Students who select this course already have some experience in genealogy, either self-taught or from a beginner’s course. They’re looking to enhance their research skills from home around their busy schedule but still receive an in-depth, institute-intense course, and build on their existing knowledge and experience. The course will expand their ability to find and analyze intermediate record types such as local and federal land, military, immigration, and naturalization, and find the underlying laws. They’ll also learn how to conduct research using best practices and following genealogical standards.
Homework will allow students to practice new skills and to work in original records. Understanding will be enhanced by a homework review session in the week that follows, instructor presence in a closed Facebook group the week following their class session, and a homework key.
Thursdays, September 15–November 17, 2022
10:00 am–2:00 pm MDT
Tuition
Regular Price: $545.00
UGA Member Price: $495.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Intermediate
Technical Requirements
This course will meet online using Zoom Meetings. Sessions will be recorded for personal review and available for up to 30 days following the end of the course. Students are responsible to provide their own equipment and adequate bandwidth to participate actively in the course. Webcams and noise-cancelling headphones are strongly advised. Additional technical information will be sent to registered participants via email.
Required Online Accounts
Students should have a (free) FamilySearch account and either an Ancestry account or access to Ancestry at a nearby family history center or other facility.
Homework
Homework assignments are designed to expand your skills. This course includes one assignment per lecture, or two per week, as well as two projects. The difficulty will vary based on your experience. If you are transitioning to intermediate work, if you are returning to research after some years away, or if you are tackling a method or record set that is new to you, it may take more time to complete an assignment. Therefore, we recommend you set aside a minimum of five (5) and preferably up to ten (10) hours per week to complete the homework.
Other Requirements
The following books will be helpful to understanding materials presented in the course and to completing homework, but are not required: Board for Certification of Genealogists Genealogy Standards, 2nd ed.; Val D. Greenwood The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy, Part Two; Thomas W. Jones, Mastering Genealogical Proof; and Elizabeth Shown Mills Evidence Explained.
Facebook Group
There will be a closed Facebook Group dedicated to this course. Students may use it for discussion and announcements will be posted there by the Coordinator. Faculty members will periodically check and respond to posts in this group in the week following their presentation.
Certificate of Completion
Students will receive a certificate of completion if they have attended at least 17 of the 21 class sessions in person, unless otherwise approved, and either attended or watched each of the class sessions and submitted the required homework. The Technical Coordinator will maintain an attendance and homework submission roll. Registration to watch a recording will be considered adequate for “attendance” purposes.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
Thursday, September 8th
5:00 pm
SLIG Virtual Orientation and Course Meet and Greets
September 15th
10:00–10:30 am
Introductions & Questions
Lyttle
10:30–11:45 am
Course Overview and Intellectual Property Concepts
Lyttle
12:15–1:30 pm
Overview of US Immigration & Naturalization Records
Venezia
1:30–2:00 pm
Introduction of the Project
Lyttle
September 22nd
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Lyttle, Venezia
10:30–11:45 am
The Genealogical Proof Standard: Sources, Information & Evidence
McGhie
12:15–1:30 pm
Legal Strategies: Foundations of Genealogical Research
Russell
September 29th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
McGhie, Lyttle
10:30–11:45 am
Planning, Conducting & Recording Genealogical Research
McGhie
12:15–1:30 pm
Combining DNA Evidence with Traditional Research
Bush
October 6th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
McGhie, Bush
10:30–11:45 am
Verifying BMD: Vital Records & Vital Record Alternatives
Philibert-Ortega
12:15–1:30 pm
Citations: Not as Scary as You Think
Lyttle
October 13th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Philibert-Ortega, Lyttle
10:30–11:45 am
The Census: Pre-1850 Strategies and Special Schedules
Homework Review (REMINDER: Project due 11:59pm MT, November 5th)
Peters, Scribner
10:30–11:45 am
Finding Genealogical Evidence in Military Records
Strauss
12:15–1:30 pm
Constructing Proof Statements & Proof Summaries
Lyttle
November 10th
(MST)
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Strauss, Lyttle
10:30–11:45 am
Transcribing & Abstracting Documents
Peters
12:15–1:30 pm
Strategies for Using Authored Works and Newspapers
Lyttle
November 17th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Peters, Lyttle
10:30–11:45 am
Research Ethics & Continuing Education
Lyttle
12:15–1:30 pm
Project Review
Lyttle
Course 2: Proving Your Pedigree with DNA
Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
This hands-on course provides the opportunity for students to apply DNA analysis skills to the documentation of one ancestral line back to a second great-grandparent couple. The faculty offers practical step-by-step case examples. The schedule includes ample opportunity for the students to practice and apply the skills to their own research. Private, one-on-one consultation time with faculty is available.
At course completion, students will leave with:
A source-cited lineage, including proof of biological parentage that meets Genealogy Standards
A graphic descendant tree
A unique, student-generated “Golden Nuggets” Quicksheet
The course teaches integration of documentary and genetic evidence to achieve proof. It is best to learn the methodology on an easier case. Students select one ancestral line in advance. A good choice would be a well-documented line from a DNA test taker to a second great-grandparent couple that is free of unknown parentage and pedigree collapse. Optimally, the student will use test results from second and third cousins on each of the great-grandparents lines to filter and sort autosomal DNA match lists. The cousins can be serendipitous matches or those that result from targeted testing.
Fridays, October 21–November 18, 2022
9:00 am–4:45 pm MDT
Tuition
Regular Price: $575.00
UGA Member Price: $525.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Prerequisites
This is an INTERMEDIATE methodology course focusing on autosomal DNA. This course will not cover beginning DNA topics such as inheritance patterns, tools, and references. The prerequisite requires previous completion of the following full-week institute courses at any genealogical institute in two categories:
An intermediate-level methodology course such as:
– Intermediate Foundations
– Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies
– Digger Deeper: Records, Tools and Skills
AND
A DNA course such as:
– Beginning DNA
– Introduction to Genetic Genealogy
– Practical Genetic Genealogy
– All-DNA Evidence Analysis Practicum
If a registrant does not meet the prerequisites, a work sample may be submitted for consideration that correlates genetic and documentary sources to establish a conclusion meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard.
Completion of this course will serve as a prerequisite for the Advanced DNA courses offered at SLIG and IGHR.
Pre-reading Requirements
Jones, Thomas, W. Mastering Genealogical Proof. Arlington, Va.: National Genealogical Society, 2013.
Wayne, Debbie Parker and Blaine T. Bettinger. Genetic Genealogy in Practice. Arlington, Va.: National Genealogical Society, 2016.
Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, 3rd. ed. rev. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2017. (Please review the first two chapters.)
In-Class References
Board for Certification of Genealogists. Genealogy Standards, 2nd ed., rev., Arlington, Virginia: Ancestry.com, 2021.
Curran, Joan Ferris, and Madilyn Cone Crane, and John H. Wray. Numbering Your Genealogy: Basic Systems, Complex Families, and International Kin. Arlington, Virginia: National Genealogical Society. 2008.
Golden Nuggets
The class will collaborate on a “Golden Nuggets Quicksheet” of handy tips and strategies learned throughout the week.
Brent Chadwick developed Microsoft Word templates that help the researcher craft a narrative genealogy. The templates are available for purchase for both Windows and Mac and support NGSQ-style and Register-style numbering systems. Brent modified a template specific for this course. Purchase details will be available in the course Welcome packet. Karen will provide an introduction and demonstration of setting up the template in class. Students can opt to use this template to create the Narrative Genealogy in the course or can opt to create it in word processing software.
Recordings
All sessions will be recorded and available to watch for up to 30 days following the last day of the course, except private consultations and the Friday 1:15 pm presentation, "Writing about Proof of Biological Relationships," where permission is not granted by the case study clients for recordings.
Completion
To earn a certificate of completion, students should attend each session, or watch the recording if absence is authorized, and submit their completed project: source-cited genealogy lineage with proofs of parentage.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
Thursday, September 8th
5:00 pm
SLIG Virtual Orientation and Course Meet and Greets
Friday, October 21st
9:00–9:30 am
Introductions, Course Overview and Golden Nuggets
Brief introductions, lecture categories, Golden Nuggets
Stanbary
9:30–10:45 am
Genealogy Standards
Karen discusses the new and modified DNA-Related standards in the context of established genealogy methodology.
Stanbary
11:00am–12:00 pm
What is the Best Evidence? Source Selection
Angela engages the class in making decisions about selecting the best sources to prove parent-child relationships.
McGhie
12:00–12:15 pm
Analysis of Documentary Research
A handy template to aid the student to assess documentary source quality.
Stanbary
1:15–2:00 pm
Descending Genealogy Essentials
Angela will cover genealogy numbering styles, parenthetical ancestry outlines, immigrant numbers, and the essential elements of the introductory paragraph.
McGhie
2:00–2:45 pm
Genealogy Template
Karen will provide a brief overview and a live demo to get the template up and running.
Stanbary
2:45–4:45 pm
Hands-on Independent Work Time / 1:1 Consultations
20-minute consultation slots. Students write the introductory paragraph for Generation One. Students begin entering documentary source citations for vital information.
Stanbary, McGhie, Jones, Woodbury, Zinck
Homework
Using the Descending Genealogy format and a standard numbering system, students use the week to enter names and vital information with complete source citations for each parent-child relationship on the ancestral line from the 2nd great-grandparent couple to the base test taker.
Friday, October 28th
9:00–9:30 am
Homework Discussion
Stanbary
9:30–10:45 am
Working with Autosomal DNA: Methodology and Confirming Cousins Worksheet
An overview of the methodology for confirming the biological relationships on a traced ancestral line of descent.
Stanbary
11:00 am–12:15 pm
Working with Autosomal DNA: Match Analysis, Pedigree Evaluation and Mitigation
Introduction to worksheets designed to guide the student through the analysis of DNA.
Stanbary
1:15–2:45 pm
Hands-on Independent Work Time / 1:1 Consultations
20-minute consultation slots. Students seek feedback on their source citations for each parent-child relationship.
Stanbary, McGhie, Jones, Koford
2:45–4:00 pm
Case Study: Filtering and Sorting Matches
Angela will inspire with a demonstration of how to apply the methodology to one of her ancestral lines.
McGhie
4:00–4:45 pm
Hands-on Independent Work Time / 1:1 Consultations
15-minute consultation slots. Problem-solving.
Stanbary, McGhie, Jones, Koford, Woodbury
Homework
Students use the week to complete the Confirmed Cousin, Match Analysis, and Pedigree Evaluation worksheets.
Friday, November 4th
9:00–9:30am
Homework Discussion
Stanbary
9:30–10:45am
Introduction to Tracking DNA Matches with AirTable
Nicole will demonstrate how she uses AirTable to track data about DNA matches.
Dyer
11:00 am–12:15 pm
Traced Descendant Trees, Strategies to Identify Focal Study Group Matches
Traced Descendant Trees are an essential visual tracking tool. Learn various techniques to easily build the tree. Exploration of clustering and shared matching strategies to generate previously unidentified focal study group matches.
Stanbary
1:15–2:00 pm
Live Problem-Solving
Students submit problems for collaborative class think-tank.
Stanbary
2:00–4:45 pm
Hands-on Independent Work Time / 1:1 Consultations
30-minute consultation slots. Problem-solving.
Stanbary, McGhie, Jones, Koford, Woodbury
Homework
Students continue to analyze and add matches to the focal study group. Build match pedigrees. Add to descendant tree and Genealogy as appropriate.
Friday, November 11th
9:00–9:30 am
Homework Discussion
Stanbary
9:30–10:45 am
Tips for Searching and Communicating with Living People
Jennifer will discuss a variety of non-traditional sources to learn more about living people that will help place them in a family.
Zinck
11:00 am–12:15 pm
Chromosome Mapping
Karen will demonstrate how to use chromosome mapping to identify previously unknown matches to add to the focal study group.
Stanbary
1:15–2:45 pm
Writing about Proof of Biological Relationships
Karen will discuss essential elements of a proof of parentage incorporating DNA. Common citations to genetic sources are provided.
Stanbary
2:45–4:45 pm
Hands-on Independent Work Time / 1:1 Consultations
30-minute consultation slots. Problem-solving.
Stanbary, McGhie, Jones, Koford, Woodbury
Homework
Students complete Genealogy Report including Parentage Proofs.
Friday, November 18th
9:00–9:30 am
Homework Discussion
Stanbary
9:30–10:45 am
Providing Feedback in Peer Review
Angela will lead a discussion of do’s and don’ts for providing helpful peer feedback.
McGhie
11:00 am–12:15 pm
Peer Review
Students meet in breakout rooms to present and receive feedback on their work. Stanbary will drop in to provide support.
Stanbary
1:15–2:00 pm
Peer Review
Students meet in breakout rooms to present and receive feedback on their work. Stanbary will drop in to provide support.
Stanbary
2:00–2:45 pm
I Deserve the Genealogy SuperStar Award…
Open class discussion.
Stanbary
2:45–4:00 pm
Golden Nuggets
The class will work collaboratively to create a “Golden Nuggets Quicksheet”—a handy summary of essential points learned throughout the week.
Stanbary
Course 3: Advanced Techniques for Mastering Online Searches and Uncovering Digital Records
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA
Explore the world of digitized records and repositories. This course specifically teaches advanced search skills for subscription family history websites while also focusing on unindexed digitized materials from libraries, archives, museums, and other repositories across the United States. A series of hands-on workshops/labs provide students with guided experiences using online tools discussed during class sessions.
Thursdays, September 15–November 17, 2022
10:30 am–2:00 pm MDT
Tuition
Regular Price: $545.00
UGA Member Price: $495.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Advanced
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
Thursday, September 8th
5:00 pm
SLIG Virtual Orientation and Course Meet and Greets
Thursday, September 15th
10:30–11:45 am
What CAN You Find Online?
As we begin our course, let us dive into a discussion of what is online for genealogical research. We will briefly explore multiple elements of our online world, including search engines, subscription websites, social media, libraries and archives, private projects, and everything in-between.
Taylor
12:15–1:30 pm
Avoiding the Ad-Hoc Clicks: Your Online Research Plan
Genealogical research requires careful planning and execution. Before taking a more in-depth look at the digital world for genealogists, participants will walk through the essential components of an online research plan. We will also discuss the need for online planning, ideas to help prioritize tasks, methods to stay on track when research online, and ways to create and maintain an online research log.
Taylor
Thursday, September 22nd
10:30–11:45 am
How SEO and SEM Impacts YOUR Search
Together we will examine SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (search engine marketing) from a user's perspective to understand how both elements interact with your online searches. This session includes hands-on encounters with Google and other search engines as we begin to see the role SEO and SEM can play when conducting genealogical research online.
Taylor
12:15–1:30 pm
Hands-on: The Rules of Search Engines—AND OR NOT
Endlessly typing search phrases into Google, Bing, or other search engines is not always an effective method. This session will explore a variety of essential search engine techniques. This hands-on session explores Boolean tools, truncation, and advanced features of popular search engines.
Taylor
Thursday, September 29th
10:30–11:45 am
Focus on Museums and Digital Objects
A fathom of treasures awaits from museums and other institutions that present access to digital collections through their websites. This session will examine methods to find online digital objects and provide techniques to incorporate them into your research.
Philibert-Ortega
12:15–1:30 pm
Focus on University and Digital Library Collections
This session explores various materials found online from universities and other libraries throughout the United States. Methods to identify and search these collections will also be discussed.
Taylor
Thursday, October 6th
10:30–11:45 am
Hands-on: The Big 4, Part I—FamilySearch and Ancestry
FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast provide access to millions of online materials for genealogical research. This two-part hands-on workshop will examine advanced techniques for utilizing each of these resources. Participants will learn methods for navigating through unindexed collections, user-generated content (such as family trees), and other online materials.
Passey
12:15–1:30 pm
Hands-on: The Big 4, Part II—MyHeritage and Findmypast
FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast provide access to millions of online materials for genealogical research. This two-part hands-on workshop will examine advanced techniques for utilizing each of these resources. Participants will learn methods for navigating through unindexed collections, user-generated content (such as family trees), and other online materials.
Passey
Thursday, October 13th
10:30–11:45 am
Online Library Catalogs: A Hidden Gateway to Digital Materials
For some libraries, their online catalog presents the easiest (and most reliable) option for making their materials accessible online. This session will discuss the essential mechanics behind online library catalogs and how to located digital collections that might appear hidden within a library's catalog. This session will include examples from the United States, Eastern Europe, and the United Kingdom.
Taylor
12:15–1:30 pm
Data about Data: Metadata Schemas Used by Digital Archivists and Librarians
Spend some time with an overview of the basic schemas often employed by professionals when organizing digital materials and placing them online. This sessions will include a discussion of DublinCore, EAD, MARC, MODS, and other schemas.
Taylor
Thursday, October 20th
10:30–11:45 am
Hands-on: Digital Archives and Online Catalogs, Part I
This two-part interactive lab includes a discussion of the process of creating digital collections, examples from collections for historical and genealogical sources, and tips for locating materials online. Using techniques discussed previously in the week, participants will spend time working in ArchiveGrid, the online catalogs of the Family History Library and the Library of Congress, other repositories.
Taylor
12:15–1:30 pm
Hands-on: Digital Archives and Online Catalogs, Part II
This two-part interactive lab includes a discussion of the process of creating digital collections, examples from collections for historical and genealogical sources, and tips for locating materials online. Using techniques discussed previously in the week, participants will spend time working in ArchiveGrid, the online catalogs of the Family History Library and the Library of Congress, other repositories.
Taylor
Thursday, October 27th
10:30–11:45 am
Maps Online, Part I: A Strategy for Locating Regional, Neighborhood, & Site-Specific Map Resources
The vast amount of map and geographic resources available on the Internet can overwhelm a researcher. During this session, a strategy to search for and select a map to answer a research question will be introduced that will help participants identify their need based upon the scale of information sought. First, a national or broad regional approach is featured focusing upon historical and present-day topographic maps and historical state or county boundary shifts. Next, neighborhood-level resources will be discussed using fire insurance and county atlas maps as examples, and then site-specific information will be explored using local government Geographic Information Systems (GIS) resources.
Kashuba
12:15–1:30 pm
Maps Online, Part II: Hands-on Map Tools
This session walks participants through two guided exercises that are designed to enhance genealogical research, analysis, and create compelling ancestral stories. The first exercise involves georeferencing or placing a digitized historical map over a present-day location on Google Earth. The layering of an old map over a modern map allows for quick comparison of historical conditions to those found today. The second exercise introduces Google's My Maps as a versatile tool for visualizing genealogical data, tracing migration routes, analyzing location-based information, and planning research. A free Google account is necessary to use the My Maps feature.
Kashuba
Thursday, November 3rd
10:30–11:45 am
Focus on Advanced Techniques for Digitized Newspapers
Online newspaper collections and their search functions vary from website to website. This session will share advanced techniques for searching online newspapers, including commercial resources (such as Newspapers.com), state, and national newspaper projects, and other specialized collections.
Philibert-Ortega
12:15–1:30 pm
Hands-on: JSTOR & PERSI
Research within journals and newsletters are essential for genealogical research. This hands-on workshop will explore advanced techniques for using the PERiodcial Source Index (PERSI) and JSTOR for genealogical research. Participants will work through a series of guided examples before spending time applying their newfound knowledge to an individual research project.
Taylor
Thursday, November 10th
(MST)
10:30–11:45 am
Focus on Churches, Institutions, and other Organizations
While some records from private organizations are readily available online many are difficult to locate or are still in paper form. This explores a variety of online resources for religious institutions, fraternal organizations, and other associations. Examples focus on collections not located on commercial family history websites.
Taylor
12:15–1:30 pm
Focus on Public and Private Archives
Numerous public and private archives throughout the United States include incredible digital collections often overlook by researchers. Vertical files, local photographs, diaries, and other resources are just a sample of what awaits genealogists in these materials. This session will focus specifically on using these materials to solve advanced research questions.
Passey
Thursday, November 17th
10:30–11:45 am
Scouring the Graveyards of Web 2.0: Searching in Social Media
New waves of online technologies, from Facebook to Twitter, provide several valuable resources for genealogists. This session will explore how to mind genealogical resources from older social networking and photo-sharing platforms.
Taylor
12:15–1:30 pm
What's Next: Future Digital Collections
As we end an intensive week exploring our digital world, this session will examine new developments and enhancements that will assuredly bring continued changes. Together we will review and discuss issues ranging from technological advancements to potential regulations and restrictions.
Taylor
Course 4: Advanced Hispanic Research
Debbie Gurtler, AG
With the rising increase in the popularity of family history research in the world, and especially among those with Hispanic ancestry, there is an ever-increasing demand for good professional researchers who can conduct sound, comprehensive research in this specialized area. This course will help you advance your Hispanic research skills to the next level. ¡Si se puede!
Extend your Hispanic research knowledge beyond the basics for the southwest United States, Latin America and Spain.
Gain in-depth knowledge in civil registration, census, and parish records.
Acquire new skills using notarial records, military records, and other out-of-the-ordinary record types.
Identify migration patterns throughout the Hispanic colonial world.
Locate records and record collections found in archives around the world.
Schedule
Thursdays, September 15–November 17, 2022
10:00 am–2:00 pm MDT
We will read and discuss some documents in the course, so some experience reading documents in Spanish is helpful, but not required.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
Thursday, September 8th
5:00 pm
SLIG Virtual Orientation and Course Meet and Greets
Thursday, September 15th
10:00–10:30 am
Welcome and General Instructions
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
Locating Places
We will learn about understanding jurisdictions, both ecclesiastical and civil. Also, we will practice using some geographical dictionaries like Madoz and Garcia Cubas.
Cuellar
12:15–1:30 pm
Locating Records
The FamilySearch Catalog is the key to unlocking a world of records for your ancestors. Are you finding all the potential sources you could be searching? Learn techniques and tips that will ensure you leave no stone unturned among the vast collections of FamilySearch.
Gurtler
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, September 22nd
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
Spanish Paleography Principles
This class will focus on paleography basics. We will discuss resources and tools to give a foundation on how to read Spanish language records.
Turner
12:15–1:30 pm
¿Qué dice? Paleography Practice
Put the paleography skills you’ve learned to use. Practice identifying record types and using structural clues to extract vital information.
Vasylyev
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, September 29th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
Desde el Municipio: Civil Registration and Census
The civil registration books' vital records will reveal much or more about an ancestor. We will explore the births, marriages, presentaciones, deaths, census, cedulas, and other incredible municipality records.
Vasylyev
12:15–1:30 pm
Desde la Parroquia: Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials
Learn why parish records form the backbone of Hispanic research. After reviewing the organization of Catholic record keeping, we’ll discuss the information found in baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and deaths and how to efficiently locate people in those record sets.
Vasylyev
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, October 6th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
The Blessed State of Matrimony
Marriage in the Catholic church was a complex affair. After reviewing the marriage process, we’ll do a deep dive into marriage information packets and how the information found in them can be a treasure trove of genealogical information.
Vasylyev
12:15–1:30 pm
Brick Wall Methodologies
In this session we will discuss research methodologies for brick walls including: immigrants; areas with record loss; persons with sanme names; and Sephardic ancestry.
Gurtler
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, October 13th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
El Escribano y Su Trabajo: Notarial Records Basics
Learn about the fun you can have in notarial records. You will learn about record types, content, and how to locate them.
Baird
12:15–1:30 pm
Herederos Universales: Notarial Records Practice
This session will include hands-on practice with various notarial records. It's designed to help you understand the formulaic nature of the documents and where to look to find those elusive genealogical clues.
Gurtler
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, October 20th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
Resources for Hispanic Immigration
This session will cover resources and that may help identify the place of origin of Hispanic immigrants through the ages.
Gurtler
12:15–1:30 pm
Spanish Military Records
As Spain expanded its territory to the Americas, they brought along their military. The military is an important aspect of life to remember when researching your family. In this class you will discover how to use quintas, expedientes personales and matrimoniales, and parish military records.
Baird
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, October 27th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
Migration Patterns in New Spain
This session will highlight major migration patterns in New Spain, including the trails that led many up through Mexico into the southern United States.
Gurtler
12:15–1:30 pm
New Spain: Research and Resources
Identifying primary and secondary resources that can contribute to your genealogical studies. Branding of resources, categorization, usage and analysis. Students will learn to identify what they need, recognize the importance and following the source material back to their original primary document for better analysis.
Martinez Christmas
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, November 3rd
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
New Spain: Land Grants
Land grants were handed out to individuals and communities during different parts of governmental control prior to lands becoming part of the United States. This lecture will focus on records for the Southwest. With testimonies, maps, neighbor’s depositions, these types of records can provide useful information for the researcher. Land offices, BLM, State Archives all hold land records; learn where to go and how to use them.
Martinez Christmas
12:15–1:30 pm
New Spain: Military Records
New Spain’s Colonial Presidios and Military (1598-1821) were part of the government overseeing their people, communities and borders. Local men enlisted, which resulted in enlistment papers, muster rolls, presidio sacramental records and secondary sources such as governor’s papers. How to build a biography of your ancestral soldier, how he served King and Country.
Martinez Christmas
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, November 10th
(MST)
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
Mexico and Central America: Records and Resources
This geographical area includes eight countries with a vast historical records collections both online and in local archives. You will learn what is available for these areas.
Cuellar
12:15–1:30 pm
Spain: Discovering Your Spanish Ancestry
This class will cover Catholic Church, Civil, Census, and other records and resources to help you discover your Spanish ancestry.
Turner
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Gurtler
Thursday, November 17th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Gurtler
10:30–11:45 am
South America: Records and Resources
During this class you will learn about available records and resources for South America.
Gurtler
12:15–1:30 pm
Puerto Rico and the Caribbean: Records and Resources
During this class you will learn about available records and resources for Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Dominican Republic.
Baird
1:30–2:00 pm
Course Wrap-up
Gurtler
Course 5: Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum
Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA
This course provides an opportunity for advanced genealogists to gain hands-on experience solving tough cases. They can challenge themselves as they put their research skills into practice. Participants work on five complex genealogical research problems — a new one each week. The objective is to give students experience in conducting research on complex problems, analyzing and correlating information, and reaching conclusions.
Participants will practice using indirect evidence, broadening research to include the FAN club, resolving conflicts, and organizing evidence into a written summary. The research problems are varied, offering students the challenge of stretching their minds and skills in directions that their research may not normally take them. Participants will work individually on each of the cases and then gather to discuss their progress with fellow classmates and the instructor. They will compare sources, strategies, and methodologies, discuss difficulties encountered, and receive guidance from the case study author.
This course is designed for advanced genealogists who have sufficient experience and education to work on complex genealogical problems. Most students plan 10-20 hours per week to work on the cases and write up a summary of their findings.
Wednesdays, September 7–October 12, 2022
Session 1: 9:00–11:00 am MDT
Session 2: 12:00 noon–2:00 pm MDT
Tuition
Regular Price: $545.00
UGA Member Price: $495.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Advanced
The cases that students will work on in this course require thorough research planning and analyzing and correlating documentary evidence. Students should have advanced skills researching in all types of genealogical records and solving tough genealogical problems.
Prerequisites:
An advanced level methodology course such as:
– SLIG - Advanced Genealogical Methods with Tom Jones or Paul Graham
– IGHR - Advanced Genealogy and Evidence Analysis with Elizabeth Shown Mills or Judy Russell
– GRIP - Advanced Genealogical Methods with Tom Jones
– BYU Family History degree
– NIGS Certificate
– Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research
– ProGen Study Group completion
OR
Equivalent experience
– Students may demonstrate their experience with genealogical research by submitting a paper detailing how they solved a genealogical problem. Please include source citations to support your conclusions. Students may register for the course and submit the paper for consideration by August 20th.
– Or students may submit a summary of their educational and research background in lieu of a report.
Technical Requirements
This course will meet online using Zoom Meetings. Students are responsible to provide their own equipment and adequate bandwidth to participate actively in the course. Webcams and noise-cancelling headphones are strongly advised. Additional technical information will be sent to registered participants via email.
Time Requirements
Each week there is a complex genealogical case to solve for homework. Students average 10 to 20 hours on each case to conduct the research, analysis, correlation, and write up the research results. Please make sure you have enough time each week to get the most out of each case.
Homework assignments will be given to work on at your convenience between sessions.
Certificate of Completion
Students will receive a certificate of completion if they have attended at least five class sessions and submitted the required homework for all five cases. The Technical Coordinator will maintain an attendance and homework submission roll. Please note that sessions will not be recorded and required attendance must be live during the class session.
Course Schedule
Session 1: 9:00–11:00 am MDT
Times
Class Title
Wednesday, September 7th
9:00–11:00 am
Angela McGhie course introduction and introduce the Karen Stanbary case.
Thursday, September 8th
5:00 pm
SLIG Virtual Orientation and Course Meet and Greets
Wednesday, September 14th
9:00–11:00 am
Discuss the Karen Stanbary case and introduce the Mark Wentling case.
Wednesday, September 21st
9:00–11:00 am
Discuss the Mark Wentling case and introduce the Robbie Johnson case.
Wednesday, September 28th
9:00–11:00 am
Discuss the Robbie Johnson case and introduce the Paul Woodbury case.
Wednesday, October 5th
9:00–11:00 am
Discuss the Paul Woodbury case and introduce the Sharon Hoyt case.
Wednesday, October 12th
9:00–11:00 am
Discuss the Sharon Hoyt case and course summation by Angela.
Session 2: 12:00–2:00 pm MDT
Times
Class Title
Wednesday, September 7th
12:00–2:00 pm
Angela McGhie course introduction and introduce the Karen Stanbary case.
Thursday, September 8th
5:00 pm
SLIG Virtual Orientation and Course Meet and Greets
Wednesday, September 14th
12:00–2:00 pm
Discuss the Karen Stanbary case and introduce the Mark Wentling case.
Wednesday, September 21st
12:00–2:00 pm
Discuss the Mark Wentling case and introduce the Robbie Johnson case.
Wednesday, September 28th
12:00–2:00 pm
Discuss the Robbie Johnson case and introduce the Paul Woodbury case.
Wednesday, October 5th
12:00–2:00 pm
Discuss the Paul Woodbury case and introduce the Sharon Hoyt case.
Wednesday, October 12th
12:00–2:00 pm
Discuss the Sharon Hoyt case and course summation by Angela.
Course 6: Record Loss: Overcoming Destroyed, Missing or Non-Extant Records; Sources and Techniques/Methods
Kelvin L. Meyers
We all face it: record loss. Whether the courthouse burned, the clerk tossed them, the relative, autograph hunter, lawyer or the surveyor took them; they succumbed to heat, humidity, insects, fading ink, or war or distance from the courthouse which was a barrier to their creation; the records that we want—the records that could answer our questions—aren’t there. The solution: in many cases it’s possible to overcome the problem, but it requires diligence, perseverance, and willingness to look beyond the obvious. Discover strategies, sources, and techniques to find these records.
Thursdays, September 15–November 17, 2022
5:00–9:00 pm MDT
Tuition
Regular Price: $545.00
UGA Member Price: $495.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
High Intermediate
Prerequisites:
An intermediate level methodology course such as:
SLIG - Intermediate Foundations
IGHR - Methods & Sources OR Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies
GRIP - Digging Deeper: Records, Tools, and Skills
Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research
Technical Requirements
This course will meet online using Zoom Meetings. Students are responsible to provide their own equipment and adequate bandwidth to participate actively in the course. Webcams and noise-cancelling headphones are strongly advised. Additional technical information will be sent to registered participants via email.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
Thursday, September 8th
5:00 pm
SLIG Virtual Orientation and Course Meet and Greets
September 15th
5:00–5:30 pm
Introductions and General Instructions
Meyers
5:30–6:45 pm
Are the Records Really Lost?
Meyers
7:15–8:30 pm
Gathering the Records: Published Records and Census
Meyers
8:30–9:00 pm
Homework Assignment
TBD
September 22nd
5:00–5:30 pm
Homework Review
TBD
5:30–6:45 pm
Collateral Relatives: Your FFA (Friends, Family and Associates)
Meyers
7:15–8:30 pm
Your Research Plan
Meyers
8:30–9:00 pm
Homework Assignment
TBD
September 29th
5:00–5:30 pm
Homework Review
TBD
5:30–6:45 pm
Local Court Records: Reconstructed, Connected, and Survivor
Lowe
7:15–8:30 pm
Local Court Records: Found in Other Counties and Repositories
Lowe
8:30–9:00 pm
Homework Assignment
TBD
October 6th
5:00–5:30 pm
Homework Review
TBD
5:30–6:45 pm
Using Tax Records to Fill the Gap When Others are Missing
Lowe
7:15–8:30 pm
After the Courthouse Burns: Tools to Fill Record Gaps, Law, and DNA
Russell
8:30–9:00 pm
Homework Assignment
TBD
October 13th
5:00–5:30 pm
Homework Review
TBD
5:30–6:45 pm
Sacred Sources: Church and Bible Records
Dunn
7:15–8:30 pm
Reconstructing the Past: Dealing with Military Genealogical Record Loss
Strauss
8:30–9:00 pm
Homework Assignment
TBD
October 20th
5:00–5:30 pm
Homework Review
TBD
5:30–6:45 pm
State Records: Published and Unpublished
Dunn
7:15–8:30 pm
Varied and Vast: The Records of Fraternal Organizations in the United States
Baldwin
8:30–9:00 pm
Homework Assignment
TBD
October 27th
5:00–5:30 pm
Homework Review
TBD
5:30–6:45 pm
Manuscript Collections
Abbott
7:15–8:30 pm
Slave Narratives—Telling My Story in My Own Words
Gillins
8:30–9:00 pm
Homework Assignment
TBD
November 3rd
5:00–5:30 pm
Homework Review
TBD
5:30–6:45 pm
The Freedman's Bureau—Purpose, Organization, and Records
Gillins
7:15–8:30 pm
Researching In Federal Land Records
McGhie
8:30–9:00 pm
Homework Assignment
TBD
November 10th
(MST)
5:00–5:30 pm
Homework Review
TBD
5:30–6:45 pm
Reconstructing Relationships with Business Records
Dunn
7:15–8:30 pm
Newspaper Research: More Than Just Marriages and Deaths
This hands-on course provides the opportunity for students to apply DNA analysis skills to the documentation of one ancestral line back to a second great-grandparent couple. The faculty offers practical step-by-step case examples. The schedule includes ample opportunity for the students to practice and apply the skills to their own research. Private, one-on-one consultation time with faculty is available.
Explore the world of digitized records and repositories. This course specifically teaches advanced search skills for subscription family history websites while also focusing on unindexed digitized materials from libraries, archives, museums, and other repositories across the United States. A series of hands-on workshops/labs provide students with guided experiences using online tools discussed during class sessions.
With the rising increase in the popularity of family history research in the world, and especially among those with Hispanic ancestry, there is an ever-increasing demand for good professional researchers who can conduct sound, comprehensive research in this specialized area. This course will help you advance your Hispanic research skills to the next level. ¡Si se puede!
This course provides an opportunity for advanced genealogists to gain hands-on experience solving tough cases. They can challenge themselves as they put their research skills into practice. Participants work on five complex genealogical research problems — a new one each week. The objective is to give students experience in conducting research on complex problems, analyzing and correlating information, and reaching conclusions.
We all face it: record loss. Whether the courthouse burned, the clerk tossed them, the relative, autograph hunter, lawyer or the surveyor took them; they succumbed to heat, humidity, insects, fading ink, or war or distance from the courthouse which was a barrier to their creation; the records that we want—the records that could answer our questions—aren’t there. The solution: in many cases it’s possible to overcome the problem, but it requires diligence, perseverance, and willingness to look beyond the obvious. Discover strategies, sources, and techniques to find these records.