Webinar – The Power of the People: Voices via Petitions with Diane L. Richard, MEng, MBA [8 Apr 2026]

Many researchers don’t realize how common it once was to petition state government just to make things happen. Communities often had to formally request approval for everyday needs like schools, roads, bridges, ferries, and poorhouses. Individuals, neighbors, or even entire counties could submit petitions—not just for new services, but also to address problems like property damage or unequal access to resources.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, petitioning was a normal part of civic life. People could direct petitions to different authorities, including colonial officials, governors, legislatures, and local governments, depending on the issue.

In this session, you’ll learn who could be petitioned and for what kinds of concerns, along with examples of common petition types. You’ll also explore how petitions can be valuable for research. While many finding aids mention petitions, they often don’t list the people who signed them—so how can we still use them effectively?

Petitions frequently include original signatures, which can help distinguish between people with the same name or track movement across places. They also offer insight into what mattered most to the people who signed them. By the end, you’ll be ready to include in-state petitions in your research, with examples and resources from North Carolina, Virginia, and beyond.

Diane L. Richard, MEng & MBA, is a professional genealogist and founder of Mosaic Research and Project Management (MosaicRPM). With over 35 years of genealogy research experience, she has been working with clients professionally since 2004. Diane has written over 600 articles for Internet Genealogy and edited numerous publications, including the blog Upfront with NGS, and the North Carolina Genealogical Society journal.

As an international speaker, Diane has given hundreds of webinars and in-person programs on genealogy research strategies and record exploitation. She has appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? and published a book on African American research, “Tracing Your Ancestors — African American Research: A Practical Guide.” Diane’s special interests include researching formerly enslaved individuals, their descendants, and Free Persons of Color, as well as the often-overlooked lives of female ancestors. Tips, tricks, strategies & resources are also a focus.

Diane co-founded GenWebinars, offering live online genealogy webinars, and Tar Heel Discoveries, providing in-person research assistance. She serves as Vice President of NC Historical Records Online, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing public access to North Carolina historical records. Learn more about Diane’s services and expertise through the Genealogical Speakers Guild and the Association of Professional Genealogists.