A passenger list documents a recorded journey. It becomes useful when connected to established places and relatives.
The method, step by step
- Define a departure or arrival range using the last origin record and first destination record. Note possible ports.
- Search name variants, ship and companions. Check port and period coverage without restricting the search to the best-known port.
- Read both pages if the form continues. Record contacts, destination, last residence and birthplace only where present.
- Compare age, occupation and relatives with civil, census and naturalisation records. Separate departure, arrival and administrative dates.
Record in your research log
- Ship
- ports
- dates
- companions
- destination
- manifest pages.
Frequently asked questions
Does a passenger list prove permanent settlement?
It records a journey, not the entire life after arrival. Seek residence, civil and census records to follow the person.
Sources & references
- National Archives — immigration records ↗
- National Archives of Australia ↗ (Resource review date : )
- Library and Archives Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada ↗ (Resource review date : )