Understanding the physical and social landscapes where our ancestors lived can be crucial to solving problems of identity, kinship, and origin. This hands-on, advanced course, for students with experience in land records and platting, offers critical skills and practical strategies for constructing community networks around elusive ancestors. We’ll explore the integration of advanced land platting techniques with modern mapping technologies and historical maps to place ancestors in a specific location, trace the development of the neighborhoods in which they lived, and uncover insights into historical relationships and migration patterns. In-class examples and exercises will also demonstrate triangulation techniques for determining approximate location from partial data and the use of reconstructed ancestral networks to identify key associates, disambiguate same-name people, and locate “missing” individuals. NOTE: See Prerequisites.
Tuesdays, 10:00 am–1:30 pm MT, 11 February through 22 April 2025 (no class March 4th)
Tuition
Regular Price: $595.00
UGA Member Price: $545.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Advanced
Prerequisites
This course requires previous completion of the week-long land platting course offered at either SLIG or IGHR or permission of the instructors. We will NOT be teaching land platting basics.
Certificate Completion Requirements
Students must attend 18 of 20 sessions (live or recorded) to receive certificate. There will be no homework for this course, but students will be working on their personal neighborhood projects.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
February 11th
10:00–10:30 am
Welcome and Introduction
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Middle Ground: Researching Land Records in Both Directions
Learn techniques for tracing land ownership forward and backward from any point in time. This session will explore strategies for identifying landowners using deeds, grants, and other records, helping you piece together families and communities.
Powell, Smith
12:15–1:30 pm
Anchoring Ancestral Neighborhoods with GIS Resources
This session provides practical guidance on using GIS property maps as a starting point for neighborhood research. Learn how to access and interpret GIS resources and explore strategies for connecting modern parcels to historical deeds. Integrating GIS mapping with traditional land title research allows us to anchor our ancestral neighborhood to its physical location and can serve as a workaround for tracing properties with imprecise property descriptions.
Powell
February 18th
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Bridging the Gaps: Working Around Missing Land Transactions
Discover effective strategies for overcoming record gaps when researching property forward or back in time. This session will explore common causes of missing records, how to use alternative sources, and creative problem-solving techniques to bridge these gaps effectively.
Powell
12:15–1:30 pm
Reconstructing Communities with Census Records
Learn how to effectively use census records to reconstruct ancestral communities and place census neighbors on a map. This session will teach you how to map individuals enumerated in the census who do not appear on landowners' maps and may not have owned land. Reconstructed neighborhood examples will also demonstrate the importance of understanding that census order does not always represent neighborhood order.
Powell
February 25th
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Organizing and Streamlining Community Research
Learn how to leverage digital tools like Scrivener, AirTable, and Excel to manage and streamline the extensive data involved in community research. This session will demonstrate practical applications of these tools, including how to structure research, manage large datasets, and visualize data using charting software. We will also explore how LLMs like ChatGPT can assist in synthesizing information and generating insights to enhance research efficiency.
Powell
12:15–1:30 pm
Integrating Land Plats into Google Earth Pro
This session will introduce you to the basic functions of Google Earth Pro, a powerful tool for visualizing ancestral land and communities. Learn how to navigate the interface, create and manage pins, labels, and folders, and import data. We will also cover how to export files from land platting software such as DeedMapper and Metes and Bounds and integrate these plats into Google Earth Pro.
Powell, Smith
March 11th
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Mapping Urban Communities with Google Earth Pro: Part One
This session will demonstrate techniques for reconstructing an urban Mexican community using historical maps overlaid on present-day jurisdictions and streets in Google Earth Pro. Weaving in data from censuses, city directories, and vital records, you'll learn how to plot out where extended family groups lived and worked and get a better sense of the community in which they lived. Additionally, you'll learn ways in which digital tools such as Google Earth Pro and StoryMaps can be used to highlight and share stories about historical neighborhoods and the families who lived there.
Greene
12:15–1:30 pm
Mapping Urban Communities with Google Earth Pro: Part Two
Continuation of above.
Greene
March 18th
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Solving Parentage & Identity Conflicts with Migration Cluster Research: Case Study Workshop - Part One
This interactive lecture follows a complex family group from Virginia to Georgia. Applied organizational methods clarified analysis and group migrations patterns assisted in correctly identifying one man's parents and correcting the identification of other men in his cluster. Students will participate in organization and analysis exercises for this case study to find proof.
Koford
12:15–1:30 pm
Solving Parentage & Identity Conflicts with Migration Cluster Research: Case Study Workshop - Part Two
Continuation of above.
Koford
March 25th
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Crucial Connections: Identifying Neighbors and Networks
Discover techniques for identifying the neighbors and social networks of your ancestors using diverse and often overlooked records. This session will build on the effective use of census data by incorporating historical maps, tax lists, legislative petitions, military records, store ledgers, court records, probate inventories, and other lesser-used sources to reconstruct the geographical and social landscape of your ancestors.
Powell, Smith
12:15–1:30 pm
Using Federal Records to Help Map Rural Neighborhoods
Yes, federal records can be useful for reconstructing and mapping rural communities too. This session will cover lesser-used federal resources, including records of the Southern Claims Commission and U.S. Court of Claims, Freedmen’s Bureau, Works Project Administration, and Internal Revenue Service, providing practical techniques for integrating these and similar materials into your neighborhood research.
Powell
April 1st
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Reconstructing Neighborhoods in Western New York: A Case Study - Part One
This two-part module highlights key New York land records, survey systems, and map resources needed to reconstruct neighborhoods in New York State. Hands-on mini exercises will develop skills to address property description and map quirks. Students will then walk through a case study neighborhood reconstruction in Western New York within the Holland Land Purchase. Survey and lotting system concepts are presented followed by hands-on exercises to reinforce these concepts. Beginning with a core group of deed abstracts, students will map out a portion of a township then use grantor/grantee indices, deed books, census and the FamilySearch full-text search tool to add in additional landowners.
Duett
12:15–1:30 pm
Reconstructing Neighborhoods in Western New York: A Case Study - Part Two
Continuation of above.
Duett
April 8th
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Building a Rural Ohio Neighborhood: A Case Study - Part One
Students will participate in building a case study set in Meigs County, Ohio, in the nineteenth century. Land records of the federal, state, and the Ohio Land Company will be explored. Besides land records, other neighborhood records such as church, tax and cemetery records will be considered.
Sayre
12:15–1:30 pm
Building a Rural Ohio Neighborhood: A Case Study - Part Two
Continuation of above.
Sayre
April 15th
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Silent Neighborhoods: Mapping Ancestral Communities in American Cemeteries
In this session, students will explore American cemeteries, where each gravestone tells a story. We'll examine the history, design, and evolution of these grounds and how they reflect the cultural and social dynamics of their times. We’ll cover various methods for mapping cemeteries, including GPS tools like BillionGraves and Find a Grave. Students will learn to map cemetery neighborhoods, uncovering family, ethnic, and social connections of the past. Join us to understand the iconography and symbols on gravestones and discover how these silent neighborhoods can enhance your genealogical research.
Kashuba
12:15–1:30 pm
Philadelphia Catholics to Ireland
Building the American neighborhood and community can provide the necessary leverage to locate the European village of origin for the family. This session provides a case study where reconstruction in American church records leads to family origin in Ireland.
Smith
April 22nd
10:00–10:30 am
Optional Share & Q&A
Powell, Smith
10:30–11:45 am
Incorporating Industrial Records
Industry practices as early as the 1700s resulted in industry and business records that can assist in reconstructing communities. Company towns, banks, and industrial records are resources. Discussion includes repositories for industrial records.
Smith
12:15–1:30 pm
Student Shares
Powell, Smith
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A/Course Wrap-up
Powell, Smith
Course 2: Researching Women from 1860 to 1950
Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR
There’s no doubt that researching female ancestors can be difficult. The records genealogist’s use doesn’t always include women by name. Women’s marital name changes coupled with the fact that women’s historical legal rights precluded them from activities that leave a record trail, make finding her story seem impossible.
As we consider our female ancestors, we must enhance our approach from strictly genealogical research to research that includes historical and social history sources and context. By expanding our research to include other methodologies and sources, we can learn more about our female ancestors.
In this course, we will explore women's historical experiences to understand better their lives and the records left behind. Conducting exhaustive research and writing techniques will also be discussed. This course will focus on the 1860-1950 years in the United States so we can narrow our scope and start telling the stories of our most recent female ancestors. Our focus will be recreating women’s communities, finding records, and writing her story so we can share it with family members.
Thursdays, 10:00 am–2:00 pm MT, 20 February through 1 May 2025 (no class March 6th)
Tuition
Regular Price: $595.00
UGA Member Price: $545.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Intermediate
Prerequisites
This course requires basic familiarity with genealogical research.
Certificate Requirements
Missed sessions can be made up by watching recorded course videos. No homework.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
February 20th
10:00–10:30 am
Welcome and General Instructions
Philibert-Ortega
10:30–11:45 am
Resources for Researching 19th Century Women
Focusing on the mid to late 19th century in America, this presentation will focus on historical events to consider as you research your female ancestors. Repositories and sources will be discussed for documenting historical women.
Philibert-Ortega
12:15–1:30 pm
Resources for Researching 20th Century Women
Focusing on the early to mid 20th century in America, this presentation will focus on historical events to consider as you research your female ancestors. Repositories and sources will be discussed for documenting historical women.
Philibert-Ortega
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
February 27th
10:30–11:45 am
Finding Women in U.S. Church Records
The records of U.S. churches rank among those most likely to include the women and girls in town. Females appear in membership rolls; registers of baptism, marriages, deaths, and burials; meeting minutes; Sunday School and donation lists; pew rentals; denominational newspapers; jubilee histories; and more. Learn about these windows into women’s lives and identities and how you might find and use them for the females on your family tree.
Morton
12:15–1:30 pm
Tools for Researching Historical Women
Going beyond the typical genealogical sources we will explore what historians use to research and document women.
Philibert-Ortega
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
March 13th
10:30–11:45 am
Finding Martha Brown Chandler
Despite having 10 children, Martha Brown Chandler has remained virtually invisible to history. In this presentation we will uncover Martha’s life (1761-1841) and separate her from a multitude of erroneous parents.
Pierre-Louis
12:15–1:30 pm
Women’s Claims: The Southern Claims Commission
Southerners who remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War and who suffered personal property losses, including supplies and livestock, could file a claim with the Southern Claims Commission. Residents of twelve states were allowed to make claims; Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. White and Black women filed claims through this program. Studying these claims provides a wealth of information on the experiences of these women during the Civil War. This presentation will look at the Southern Claims Commission, women’s claims, and focus on a few examples.
Philibert-Ortega
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
March 20th
10:30–11:45 am
The “Forgot Lot:” Catholic Nuns and Sisters
Catholic women who became nuns or sisters in past generations can be challenging to research. They left their families, moved far from home, and often changed their names. Typically, they left no descendants to perpetuate their legacy. In this presentation, you’ll learn strategies for finding Catholic women religious and the archives of the orders or congregations they joined. You’ll explore records that can help you reconstruct these women’s lives--and sometimes the identities of the families they left behind, too.
Morton
12:15–1:30 pm
Grandma was an Alien: Losing Citizenship Through Marriage
From 1907 to 1922 American women lost their citizenship when they married non-citizens. Even after the passing of the Cable Act in 1922, women jumped through hoops to gain their citizenship back and some never did. We will explore the historical context for these laws, what this meant for women, and the process to regain citizenship for all women.
Philibert-Ortega
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
March 27th
10:30–11:45 am
Her Own Frontier: The Legacy of Female Homesteaders Who Shaped the American West
The 1862 Homestead Act beckoned thousands of women to the American frontier, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for land ownership and self-determination. This transformative legislation opened millions of acres across 30 states, allowing single women, widows, divorcees, and even those deserted by their husbands, to claim their own piece of the American dream.
The stories of these trailblazing women are often overshadowed by the more familiar tales of their male counterparts. However, a wealth of information lies hidden within the often-overlooked records created during the Homestead Act era. Join us as we delve into those records to reveal the unwavering determination and resilience of these pioneering women.
Oldenburg
12:15 am–1:30 pm
Challenges When Researching Chinese-American Women
A look at three Chinese-American women found in the same family and the hurdles faced when researching their lives.
Morgan
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
April 3rd
10:30–11:45 am
In Her Shoes: The Genohistorical Reconstruction of a Woman’s World
While records of your female ancestor’s life may be rare or nonexistent, there is an alternative perspective to explore. By stepping into her shoes and looking outward, you can discover the world she saw and experienced. This course will teach you how to recreate her world using a genohistorical approach. Genohistory can combine the disciplines of history and genealogy, balancing time, place, and interconnected people, to immerse you in the past from her viewpoint.
Baker
12:15–1:30 pm
Boundaries and Consequences: Exploring the Limits of Female Ancestors' Behavior
How far could your female ancestor's behavior deviate from societal norms before facing consequences? How much freedom did she really have? What were the repercussions if she crossed the line? Her behavioral boundaries were shaped by her specific environment, making broad generalities of limited use. In this session, we will use a detailed case study of a selected time and place to illustrate how to determine these limits and understand how they were communicated and enforced in your female ancestor's world.
Baker
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
April 10th
10:30–11:45 am
Protecting the Boys: The American Plan
There’s no doubt that some women have historically been seen as dangerous to military troops. Beginning with World War I, ordinary women living near a military installation could be seen as a threat, a threat that was addressed via invasive medical exams, detention, and incarceration via the American Plan which continued to be enforced throughout the 20th century.
Philibert-Ortega
12:15–1:30 pm
Daughters, Ladies, and Dames: The Beginnings of Women’s Lineage Groups
The 1890s saw a number of American women’s lineage groups. Knowledge of lineage groups and the records they hold can be helpful in finding female ancestors. Knowing the groups histories can also help us add context to writing about her membership.
Philibert-Ortega
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
April 17th
10:30–11:45 am
Women War Workers of WWI and WW2
The World Wars presented American women with unprecedented access to employment across a broad spectrum of war work, be it in industry, government, or service organizations. What were these opportunities, where were they, how did they impact the war effort and the women themselves, and most importantly, how can we identify and research the female war workers within our own families? This session will discuss the context of their experience while also exploring strategies for locating records and other evidence of their employment.
Barcomb
12:15–1:30 pm
Hidden Histories in Community Cookbooks
When women compiled community cookbooks, they intended to raise money for church and charity. They may not have been aware they were creating historical documents that could enrich research into people, groups, and communities.
As more and more cookbooks become available digitally online, the potential for researchers grows each day. Join Kara Mae Harris for a discussion on how she uses community cookbooks to create a database of Maryland people and recipes and ways to use that data for genealogical and historical research.
Harris
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
April 24th
10:30–11:45 am
No Longer Silent: Writing a Woman’s Life Story, Part 1
Does the thought of writing about your female ancestors send you straight back to bed to hide under the covers? You’re not alone. Most family historians agree that it’s the research they enjoy the most. But what if there was a way to share their stories in an interesting and factual way? There is. Whether you choose to tell it short as a collection of essays or tell it long as a biography, you can craft your research about women into a compelling narrative. In part 1 of this two-part presentation, you will discover several ways to present women’s stories as nonfiction,determine your intended audience, establish the story’s time and place through historical context, and determine how to start the story. Real world examples will be given for class evaluation.
Carmack
12:15–1:30 pm
Of Uncertain Status: US Servicewomen, 1901-1948
Approximately 35,000 women served in the US military during WWI and 350,000 in WW2. Exploring their experiences provides unique insights into what was a growing debate over women's roles in American society, both in general and during wartime. This session discusses when, where, why, and how women were allowed to serve; the impact of their service, on themselves and others; and how we can locate and more accurately analyze a variety of records and resources so as to tell their individual stories.
Barcomb
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A
Philibert-Ortega
May 1st
10:30 am–11:45 am
No Longer Silent: Writing a Woman's Life Story, Part 2
Part 2 of this two-part presentation covers key elements of effective nonfiction storytelling and offers ways to put your female ancestors into historical context to fill out the narrative without fictionalizing. Learn about finding and developing conflict to keep the reader interested, how you can add scenes and dialog while keeping it nonfiction, how speculative writing advances the story, and the best genre for telling their stories (essays or biography) with the pros and cons of each method of nonfiction storytelling. Real world examples we be given for class evaluation.
Carmack
12:15–1:30 pm
Student Presentations
Philibert-Ortega
1:30–2:00 pm
Discussion and Q&A/Course Wrap-up
Philibert-Ortega
Course 3: A Century of Change: The Emigrant-Immigrant-Migrant Experience in the U.S., 1825–1925
Pamela J. Vittorio, MA, PLCGS
In the century from 1825 to 1925, our ancestors experienced innovations that had a profound effect on every aspect of their lives. This course explores the emigrant-immigrant-migrant experience during the transportation, industrial, and technological revolutions. Dig into your ancestors’ socio-historical backgrounds and develop a better understanding of the push-pull that brought them to North American shores. Determine how they arranged transatlantic passage, used various transportation methods in the U.S., purchased land, built a house, found work, became a U.S. citizen and a part of their community.
In this course, we will consider the factors that affect a person’s identity, such as language(s), educational background, communication methods, occupations, forms of socialization and entertainment, religious affiliations, and social mobility. In the social history/culture sessions, we discuss family traditions and cultural mores that may or may not be woven into the threads of the American tapestry. We will examine and interpret information from our most frequently-used records (e.g., census, BMDs, immigration records) and correlate them with other less-used record types, such as advertisements, city or farm directories, diaries, journals, business ledgers and receipts, and transportation records—to enrich our ancestors’ stories and place them alongside the people with whom they interacted in their day-to-day lives.
The session lectures and discussions cycle through topics on people and identity, social history and culture, and investigation of a wide variety of record types from which we can extract and weave information into our ancestors’ stories. Every fourth session culminates in tips and techniques for writing a family narrative or case study, and receiving feedback.
Mondays, 3:00–7:00 pm MT, 10 February through 14 April 2025
Tuition
Regular Price: $595.00
UGA Member Price: $545.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
High Intermediate/Advanced
Prerequisites
Genealogical institute (SLIG, GRIP, IGHR, APPGen), Boston U Research Certificate, IIGS certificate.
Certificate Requirements
Attendance in 19/20 sessions required. Students may make up missed sessions by watching video but should submit homework.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
February 10th
3:00–3:30 pm
Welcome and General Instructions
Vittorio
3:30–4:45 pm
The People: The Traveler Prepares: Transatlantic Voyages in the Nineteenth Century
Vittorio
5:15–6:30 pm
The Records: Digging In—Early Transportation-related Records
Vittorio
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Vittorio
February 17th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Vittorio
3:30–4:45 pm
The Culture: In and Out of the City
Vittorio
5:15–6:30 pm
The Stories: The Emigrant’s POV and Finding a Starting Point
Bakkala
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Bakkala
February 24th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Bakkala
3:30–4:45 pm
The People: Industry & Agriculture
Lyttle
5:15–6:30 pm
The Records: Farms, Factories, Freight & Public Works
Vittorio
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Vittorio
March 3rd
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Vittorio
3:30–4:45 pm
The Culture: Social Networking & the Community
Vittorio
5:15–6:30 pm
The Stories: Developing the Narrative
Bakkala
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Bakkala
March 10th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Vittorio
3:30–4:45 pm
The People: People in Motion—Heading West
Lyttle
5:15–6:30 pm
The Records: Transforming and Reinventing the American Landscape
Vittorio
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Vittorio
March 17th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Vittorio
3:30–4:45 pm
The Culture: Rural and Urban FAN Clubs
Lyttle
5:15–6:30 pm
The Stories: Drafting the Narrative: Integrating Many Voices
Bakkala, Vittorio
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Bakkala
March 24th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Bakkala
3:30–4:45 pm
The People: A Nation of Immigrants
Vittorio
5:15–6:30 pm
The Records: Alive on Arrival: Records that Tell the Stories
Ferretti
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Vittorio
March 31st
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Vittorio
3:30–4:45 pm
The Culture: Survival Skills: Life and Work
Vittorio
5:15–6:30 pm
The Stories: Expanding the Narrative: Cross-Country Migrations
Bakkala, Vittorio
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Vittorio
April 7th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Vittorio
3:30–4:45 pm
The People: From the Melting Pot to the Salad Bowl
Vittorio
5:15–6:30 pm
The Records: Immigration & Naturalization to 1925 and the Impact of Laws on the Future of Immigration
Ferretti
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Vittorio
April 14th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Vittorio
3:30–4:45 pm
The Culture: The Roaring 20s & US-World Events
Vittorio
5:15–6:30 pm
The Stories: Revising and Editing the Narrative (Final Draft)
Bakkala
6:30–7:00 pm
Course Wrap-up
Vittorio
Writing and Publication
Course 4: The Art of Writing a Research Report
Debra A. Hoffman, PLCGS
Want to effectively capture your research whether writing for yourself or a client? Writing effective research reports can be a challenge. This course will provide instruction and hands-on experience creating an efficient and effective report. A team of professional genealogists will share their expertise in technical writing, evidence analysis, incorporating visual elements, organizing material, time-saving strategies, and documentation. Examples of a variety of reporting formats covering simple to complex research problems from a variety of professional perspectives will be shared and available to review during the course. Participants will learn both by evaluating provided reports and writing a research report during the week. Students should have a laptop to work on practice exercises in class and complete writing assignments.
Wednesdays, 8:30 am–4:00 pm MT, 19 February through 26 March 2025 (no class March 5th)
Tuition
Regular Price: $595.00
UGA Member Price: $545.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Intermediate
Prerequisites
The class sessions will include hands-on activities, so students should have a laptop computer or tablet with Word or another word processing program. There will be homework assignments to practice writing various sections of a research report.
Certificate Requirements
To earn a certificate, participants can make up missed portions by watching the video, except for the hands-on sessions (four of them), which need to be attended live. Special consideration will be provided depending on the student's situation. Homework is optional.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
February 19th
8:30–9:00 am
Welcome and General Instructions not provided in Meet and Greets
Hoffman
9:00–10:15 am
Essential Elements of a Research Report
To start off we will discuss the purpose of a research report and the different types of reports, and the typical sections in each report.
Hoffman
10:30–11:45 am
Preparation for Success
Effective reports begin with focusing the objective and then an analysis and planning process. Many genealogists work from a report template to save time, and write report elements as they are conducting the research. Additionally, it is necessary to be efficient as report writing can be tedious. This session will cover incorporating various efficiences and a writing process that creates the report as you conduct research and analysis, which can lead to a quicker and more effective report writing process.
Hoffman
12:45–2:00 pm
Hands On: Evaluating Research Reports
The focus of this session is viewing twenty sample research reports from a variety of professional genealogists. These reports represent a variety of reporting styles and will give students an idea on how to report on a variety of records and research problems. The reports will be evaluated using the BCG and ICAPGen rubrics.
McGhie
2:15–3:30 pm
Times-Saving Techniques for Microsoft Word
Learn how to automate and simplify repetitive tasks in Microsoft Word. Instruction will be provided for both Mac and PC.
Holmes
3:30–4:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Hoffman
February 26th
8:30–9:00 am
Homework Review
Hoffman
9:00–10:15 am
Presenting Information from Documents
This session will focus on hands-on exercises to practice writing research notes for clients.
McGhie
10:30–11:45 am
Finding the Balance in Research Logging and Report Writing
This session will explore how to use the research log in tandem with the written report to showcase your research project effectively. Learn techniques for discussing record types such as census, probate, land, tax, etc. We'll also explore tips for self-editing your report and avoiding common errors.
Elder
12:45–2:00 pm
Technical Writing (Twenty Principles)
This session addresses the "nuts and bolts" of improving professional writing's readability. Subtopics include writing with fewer words, paragraphing with topic sentences, and avoiding issues related to passive voice, pronouns and antecedents, verb tenses, and other common writing problems.
Jones
2:15–3:30 pm
An Opportunity for Peer Review
Hoffman
3:30–4:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Hoffman
March 12th
8:30–9:00 am
Homework Review
Hoffman
9:00–10:15 am
Documentation for Research Reports: Part 1
Students will learn to describe sources and information items well enough for their clients to understand each source's qualities as a container of genealogical information and each information item's qualities as a provider of genealogical evidence. Part 1 focuses on citing offline sources.
Jones
10:30–11:45 am
Documentation for Research Reports: Part 2
Students will learn to describe sources and information items well enough for their clients to understand each source's qualities as a container of genealogical information and each information item's qualities as a provider of genealogical evidence. Part 2 focuses on citing online sources.
Jones
12:45–2:00 pm
Incorporating DNA Evidence in a Report, Part 1
This session will highlight a technique for correlating documentary evidence items and genetic evidence in a client report. This involves writing decisions to effectively communicate complex information, including shared atDNA segments, predicted genetic relationships, and a detailed descendant tree depicting DNA donors.
Stanbary
2:15–3:30 pm
Incorporating DNA Evidence in a Report, Part 2
Continuation of above.
Stanbary
3:30–4:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Hoffman
March 19th
8:00–8:30 am
Homework Reviewt
Hoffman
9:00–10:15 am
Research Reports and Essential Evidence Analysis
Don’t leave your reader guessing about the outcome of the research. Including essential evidence analysis in the report conveys the research methodology and results and provides the support for an effective research report. This presentation will demonstrate the process for how to address evidence analysis and properly incorporate it.
Hoffman
10:30–11:45 am
Hands-on Practice: Evidence Analysis
This session will provide students hands-on experience analyzing documents and records the analysis in the research report.
Hoffman
12:45–2:00 pm
Consultations/Peer Review
Hoffman, McGhie, Stanbary
2:15–3:30 pm
Consultations/Peer Review
Hoffman, McGhie, Stanbary
3:30–4:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Hoffman
March 26th
8:30–9:00 am
Homework Review
Hoffman
9:00–10:15 am
Reporting on Complex Problems
Clients engage professional genealogists because they have difficult problems. A professional needs the knowledge and skill to clearly communicate complex solutions. Through lecture, discussion, and case examples, students learn to report on information collected over multiple research sessions, indirect and negative evidence, conflicting evidence, proof arguments and the GPS, evidence contradicting family stories, and unexpected results.
Peters
10:30–11:45 am
Forensic Genealogy Reports and Affidavits
While they share many similarities, genealogical work products created for legal purposes also differ from traditional professional reports. This session will focus on the unique aspets of reports and affidavits created by forensic genealogists.
Desmarais
12:45–2:00 pm
Writing Reports for ProGenealogists and Legacy Tree Genealogists
Learn about different ways of conveying your research findings in reports through a discussion with representatives from Legacy Tree Genealogists and AncestryProGenealogists.
Taplin, Woodbury
2:15–3:30 pm
Report Presentation and Visual Elements
We live in a visually focused world. Images, charts, tables, and maps can aid a client in understanding the information presented and provide a more appealing report.
Hoffman
3:30–4:00 pm
Course Wrap-up
Hoffman
Course 5: Bring ‘Em Back to Life: Writing Our Ancestors’ Stories
Annette Burke Lyttle, MA, CG
The goal of this course is to help researchers understand how to tell the stories of their ancestors, to equip them with skills and techniques that will give them confidence as writers, to help them avoid pitfalls, and to help them understand how best to share their stories, depending on their goals. Writing these stories can seem like a daunting task, but with instruction and coaching, researchers can learn to be not just guardians of the family history, but tellers of those family stories. Our hands-on learning approach, along with homework on their own writing projects, will allow students to immediately practice the concepts being taught in the course. They will also end up with a completed writing project and a plan for how best to share it. The course will finish with a lecture on how to get help and support for their writing projects going forward.
Wednesdays, 3:00 –7:00 pm MT, 12 February through 23 April 2025
Tuition
Regular Price: $595.00
UGA Member Price: $545.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Intermediate to Advanced
Certificate Completion Requirements
Students need to attend 16 of 20 sessions live and watch the video for any session they miss. They must turn in homework assignments.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
February 12th
3:00–3:30 pm
Welcome and General Instructions
Lyttle
3:30–4:45 pm
Writing as You Research
Bakkala
5:15–6:30 pm
From Evidence to Story
Bakkala
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment: Introducing the Project
Lyttle
February 19th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Bakkala
3:30–4:45 pm
Find the Stories in the Records
Bakkala
5:15–6:30 pm
Hands-on Workshop
Bakkala
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Bakkala
February 26th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Bakkala
3:30–4:45 pm
Get Help to Fill in the Story
Philibert-Ortega
5:15–6:30 pm
Hands-on Workshop
Philibert-Ortega
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Philibert-Ortega
March 12th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Philibert-Ortega
3:30–4:45 pm
Preparing to Write
Lyttle
5:15–6:30 pm
Hands-on Workshop
Lyttle
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Lyttle
March 19th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Lyttle
3:30–4:45 pm
Techniques for Story Writing
Bakkala
5:15 am–6:30 pm
Hands-on Workshop
Bakkala
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Bakkala
March 26th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Bakkala
3:30–4:45 pm
What About Enhancements?
Lyttle
5:15–6:30 pm
Hands-on Workshop
Lyttle
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Lyttle
April 2nd
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Lyttle
3:30–4:45 pm
Documenting Sources
Lyttle
5:15–6:30 pm
Mastering Microsoft Word for Genealogical Writing
Powell
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Lyttle, Powell
April 9th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Lyttle, Powell
3:30–4:45 pm
Putting it All Together
Bakkala
5:15–6:30 pm
Editing and Sharing Your Story
Bakkala
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Bakkala
April 16th
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Bakkala
3:30–4:45 pm
Legal Considerations: Copyright
Russell
5:15–6:30 pm
Legal Considerations: Plagiarism
Russell
6:30–7:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Russell
April 23rd
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework Review
Russell
3:30 am–4:45 pm
Sharing Our Stories with the Group
Bakkala
5:15–6:30 pm
Get Support for Your Writing Going Forward
Bakkala
6:30–7:00 pm
Course Wrap-up
Bakkala
International Research & Languages
Course 6: Tracing French-Canadian Ancestors and Telling Their Stories
David S. Ouimette, CG, CGL
In this course, you will learn how to trace your French-Canadian family history back to your pioneer ancestors and their origins in France. You do not need to know French to have amazing success discovering your French-Canada ancestry. The rich historical records from the colony of New France to modern-day Quebec are the envy of the genealogical world, and the most valuable records are already digitized, indexed, and available online. You will find your ancestors' stories in Catholic parish registers, notarial acts, census population schedules, and other lesser-known records. You will envision your French-Canadian ancestors in their everyday life within the social, religious, economic, political, and cultural contexts of their time. You might even discover that you have a fur trader, Daughter of the King, or First Nations ancestor in your family tree. Come join us to accelerate the discovery of your French-Canadian heritage!
Thursdays, 10:00 am–2:00 pm MT, 13 February through 24 April 2025 (no class March 6th)
Tuition
Regular Price: $595.00
UGA Member Price: $545.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Intermediate
Prerequisites
No knowledge of French is required.
Certificate Requirementts
Attendance at live sessions each week is encouraged as we will assign new homework and review previous homework each week to enhance the learning experience. If you need to miss a class, you may watch the video recording and obtain the homework assignment.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
February 13th
10:00–10:30 am
Welcome and General Instructions
Ouimette
10:30–11:45 am
Pioneer Ancestors and Their Stories
Pioneer ancestors, historical overview, and course outline
Ouimette
12:15–1:30 pm
Young Women Who Came to Marry Filles à Marier and Filles du Roi
Ouimette
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Ouimette
February 20th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Ouimette
10:30–11:45 am
Everyday Life in New France
Farming, trade, religion, seigneurial system, customs
Ouimette
12:15–1:30 pm
Naming Practices
Maiden names, dit names, spelling variants, etc.
Ouimette
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Ouimette
February 27th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Ouimette
10:30–11:45 am
Catholic Parish Registers (Part 1)
Baptism, marriage, and burial records
Fortier
12:15–1:30 pm
Catholic Parish Registers (Part 2)
Baptism, marriage, and burial records
Fortier
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Fortier
March 13th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Fortier
10:30–11:45 am
Notarial Records
Rich details of individuals and families recorded by notaries.
Ouimette
12:15–1:30 pm
Census Records
National, provincial, and colonial census records.
Fortier
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Ouimette, Fortier
March 20th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Ouimette, Fortier
10:30–11:45 am
Civil Registration and Cemeteries
20th-century birth, marriage, and death records.
Ouimette
12:15 am–1:30 pm
Lesser-Known Records in the Archives
Land petitions, immigration and naturalization, etc.
Ouimette
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Ouimette
March 27th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Ouimette
10:30–11:45 am
Genealogy Dictionaries and Biographies
Tanguay, Jetté, and other published compilations.
Fortier
12:15 am–1:30 pm
PRDH — Family Reconstruction Programme de recherche en démographie historique
Ouimette
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Ouimette, Fortier
April 3rd
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Ouimette, Fortier
10:30–11:45 am
Généalogie Québec and BMS2000
Databases and search techniques
Fortier
12:15–1:30 pm
Building Families, Lineages, and Stories
Genealogical Proof Standard and research techniques
Ouimette
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Ouimette, Fortier
April 10th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Ouimette, Fortier
10:30–11:45 am
Tracing U.S. Immigrants to Quebec
Immigration methodologies, name variants
Ouimette
12:15–1:30 pm
Tracing Pioneer Origins in France
Immigration methodologies, Fichier Origine
Ouimette
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Ouimette
April 17th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Ouimette
10:30–11:45 am
Military Ancestors
Carignan-Salières Regiment and other military ancestors
Ouimette
12:15–1:30 pm
Fur Trading Ancestors
Tracing voyageurs and coureurs de bois
Muhn
1:30–2:00 pm
Homework Assignment
Ouimette, Muhn
April 24th
10:00–10:30 am
Homework Review
Ouimette, Muhn
10:30 am–11:45 am
Protestant and Catholic Connections
Catholic converts, Protestant families, Eastern Townships
Ouimette
12:15–1:30 pm
First Nations Ancestors in New France
Tracing Abenaki, Algonquin, Huron, and Micmac ancestors
Muhn
1:30–2:00 pm
Course Wrap-up
Ouimette
Proficiency Development
Course 7: Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional: The Why, the What, the How
Lisa Stokes, AG
Earning the Accredited Genealogist credential with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) provides opportunities to demonstrate your research proficiency in a chosen region. Benefits include strengthened research skills, confidence in performing client work, and respect in the genealogy community.
This interactive, hands-on course will cover the requirements for each ICAPGen accreditation step and give valuable information needed for successful testing. Homework assignments will provide essential skill-building activities. Peer review using ICAPGen rubrics will provide vital feedback to students. A four-hour practice project and a personalized meeting with an AG mentor, knowledgeable in the chosen region of accreditation, will cap off the course. Discover your accreditation readiness as you learn more about the testing process and receive peer and mentor feedback on your work.
Choose an accreditation region. See Testing Regions at ICAPGen.org
Complete research for one generation of the Four-Generation Project (the same generation should be used throughout the course). See Four-Generation Project Guidelines at ICAPGen.org.
Write an outline for one generation of the Four-Generation Project. The outline should include a list of sources that prove birth, parentage, marriage, and death for the main research subject of that generation.
Gain experience writing genealogical reports, narratives, or summaries.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
March 27th
8:00–8:30 am
Welcome and General Instructions
Stokes
8:30–9:45 am
Overview of Accreditation, Elements of the Four Generation Project, and Peer Review
Receive an overview of the accreditation process and learn the elements of the Four Generation Project. Discover solid practices for effective peer review.
Stokes
10:15–11:30 am
Research Methodology and the Four Generation Project
Learn ways to incorporate sound research methodology into the Four Generation Project and how to prepare and fine-tune an outline for one generation.
Shirley
1:00–2:15 pm
Source Citations – Part 1
Hone skills for crafting professional and consistent source citations.
Stokes
2:45–4:00 pm
Source Citations – Part 2
Practice evaluating and writing clear and consistent source citations.
Stokes
4:00–4:30 pm
Homework Assignment
Students will compile a basic source citation template. They will also fine-tune the outline of one generation from their Four Generation Project.
Stokes
April 3rd
8:00–8:30 am
Homework Review
Students will discuss their experience in creating the outline and citation template.
Stokes
8:30–9:45 am
Evidence Analysis and Correlation in a Research Report
Review the various components of evidence analysis and learn how to discuss it in a Four Generation Report.
Greenhalgh
10:15–11:30 am
Writing an Effective Research Report
Discover key elements that make reports shine. Learn what to include in a Four Generation Project report, along with tips for writing up research in clear and understandable ways.
Greenhalgh
1:00–2:15 pm
Model for a Well-Written Genealogy Proof
Learn how to organize research findings into proof summaries or proof arguments for use in a Four Generation Project report. Review guidelines for developing excellent writing skills.
Stokes
2:45–4:00 pm
Research Logs
Review the key elements of a successful research log. Also learn about various platforms to create a research log and best practices for logging our research.
Childs
4:00–4:30 pm
Homework Assignment
Students will write one proof summary or proof argument for their Four Generation Project.
Stokes
April 10th
8:00–8:30 am
Homework Review
Students will discuss their experience in writing and peer reviewing a proof summary or proof argument.
Stokes
8:30–9:45 am
Paleography, Extraction, Transcription, Abstraction
Gain an understanding of how to read, interpret, and reproduce old documents. Learn the differences between an extract, a transcript, and an abstract. Discover the basic guidelines for creating these elements in a genealogy project.
Taylor
10:15–11:30 am
Document Interpretation & General Knowledge
Learn about and practice skills needed for taking the Document Interpretation & General Knowledge exams as part of ICAPGen Testing.
Taylor
1:00–2:15 pm
Language Requirements
Learn how to prepare for the language requirements of ICAPGen testing.
Hansen
2:45–4:00 pm
Creating a Personal Reference Guide
Obtain ideas for creating a Personal Reference Guide to prepare for ICAPGen Testing. View and discuss examples of Personal Reference Guides from instructors and previous students.
Greenhalgh
4:00–4:30 pm
Homework Assignment
Students will find a record from their chosen accreditation region and then transcribe and abstract it. They will also create and share ten General Knowledge study questions.
Stokes
April 17th
8:00–8:30 am
Homework Review
Students will discuss their experience in transcribing or abstracting a record and ask any transcription questions.
Stokes
8:30–9:45 am
Research Planning
Gain the research planning skills needed for ICAPGen Testing. Students will practice and receive feedback on this important skill.
Hansen
10:15–11:30 am
Document Interpretation & General Knowledge Practice
Students will practice for the Document Interpretation and General Knowledge exams with hands-on activities.
Shirley
1:00–2:15 pm
Final Project Exam
Learn what is expected for the Final Project and how to prepare for this portion of ICAPGen Testing.
Childs
2:45–4:00 pm
The Final Project Evaluation
Learn how to effectively evaluate a Final Project using the ICAPGen rubrics.
Stokes
4:00–4:30 pm
Homework Assignment
Students will practice Document Interpretation skills and participate in a practice four-hour Final Project for their region.
Stokes
April 24th
8:00–9:00 am
Homework Review
Students will discuss their Document Interpretation practice assignment.
Stokes
9:00–9:45 am
Final Project Discussion
Discuss common challenges encountered in the Final Project and how to overcome them.
Stokes
10:15–11:30 am
Regional Resources with AG Mentors
Meet with an AG mentor from your chosen or similar region to receive tips for researching in the region and preparation guidance for testing.
Stokes
1:00–2:15 pm
Oral Review & Ethics, Final Wrap-up
Learn about the Oral Review and study the ICAPGen Professional Ethics Agreement all AG professionals are required to sign. Ask additional questions about the accreditation process.
Stokes
2:45–4:00 pm
Panel Discussion: How Accreditation Opens Doors
Ask Accredited Genealogist professionals questions about working in the professional genealogy field.
Stokes
Course 8: BCG Certification: Understanding and Meeting Standards
In this hands-on course, students review and practice the Board for Certification of Genealogists’ requirements for credentialing. They study the Genealogical Proof Standard and Genealogy Standards to create and evaluate genealogical work using established rubrics.
Rubrics for Evaluating New Applications for BCG Certification provide the organizing framework for class discussions, hands-on activities, and at-home practice. In-class exercises build foundational skills in transcribing records, planning efficient research, analyzing records, correlating information, reporting on research results, and writing about evidence. Weekly homework assignments provide the opportunity for students to apply the skills to their own research. Students will be asked to identify and celebrate their small wins on their paths to submitting a successful portfolio.
We will dive deep into the skills necessary to achieve certification:
Crafting a meaningful research question
Conducting reasonably exhaustive research
Evaluating sources as containers of information
Developing and refining efficient and dynamic research plans
Mining and reporting evidence
Documenting sources
Transcribing and abstracting information
Correlating information
Writing about evidence with logic and inference
Assembling evidence and conclusions
Parentage proofs including DNA
Resolving conflicts
Reporting of findings in a formal Research Report
Writing clear proof arguments detailing evidence and reasoning to support conclusions
Accurately reconstructing families within a Narrative Lineage
Writing a detailed and documented life story including meaningful historical context
This course is not sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. The opinions expressed by the faculty are entirely their own. The BCG Application Guide and Genealogy Standards represent the authority in all matters relating to credentialing. Please refer to the Board for Certification of Genealogists website for more information.
Dates & Times
Thursdays, 8:00 am–3:30 pm MT, 13 February through 27 March 2025 (no class on March 6th)
Tuition
Regular Price: $595.00
UGA Member Price: $545.00
[Read More & View Course Schedule]
Level of Instruction
Advanced
Prerequisites
This is an ADVANCED methodology course targeted to individuals preparing for BCG certification. However, genealogists seeking to improve advanced skills would also benefit from the course.
NOTE: Consistent with BCG Application Guide instructions, any projects submitted by new applicants to BCG must be their own work. While this course emphasizes the skills tested by BCG, students will not work on their own portfolio projects in class.
Reading Requirements
Board for Certification of Genealogists. Genealogy Standards, 2nd ed. rev. Nashville, Tenn.: Ancestry.com, 2021.
McCampbell, Mary Bell. “Transcripts and Abstracts,” published in Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers, and Librarians. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2001.
Curran, Joan Ferris, Madilyn Coen Crane, and John H. Wray. Numbering Your Genealogy: Basic Systems, Complex Families, and International Kin, revised edition. Arlington, Va.: National Genealogical Society, 2008.
Jones, Thomas W. Mastering Genealogical Proof. Arlington, Va.: National Genealogical Society, 2013.
―――. Mastering Genealogical Documentation. Arlington, Va.: National Genealogical Society, 2017.
―――. “Proof Arguments and Case Studies.” In Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice, and Standards, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2018.
―――. “Reasoning from the Evidence.” In Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice, and Standards, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2018.
Mills, Elizabeth Shown. “Fundamentals of Evidence Analysis” and “Fundamentals of Citation.” In Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, 3rd ed. rev., edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2017.
Peters, Nancy. “Research Reports.” In Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice, and Standards, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. Baltimore, Md.: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2018.
Golden Nuggets
The class will collaborate on a “Golden Nuggets Quicksheet” of handy tips and strategies learned throughout the week.
Certificate of Completion
Students must attend all class sessions and submit all homework in order to be eligible for a certificate of completion. When attendance conflicts arise, students may watch the recorded class sessions.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
February 13th
8:00–8:30 am
Course Overview
Organizing framework, Small Wins, Golden Nuggets
McGhie, Stanbary
8:30–9:45 am
The Genealogical Proof Standard and Genealogy Standards
The class will be challenged with a pop quiz about the GPS and Genealogy Standards.
McGhie, Stanbary
10:00–11:15 am
The Five Elements of the Portfolio
This lecture will discuss the BCG Application Guide focusing on the requirements of each portfolio element. The lecture will help students understand which specific skills each element tests.
McGhie, Stanbary
12:15–1:30 pm
Evaluating Sources
Using the Research Process Map, students will engage in hands-on activities to practice evaluating sources.
McGhie, Stanbary
1:45–3:00 pm
Analyzing Information
Students will practice crafting a focused research question and then analyzing information to answer that question. The class will engage in questions to assess the reliability and relevance of the information mined from the source.
McGhie, Stanbary
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework: Source and Information Analysis
Students will practice writing about source and information analysis in jargon-free, reader-friendly language.
McGhie, Stanbary
February 20th
8:00–8:30 am
Small Wins
Each week students will collect tokens representing small wins on the path to submission of a successful portfolio. This session celebrates those small wins.
McGhie, Stanbary
8:30–9:45 am
Abstracts and Transcriptions
Students will study the principles of abstracting and transcribing using Mary McCampbell Bell’s chapter, “Transcripts and Abstracts,” published in Professional Genealogy (2001). Hands-on activities tease out challenging issues.
McGhie, Stanbary
10:00–11:15 am
Documenting Sources
Hands-on activities provide practice in crafting source citations to meet Standards 1–8.
McGhie, Stanbary
12:15–1:30 pm
Conducting Reasonably Exhaustive Research
This session introduces the reasoning behind the beloved genealogy tenant— Reasonably Exhaustive Research. Hands-on exercises will encourage students to broaden the sources typically used to solve genealogical problems. Students will create a life timeline for cases from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries to help identify relevant sources.
McGhie, Stanbary
1:45–3:00 pm
Developing and Refining Efficient and Dynamic Research Plans
The class will collectively create a research plan in phases.
McGhie, Stanbary
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework: Document Work
Students apply skills to their own research, accumulating “Small Wins” tokens. Transcribe and abstract a will or a deed. Students may choose from a provided document or work on a document of their choice.
McGhie, Stanbary
February 27th
8:00–8:30 am
Small Wins
Each week students will collect tokens representing small wins on the path to submission of a successful portfolio. This session celebrates those small wins.
McGhie, Stanbary
8:30–9:45 am
Mining and Reporting Information
This session will present strategies to mine and report on information drawn from various records. Hands-on activities teach recognition of seemingly unimportant details.
McGhie, Stanbary
10:00–11:15 am
Reasonably Exhaustive Research in Action: The Research Report
How much is enough? When do I stop?
McGhie, Stanbary
12:15–1:30 pm
Correlating Evidence
Hands-on exercises present opportunities to correlate evidence from the simple to the complex.
McGhie, Stanbary
1:45–3:00 pm
Structuring the Research Report
The students will evaluate and discover strategies to meet Standard 74 in a Research Report. Various strategies and styles will be explored.
McGhie, Stanbary
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework: Research Report
Students apply skills to their own research, accumulating "Small Wins" tokens.
McGhie, Stanbary
March 13th
8:00–8:30 am
Small Wins
Each week students will collect tokens representing small wins on the path to submission of a successful portfolio. This session celebrates those small wins.
McGhie, Stanbary
8:30–9:45 am
(MDT)
Writing About Proof of Parentage
Students will learn to select the best sources prove a parent-child relationship. They then will practice writing a proof summary and outlining a proof argument.
McGhie, Stanbary
10:00–11:15 am
Incorporating DNA to Prove Parentage
This session will provide examples of using genetic evidence as part of the assemblage to prove a biological parent-child relationship. The focus will be on meeting Standards 51‒56. Examples of permission forms for DNA test takers will be provided.
McGhie, Stanbary
12:15–1:30 pm
Structuring and Formatting a Narrative Lineage
This session shows an example of a narrative lineage and identifies the required elements. Hands-on activities include writing the introductory paragraph and the child list with appropriate numbering system. Students will be challenged with a quiz.
McGhie, Stanbary
1:45–3:00 pm
Reasonably Exhaustive Research in Action: Writing the Life Story
The class will collaboratively generate a list of possible sources to mine for information that places couples in unique historical, community, religious, and economic contexts. Students will then choose a set of records to practice writing a paragraph describing one part of a couple’s life story.
McGhie, Stanbary
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework: One Generation KDP with a Relationship Proof
Students apply skills to their own research, accumulating “Small Wins” tokens. Students will read two sample case studies in preparation for the next week’s activities.
McGhie, Stanbary
March 20th
8:00–8:30 am
Small Wins
Each week students will collect tokens representing small wins on the path to submission of a successful portfolio. This session celebrates those small wins.
McGhie, Stanbary
8:30–9:45 am
Meeting the GPS in Action: Case Studies
Students will study the structure of successful case studies and identify the author’s choices to meet the GPS.
McGhie, Stanbary
10:00–11:15 am
Resolving Conflicting Evidence
This session will teach how to distinguish between minor and major conflicts. Students will learn the three strategies to resolve conflicting evidence consistent with Standard 48 and practice writing that resolution.
McGhie, Stanbary
12:15–1:30 pm
Indirect Evidence and Negative Evidence
Students will practice writing genealogical syllogisms useful in a case study.
McGhie, Stanbary
1:45–3:00 pm
Writing a Proof Argument
Students will study the structure of successful case studies. Hands-on activities will teach selecting the best evidence to assemble for the answer.
McGhie, Stanbary
3:00–3:30 pm
Homework: The Case Study
Students apply skills to their own research, accumulating "Small Wins" tokens.
McGhie, Stanbary
March 27th
8:00–8:30 am
Small Wins
Each week students will collect tokens representing small wins on the path to submission of a successful portfolio. This session celebrates those small wins.
McGhie, Stanbary
8:30–9:45 am
Rubrics in Action: The Document Work
McGhie, Stanbary
10:00–11:15 am
Rubrics in Action: The Research Report
McGhie, Stanbary
12:15–1:30 pm
Rubrics in Action: The Kinship Determination Project
McGhie, Stanbary
1:45–3:00 pm
Rubrics in Action: The Case Study
McGhie, Stanbary
3:00–4:00 pm
Golden Nuggets
Students create a collaborative list of key takeaway points accumulated over the course.
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Understanding the physical and social landscapes where our ancestors lived can be crucial to solving problems of identity, kinship, and origin. This hands-on, advanced course, for students with experience in land records and platting, offers critical skills and practical strategies for constructing community networks around elusive ancestors. We’ll explore the integration of advanced land platting techniques with modern mapping technologies and historical maps to place ancestors in a specific location, trace the development of the neighborhoods in which they lived, and uncover insights into historical relationships and migration patterns. In-class examples and exercises will also demonstrate triangulation techniques for determining approximate location from partial data and the use of reconstructed ancestral networks to identify key associates, disambiguate same-name people, and locate “missing” individuals. NOTE: See Prerequisites.
There’s no doubt that researching female ancestors can be difficult. The records genealogist’s use doesn’t always include women by name. Women’s marital name changes coupled with the fact that women’s historical legal rights precluded them from activities that leave a record trail, make finding her story seem impossible.
In the century from 1825 to 1925, our ancestors experienced innovations that had a profound effect on every aspect of their lives. This course explores the emigrant-immigrant-migrant experience during the transportation, industrial, and technological revolutions. Dig into your ancestors’ socio-historical backgrounds and develop a better understanding of the push-pull that brought them to North American shores. Determine how they arranged transatlantic passage, used various transportation methods in the U.S., purchased land, built a house, found work, became a U.S. citizen and a part of their community.
Want to effectively capture your research whether writing for yourself or a client? Writing effective research reports can be a challenge. This course will provide instruction and hands-on experience creating an efficient and effective report. A team of professional genealogists will share their expertise in technical writing, evidence analysis, incorporating visual elements, organizing material, time-saving strategies, and documentation. Examples of a variety of reporting formats covering simple to complex research problems from a variety of professional perspectives will be shared and available to review during the course. Participants will learn both by evaluating provided reports and writing a research report during the week. Students should have a laptop to work on practice exercises in class and complete writing assignments.
The goal of this course is to help researchers understand how to tell the stories of their ancestors, to equip them with skills and techniques that will give them confidence as writers, to help them avoid pitfalls, and to help them understand how best to share their stories, depending on their goals. Writing these stories can seem like a daunting task, but with instruction and coaching, researchers can learn to be not just guardians of the family history, but tellers of those family stories. Our hands-on learning approach, along with homework on their own writing projects, will allow students to immediately practice the concepts being taught in the course. They will also end up with a completed writing project and a plan for how best to share it. The course will finish with a lecture on how to get help and support for their writing projects going forward.
In this course, you will learn how to trace your French-Canadian family history back to your pioneer ancestors and their origins in France. You do not need to know French to have amazing success discovering your French-Canada ancestry. The rich historical records from the colony of New France to modern-day Quebec are the envy of the genealogical world, and the most valuable records are already digitized, indexed, and available online. You will find your ancestors' stories in Catholic parish registers, notarial acts, census population schedules, and other lesser-known records. You will envision your French-Canadian ancestors in their everyday life within the social, religious, economic, political, and cultural contexts of their time. You might even discover that you have a fur trader, Daughter of the King, or First Nations ancestor in your family tree. Come join us to accelerate the discovery of your French-Canadian heritage!
Earning the Accredited Genealogist credential with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) provides opportunities to demonstrate your research proficiency in a chosen region. Benefits include strengthened research skills, confidence in performing client work, and respect in the genealogy community.
In this hands-on course, students review and practice the Board for Certification of Genealogists’ requirements for credentialing. They study the Genealogical Proof Standard and Genealogy Standards to create and evaluate genealogical work using established rubrics.