Master creative research strategies to overcome Virginia's "burned county" challenges.
• Develop practical techniques for reconstructing family histories despite significant record loss.
• Gain a deep understanding of Virginia's complex geography and administrative divisions for accurate research.
• Discover hidden alternative record sources to break through genealogical brick walls.
• Access insider knowledge of repositories, digital resources, and specialized collections.
• Save countless hours of frustrating dead-end research with expert guidance.

Meet Your Instructor

Shannon Combs-Bennett, QG, MSc, FSAScot is an award-winning author who regularly presents various genealogical and historical topics to national and international audiences. She is pursuing a PhD in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, examining the relationship between lineage societies and genealogical practices from 1970 to 2020. She holds an MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies from the same institution, graduating with merit, and a BS in Biology from Indiana University, with a focus on genetics. Shannon is a member of several professional organizations and was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (FSAScot) in 2024. In addition to client work, Shannon is a Program Tutor at the University of Strathclyde and a frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine/University.  

Join us for this immersive session and take your family history research to the next level.