They Came in Ships

by John Philip Colletta

Chances are excellent that your ancestors came to America from somewhere-England, Spain, Germany, China, Africa. Can you imagine how they felt as they left their homes, what they left behind? Do you want to know? Would you know where to even start looking for the details? Author and genealogist John P. Colletta prepares you to undertake the search. He tells you not only what fundamental facts you need to know about your immigrant ancestor before beginning, but suggests where you may find that information as well.

Genres: Reference, History, Nonfiction, Historical

108 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1989

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compact and detailed, though definitely showings its age. So much has changed about how these records can be accessed since the latest edition of this book was published.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEY CAME IN SHIPS is comprehensive whether your ancestors came from Europe, Central or South America, Asia or Africa. Author John P. Colletta provides understanding for the myriad of sailing records available. I have found this to be an essential tool and purchased a copy for my genealogy library.

This is an incredible resource for genealogy buffs who are trying to claw their way over brick walls in relation to ancestors arrival by ship. I particularly liked the scenarios he presents and then showed how to glean more info from those same records.

He also helps those who do not find their ancestors in the National Archives.

[Georgene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although dated, there is still good information about immigration to the US from many places in Europe to many different ports in the US, including Ellis Island. This book covers all time periods and guides the reader to find and analyze what ship passenger lists are available and where to find them. Online sources for ship passenger lists are outdated, however.

[Hunter McCleary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it's a little dated this thin tome offers some great tips on tracking down ancestors. For example, i did not know that women from the Netherlands often used their maiden names when traveling.

[Pat Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is a bit out of date for Internet references, it is still quite useful in the “how” immigrants came to the US. I was still able to use the titles of documents that are now in many cases digitized.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most helpful guide to thinking about where to find arrival records, what's available etc.

[Peter Barbella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Came in Ships offers guidance on how to start researching when and where your immigrant ancestor arrived in the United States, assuming he or she came by ship. Until the last 75 years, coming by ship was the most likely scenario (and in some cases the only scenario) for people seeking to settle in the New World. Dr. Colletta, a genealogy expert, shares his experience and expertise on finding the details about those arrivals, and explains what records exist and how they can be used in this search. He provides specific search examples, how the searches were conducted, and what results turned up and how they can be analyzed; these practical examples are the hidden gems inside a very helpful and surprisingly detailed (for its size) book on the subject. Illustrations of passenger ships and passenger lists are include in the text. When describing a search, Dr. Colletta includes instructions on how to then locate original records that stem from index searches, and what steps to take next if a search fails. At the end of the book is a select bibliography and tips on how to find more sources and more information outside of what is contained in this guide.

I purchased They Came in Ships about 10 years ago when I was researching my ancestors' records through the Ellis Island database. At the time I found one sure match and one possible match, but I was curious on why everyone wasn't just popping up. This book caught my eye and I picked it up but never took the time to go through it as my research had moved on to a different track. Reading it now, there are some references to technology (such as CD-ROM collections that have long been transferred to online paid sources) that are outdated, but as a whole the book was carefully constructed to allow for the quickly growing set (even in the early 2000's) of electronic records. Some online databases and websites are reference, along with microfilm archives and other resources, but in every case the author reminds the reader that new methods for accessing sources are popping up daily, and always cautioning against 3rd and 4th party sources - always try to get back to the original source, no matter where you start. Still, because much of the book is centered around information that is historical, the changing technology is not disruptive overall understanding of what is there to be found. The author's information on which records survived and which were destroyed and what alternative sources are available remains useful. The book has inspired me to go back and look over what I've found in my search of Ellis Island, and to explore other ports and other record sources for my other ancestors.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic introduction on using passenger lists to find immigrant ancestors. Author divides passenger lists between pre- and post-1820, because any record after 1820 will most likely be found in the National Archives. Easy to read and follow with with a lot of passenger list examples along with extensive bibliography. Good book written for the fledgling family historian.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhere in the 3.5-4 range. Packed with really good contextual info and research strategies, but could stand an updated edition as the reliance on things like cd-rom sets, dated internet screenshots, and general lack of info (since it was published 2002) on the amount of material now digitized can hold it back.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

An excellent reference book if you really enjoy searching, and want to make the time for it. I thought it would require a lot of time to do all that is suggested in this book, and for maybe no results.

[AdultNonFiction Teton County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynn 929.1 Colletta
This was a excellent book. It clearly states and informs one on how to get started or review their search for ancestors that immigrated. For example, not everyone came to America via Ellis Island nor are all years recorded.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most genealogy books are theoretical, but They Came In Ships is definitely more practical. For example, if your ancestor arrived before 1820, do xyz; if they came after 1820, do abc. You may read this book through once, but then you'll want to keep it handy for a reference.

[Anjanette Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book for the amateur genealogist. It's both practical and enjoyable as an introduction to American immigration records before air travel. The first edition was printed pre-internet, but still not a waste of time.

[Michael Venzke · Rating 2 out of 5]

had a handful of useful tips that helped me get past some roadblocks, but also had a lot of useless words.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't have what I was looking for in it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent review of the immigration to America, Colletta uncovers all the details.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book that covers the records available to help in the search for your immigrant ancestor.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

THis is a great resource for researching family history, where to start and how to go about finding your ancestors ship.

[Mhd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading. Not specific to Italy.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent information. It's more appropriate in your personal reference library, than as a book to be read and returned to the library.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information on what is available and what is not available and how to go about finding it.