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 several states.