From the 1840s to the 1880s, hundreds of thousands of pioneers traveled west on the Oregon Trail, a 2,000-mile route stretching from Missouri to Oregon. If your ancestors were on the move during this period, they may have made their way along this iconic trail. In this webinar, we will explore the historical context of the Oregon Trail and highlight the available record sets that can help you trace your ancestors' journeys, including overland migration records, land claims, census records, local histories, and more. Whether your ancestors traveled to Oregon, settled along the trail, or participated in the broader westward migration, you'll come away with new resources and strategies to help you discover the stories of your westward-bound Ancestors!

Susan Donnelly is a genealogist and historical writer whose work examines the intersection of ancestry, society, and human experience. Since 2018, she has collaborated with American Ancestors, first as a member of the Research Services team and later co-authoring two genealogical volumes for Newbury Street Press. Her research focuses on migration, industry, and community formation and their influence on the development of American society. Through her writing, she examines the human motivations and circumstances behind historical developments, offering insight into the connections between ancestry, social environments, individual identity, and self-understanding.