Immigration and Genealogy Research: What to look for and where to find it

This presentation is about how immigration and the laws that surround it have changed over the years. We start with the passing of the United States first law in 1795 and end with the 2 % rule in 1927. Also, we will look at how to find your ancestors’ immigration information for genealogical record, not only in the State of Arkansas but also nationwide. 

Jane A. Wilkerson is a native Arkansas and is currently a Special Projects Archival at Arkansas State Archives.  She has a B.A. in History and a master’s degree in public history from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  Wilkerson has been on the State Archives staff for twenty-four years, holding many positions, which include: Interim Director, Archival Manager over collections, and Archival Assistant.  She is Chair of the Capitol Area Advisory Committee, which is part of the Capital Zoning District Commission, an active member in the Clark County Arkansas Historical Association, and a former member of the Arkansas Genealogical Board.  Branches of her family have been in Arkansas since it was Missouri Territory.