Course 1: Organizing, Preserving, and Disaster-Proofing Your Family Archive
Anette Burke Lyttle, MA
We all have family archives, whether we think of them that way or not, and as family historians, we often end up as the “keepers of the stuff.” We have papers, digital files, photos, and family keepsakes that need organizing and preserving. We also need ways to collaborate with family members who have items that can be included in our archive and ways to share our family treasures with others. We need a plan for what will happen to it all when we’re gone. Our team of expert instructors will help us think like archivists and give us practical advice on how to organize, preserve, safely store, and share our family archives. We aim for this to be an engaging and interactive course, and students will each have the opportunity for a one-on-one consultation with a faculty member.
We are [...] Family Archives Platform and Course Wrap-up
Lyttle
Course 2: Ethics and the Genealogist
Gary Ball-Kilbourne, MDiv, PhD, CG
Genealogists constantly face ethical questions. This course is designed to enable genealogists first to identify those questions and then to reflect intentionally for the purpose of acting professionally and ethically when encountering such questions. Participants will consider several areas of ethical concern for genealogists, explore codes of ethics promoted by major genealogical organizations, consider how they will approach ethical dilemmas in their own work, and construct a framework for ethics in genealogy.
Course 3: Advanced Techniques: Material Culture Research
Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR
Genealogy’s history is rooted in those wishing to trace their family back in time to ancestors whose accomplishments seemed more remarkable than their own. Over time, genealogical repositories have boasted books and periodicals and special, archival, and museum collections that attempt to capture more than just the dry vital record dates of ancestors. Eventually, genealogy became a pursuit for the “everyman” (and woman), learning more about a distant past one generation at a time. Today, an emphasis on “bringing ancestors to life” through stories means the genealogist must master genealogical methodology while also understanding how to research the non-genealogical to weave a story that will interest descendants.
Comprehensive genealogical research requires incorporating the records and methodologies from diverse fields, including history, social history, and material culture. Material Culture, the story and history of objects created and used by humans, enhances genealogical research and the resulting storytelling. Material Culture can help inform and strengthen research skills and ancestral stories. In addition, the study, research, and analysis of material culture encourage better and more complete research techniques.
Students will have the opportunity at the end of the week to share a short presentation on a piece of material culture they have researched, if they so choose.
A History of Genealogy in America
In this lecture we will take a look at the history of American genealogy from the 19th century to present-day. We will look at motivations for genealogical research and the history of the organizations and repositories that played a part in the growth and popularity of genealogical research. As we explore who took part in the early history of genealogy, we will also look at the darker side of the pursuit including who was left out in genealogical study. This survey will also look at popular early sources for genealogical inquiry.
Philibert-Ortega
10:15–11:30 am
Towards a Genealogical Definition of Social History
Material culture is understood through social history. Social history plays a part in genealogical research so melding material culture and social history with genealogy is one way to tell family stories. In this look at social history, we will define how material culture fits with social history and explore examples and sources for research.
Philibert-Ortega
1:00–2:15 pm
Historical Research Method
While history and genealogy research are similar in its methodology and outcomes, there are differences in how historians approach research. In order to research material culture, we need to add historical research methodologies to our genealogical research methodologies. In this presentation we will look at a historical research method that includes literature reviews, identifying sources, and evaluating accuracy.
Philibert-Ortega
2:45–4:00 pm
Academic Resources for Research
Conducting historical research means understanding historical repositories and the resources they provide. Sources specific to historical inquiry will be examined. Special emphasis will be placed on sources that re rarely used in genealogical research including academic databases, theses and dissertations.
Philibert-Ortega
Tuesday
8:30–9:45 am
Material Culture: An Introduction
What is material culture? This presentation will explore what material culture is and examples of material culture. We will conclude by looking at some examples of combining material culture with genealogical story telling.
Philibert-Ortega
10:15–11:30 am
Resources for Material Culture
Finding information about material culture extends beyond the library and archive. It can include everything from national parks, museums, historical sites, and even antique stores. Using examples of material culture we will explore ways that these items can be researched.
Philibert-Ortega
1:00–2:15 pm
'I wish they were all here' Scottish Highlanders in Ohio 1802–1840
This presentation is a case study that explores how material culture research can be used in researching genealogy and history.
Epperson
2:45–4:00 pm
Transferable Resources and Heirlooms in Practice: Material Culture in Family Histories and Family Stories in Contemporary Culture
Museums are no longer just repositories of artifacts and authority, but a place that uses objects as a tool for learners to explore the world around them and their own relationship to it. Creating a space for real discovery, connections, and conversations for learners of all ages around certain objects requires museum educators to think creatively, create active learning environments using collections items as symbols, and design a space for observation and drawing conclusions, all while promoting a desire to learn more and have fun. Learn more about these methods and their transferrable and transformative use as storytelling tools for local and personal history.
Peightel
Wednesday
8:30–9:45 am
Buns, Beards, Bodices and Bustles: Understanding Ancestors Through Clothing
Ancestral fashions and the industry that produced them left behind a fascinating legacy of images and information.
Taylor
10:15–11:30 am
The Last Muster: Military Men, Pacifists and the Women They Loved in Stories from the American Revolution
As unbelievable as it seems, many individuals who participated in the American Revolution lived beyond the advent of photography in 1839. Learn about the detective work involved in uncovering these “misplaced” pictures. Hear the stories of the men and women who were members of the first photographed generation.
Taylor
1:00–2:15 pm
Grandma’s Apron, China, and Silver: Understanding the Kitchen
When we research women, we need to be creative in finding sources that tell the story of their lives. Historical women’s lives were often relegated to home and family. In some cases, descendants inherit things related to the kitchen, from recipes and cookbooks to China and linens. In this presentation we will explore the kitchen and how to research inherited items from the kitchen. Special attention will be placed on cookbooks, linens, and tableware.
Philibert-Ortega
2:45–4:00 pm
Signature Tablecloths: An Evocative Heirloom and a Genealogical Treasure
In our genealogical research, we rely upon paper records and stone grave markers. A surprising set of records, created in cloth and thread, are tablecloths, embroidered with names numbering in the dozens or hundreds. Initially devised by society women to capture the elite people who graced their tables, these tablecloths soon caught the fancy of a broader swath of American women as a beautiful and useful way for communities to honor their members. Closely studying these objects reveals much about the people and families who made up these communities. Learn more about the genealogical value of these delightful heirlooms and see present-day examples to inspire you and your community to keep the tradition of embroidered records going.
Hepps
Thursday
8:30–9:45 am
House History Research: Non-traditional Sources
Genealogists are very familiar with the foundational records of house history research such census records, deeds, city directories and probate. Because of the physical structure of a house additional resources become available, some connected to people and some not. We will investigate these more obscure resources to take an advanced dive into house history research.
Pierre-Louis
10:15–11:30 am
House History Research: Architectural History
In addition to the stories told by the residents of a house, the house itself will reveal secrets. We can learn much more from analyzing the architectural history of the house. This presentation will focus on how to research and learn about the structure of a house and outbuildings and what that can reveal about its history.
Pierre-Louis
1:00–2:15 pm
House History Research: Researching a Community Project
One of the most common house history research tasks is the community project. These come about either to identify the oldest houses in a town, to protect houses in threat of demolition or research needed for a house history tour. In this presentation we’ll cover the steps that best facilitate researching multiple houses at the same time.
Pierre-Louis
2:45– 4:00 pm
Wreaths, Programs, Gloves, and Memorials: Material Culture and Death
Death is something the genealogist researches but material culture and death takes that research and enhances it. In this survey we will explore material culture as it relates to death and what research can be done beyond death records.
Philibert-Ortega
Friday
8:30–9:45 am
Your Ancestor's Stuff: How Your Ancestor Acquired Their Stuff
Your ancestor’s stuff, what they used it for and how they got it might be a mystery to you. Learning more about the history of stuff, specifically cheap stuff they may have acquired such as knickknacks, souvenirs, and premiums can help you better understand how to research and tell that story.
Philibert-Ortega
10:15–11:30 am
Biblio: 20 Books You Must Read to Understand Material Culture
How can you continue to expand and enhance your knwoledge of material culture? Books! We will go over 20 must-haves for further study.
Philibert-Ortega
1:00–2:15 pm
Student presentations
2:45–4:00 pm
Student presentations
Course 4: Corpus Juris: Advanced Legal Concepts for Genealogy
Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
This course offers students an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the rich research resources of the law, including those generally available only at law libraries. Students will work with legal records and sources, gaining a better grasp of legal history and its implications for research as well as the skills to find and apply the law to solve genealogical problems. Individual sessions will focus on specific legal disciplines (criminal, civil, probate and the like) and students will have the opportunity to use resources often available only at major law libraries.
Completion of a basic course in genealogy and law—Family History Law Library (SLIG) or Law School for Genealogists (GRIP)—is recommended.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
Monday
8:00–8:30 am
Optional Introduction/Overview
Russell
8:30–9:45 am
Introduction: Overview of Legal Systems & Their Records
Russell
10:15–11:30 am
Notarial Records in Civil Law Countries
Hansen
1:00–2:15 pm
Legal Research I: Understanding Statutes and Session Laws
Russell
2:45–4:00 pm
Legal Research II: Finding and Using Statutes and Session Laws
Russell
Tuesday
8:30–9:45 am
Legal Research III: Computerized Legal Research
Russell
10:15–11:30 am
Genealogical Implications of Slavery’s Legal History
Garrett-Nelson
1:00–2:15 pm
Prestatehood Legal Research-Tools and Strategies
Sayre
2:45–4:00 pm
Assembling and Correlating Prestatehood Legal Materials: A Case Study
Sayre
Wednesday
8:30–9:45 am
Legal Research IV: Appeals Courts and their Records
Russell
10:15–11:30 am
Legal Research V: Digests and Reporters
Russell
1:00–2:15 pm
Law Library I: Virtual Introduction to Law Library Resources
Russell, Garrett-Nelson
2:45–4:00 pm
Law Library II: Hands On Exercises with Virtual Law Library Resources
Russell, Garrett-Nelson
Thursday
8:30–9:45 am
When the Church Says Yes (or NO!): Church Law for Genealogists
Mc Donald
10:15–11:30 am
Family Law Records: In-Depth Review of the Scope of Family Records
Russell
1:00–2:15 pm
Probate Records: Hands On
Jones
2:45– 4:00 pm
An Act for the Relief: Finding and Using Private Laws
Russell
Friday
8:30–9:45 am
Finding the Law: A Review
Russell
10:15–11:30 am
In the Poor House: Legal Records of Debt
Russell
1:00–2:15 pm
Becoming American: A Deeper Look at Immigration and Naturalization Records and Their Laws
Garrett-Nelson
2:45–4:00 pm
Criminal Records: From Prosecution to Parole
Russell
Regional & Ethnic Research
Course 5: African American Genealogy Methods and Strategies
LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG, CGL, FASG
This course is designed to be a skillbuilding experience that will take researchers to the next level by focusing on both methodologies and strategies for meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard when researching families that survived slavery. In-class exercises and a focus on case studies will arm students with the conceptual tools needed to overcome the challenges of researching during the antebellum period.
Historical Background: Timeline of African Americans in the Continental United States
Garrett-Nelson
10:15–11:30 am
Slavery and the Law
Russell
1:00–2:15 pm
Cartographic Resources for African American Research & In-class Exercise
Sayre
2:45–4:00 pm
Manuscript Collections
Abbott
Tuesday
8:30–9:45 am
Analyzing Probate Records
Wilds
10:15–11:30 am
Case Study: Using Land Records
Abbott
1:00–2:15 pm
The Intersection of African American and Native American Genealogy
Garrett-Nelson
2:45–4:00 pm
Correlating Evidence: Using Estate Inventories and Other Documents to Identify Families and Relationships in the Slavery Period
Wilds
4:00–4:30 pm
Explanation of Homework
Wilds
Wednesday
8:00–8:30 am
Homework Review
Wilds
8:30–9:45 am
Case Study: Social Context Helps to Resolve a Modern Genealogical Problem
Garrett-Nelson
10:15–11:30 am
Reconstructing a Family from Freedom to Slavery
Abbott
1:00–2:15 pm
Case Study: Using Cluster Research
Abbott
2:45–4:00 pm
Case Study: Correlating Indirect Evidence
Wilds
Thursday
8:30–9:45 am
Bringing Your Ancestors to Life
Abbott
10:15–11:30 am
Simon Bostic (1847-1916 of Society Hill, South Carolina, Private USCT)
Wilds
1:00–2:15 pm
The Peoples of the West Indies & Their Histories
Warmsley
2:45– 4:00 pm
Resources & Strategies for West Indian Family Research
Warmsley
Friday
8:30–9:45 am
Case Study, Part I: Correlating Indirect Evidence to Identify Enslaved Ancestors
Garrett-Nelson
10:15–11:30 am
Case Study, Part II: Incorporating DNA to Support a Proof Argument & In-class Exercise
Garrett-Nelson
1:00–2:15 pm
Case Study: Free People of Color
Abbott
2:45–4:00 pm
Burning Questions Roundtable
Garrett-Nelson, Abbott, Wilds
Course 6: Advanced New England Research: From the Colonial Period to the Early 1900s
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA
Beginning with the colonial period and moving to the 1900s, this course offers an in-depth look at New England research, specifically focusing on advanced methodologies and underused sources. Individual sessions will provide a deeper historical and social context for those tracing New England families, providing specific resources for each Connective, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
What's New in New England
Tracing New England ancestors in 2025 is greatly enhanced by available technologies, significant published works, and other reference tools. This session explores recent scholarship and essential resources to know.
Taylor
10:15–11:30 am
Effective Use of New England's Compiled Resources
From Torrey to Savage and others, New England researchers have a variety of compiled sources at their disposal. This session discusses the pros and cons of these essential resources and provides guidance for incorporating them research.
Taylor
1:00–2:15 pm
Location, location, location!—Understanding the Importance of Jurisdictions in New England
The is a guide to the best sources for helping you research the earliest settlers in all six New England states. We cover general references and then proceed state by state for sources specific to them. The pros and cons are mentioned for each source.
Bartley
2:45–4:00 pm
Better Techniques for Using New England Vital Records in the Digital Age
The vital records practice and current laws are discussed for the six New England states. We mention all the resources of the past that have been digitized and how to use them to get to the original records. Substitute records are covered, giving the pros and cons to them.
Bartley
Tuesday
8:30–9:45 am
Beliefs and Their Records: Congregationalists
The prevalence of New Englanders adhering to Congregational beliefs is immense. This session will explore the history of Congregationalism in New England and the records available for research.
Taylor
10:15–11:30 am
Beliefs and Their Records: Methodists, Society of Friends, Baptists, and Others
Throughout history, New Englanders were part of various practices and religious structures during their lifetimes. This session provides key characteristics of major denominations alongside the type (and location) of records they created.
Taylor
1:00–2:15 pm
Onsite Treasures: The American Antiquarian Society and More
New England offers an array of state, regional, and local repositories often overlooked for research. This session will explore the American Antiquarian Society (Worcester, Massachusetts), historic sites (such as Historic Deerfield), and university collections (such as Harvard University and Yale University).
Taylor
2:45–4:00 pm
Blacks in Colonial New England—Free and Enslaved
In colonial New England, enslaved and free Black people worked in diverse jobs – artisans, shopkeepers, domestics, general laborers, coopers, sailors and port workers as well as farm laborers. Large farms in Rhode Island and Connecticut raised food and livestock for Caribbean plantations. New Englanders were leaders in shipping people and goods. This presentation will review slavery and its records in the northern colonies as well as the lives of free Blacks. What records can researchers find?
Lovelace
Wednesday
8:30–9:45 am
Understanding and Using NEHGS Study Projects
There are four study projects at NEHGS: Great Migration, Western Massachusetts Families in 1790, Early New England Families, and the Early Vermont Settlers projects. Each is explained so you know what is included, its progress, and how to access the data created from each.
Bartley
10:15–11:30 am
Advanced Techniques When Using New England Town Records
Explore the abundance of available town records, including: first settlers, land transactions, governing boards, taxes, warnings out, town meetings, schools, churches, manumissions, indentures, military, licenses, estrays/earmarks, published town reports, and WPA records. Bring your stories of unusual discoveries in town records to share with the group!
Gravel
1:00–2:15 pm
War in New England, Its Affect and Records Left Behind
The is a guide to the best sources for helping you research the earliest settlers in all six New England states. We cover general references and then proceed state by state for sources specific to them. The pros and cons are mentioned for each source.
Bartley
2:45–4:00 pm
Tracing New Englanders in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812
This time period produced a wealth of federal, state, and local records documenting military service. This is only the beginning of the journey. Dig deeper as we search for loyalists and examine the roles of women and people of color in the fight against the Crown. Explore diaries, manuscript collections, and significant published sources in the search for your ancestors.
Gravel
Thursday
8:30–9:45 am
New Englanders North of the Border: Migrations and the Records to Find Them
This is a discussion of the migration of New Englanders into Canada from 1759 to the present. Two movements, the Planters and Loyalists, are covered as well as the separate regions from Ontario east to the Maritmes. Also mentioned are the immigration records from 1894 to the present.
Bartley
10:15–11:30 am
Government by the People: Manuscript Vermont State Papers
What stories might you uncover about your New England ancestors interacting with Vermont’s early government? Certainly far fewer, if archivist Mary Greene Nye hadn’t typed every one of their names onto an index card. We’ll learn about the richness of these indexed documents, mostly from the 1760s to 1860s, and how to access them. They may place your ancestors in a specific Vermont location, document patriotic or military service, name the poor not taxed or enumerated by name in censuses, and reveal otherwise undocumented details of their lives.
Desmarais
1:00–2:15 pm
Land Ownership and Transfer in New England, 1600s to 1850
Tracing land ownership is often the key to solving challenging genealogical problems. The laws and practices governing land distribution and transfer changed dramatically over the years and should be understood for an effective search. Explore the proprietors of the earliest settlements to the evolution of dower rights, navigating the abundance of available records in the New England states.
Gravel
2:45–4:00 pm
Conflated and Confused: Tracing the Samuel Pierce Family of Bristol County, Massachusetts (A Case Study)
An error in an 1889 compiled genealogy unexamined for more than 100 years led to tremendous confusion regarding the origins of Samuel Pierce. This case study traces a family from Bristol County, Massachusetts from 1700 and 1869.
Taylor
Friday
8:30–9:45 am
Important Resources Found in the NEHGS Manuscripts Collection
NEHGS is the granddaddy of genealogical libraries and the hidden gem is it vast manuscripts collection. Professional and amateur genealogists' papers, original records and documents, bible records, and so much more is discussed here with examples showing just the tip of the iceberg. This is a collection not to be overlooks in New England research.
Bartley
10:15–11:30 am
Researching New England's First Settlers, the Great Migration and Beyond
The is a guide to the best sources for helping you research the earliest settlers in all six New England states. We cover general references and then proceed state by state for sources specific to them. The pros and cons are mentioned for each source.
Bartley
1:00–2:15 pm
New Englanders Elsewhere: Repositories and Resources Outside of New England
As New Englanders migrated into the Midwest, their records and stories spread across the United States. This session explores resources in key states across the U.S. and international repositories, including The National Archives (UK).
Taylor
2:45–4:00 pm
Case Study: The Kingsley Family in Connecticut
Born in Connecticut, died in California. What are the origins of Ezra and Henry Kingsley? This study specifically showcases the importance of researching extended members of a family who remained in New England during research.
Taylor
International Research
Course 7: Italian Genealogical Research, Methodologies, and Sources
Suzanne Russo Adams, MA, AG
“Open my heart and you will see
Graved inside of it, 'Italy'.”
– Robert Browning, English playwright and poet
Italy is a land loved by many for its rich history and culture. Although the physical land covering modern day Italy has centuries old history, Italy is a young country made up of many states brought together by the Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. This course is designed to help students understand how some of that rich history has shaped the sources and methodologies to research record sources in Italy - civil registration, Catholic parish records, military, and census. Students will learn to recognize, locate, research, and analyze key documents to trace Italian family histories. Topics will also include methodologies used to research in big cities, DNA, Latin, handwriting, notarial records, and emigration. Students will have optional homework assignments to solidify learning.
Benvenuti! Welcome to Italian Genealogical Research
Class overview, expectations, what you will learn. Importance of homework assignments.
Adams
8:30–9:45 am
Strategies for Getting Started in Italian Research
Strategies for finding town of origin – maps, gazetteers, online sources, history, naming patterns, etc.
Adams
10:15–11:30 am
Across the World: Emigration and Migration
History of Italian emigration/migration and an introduction to sources worldwide for tracing Italian ancestors
Adams
1:00–2:15 pm
Reading the Records in Italian
Tips, tricks, and resources for reading the Italian records.
Merriman
2:45–4:00 pm
Online Resources for Italian Research
FamilySearch, Portale Antenati, and other online resources
Cole
4:00–4:30 pm
Homework Assignment #1
Italian language/handwriting assignment
Merriman
Tuesday
8:00–8:30 am
Homework Assignment #1 Review
Review of Homework Assignment #1
Merriman
8:30–9:45 am
Italian Civil Registration – Pre-Unification
Pre-unification civil registration, 1809-1865, birth, marriage, and death records.
Manfredi
10:15–11:30 am
Italian Civil Registration – Post-Unification
Italian civil registration, 1866 – present birth, marriage, and death records.
Adams
1:00–2:15 pm
Italian Civil Registration – Other Documents
Supplemental birth, marriage and death documents (parte due), citizenship; other civil documents.
Manfredi
2:45–4:00 pm
The Civil Marriage Process: Essential Documents "Unveiled"
Pre- and Post-Unification marriage process and related documents – allegati/processetti.
Exploring Catholic Parish Registers (Part 2)
Marriage records, processes, and dispensations.
Adams
2:45–4:00 pm
Unlocking Parish Censuses
Navigating parish censuses – status animarum/stato delle anime.
Cole
4:00–4:30 pm
Homework Assignment #3
Parish records assignment
Cole
Thursday
8:00–8:30 am
Homework Assignment #3 Review
Review of Homework Assignment #3
Cole
8:30–9:45 am
Italian Municipal and Tax Censuses
Overview of censuses across time – riveli, catasti, censimenti.
Adams
10:15–11:30 am
Researching in Northern Italy
Records, resources, and methodologies – Northern Italy.
Merriman
1:00–2:15 pm
Researching in the South – Regno delle Due Sicilie
Records, resources, and methodologies – Southern Italy.
Manfredi
2:45–4:00 pm
In Peace and War – Military Research
Overview of military research in Italy.
Cole
4:00–4:30 pm
Homework Assignment #4
Census homework assignment
Adams
Friday
8:00–8:30 am
Homework Assignment #4 Review
Review of Homework Assignment #4
Adams
8:30–9:45 am
Genetic Genealogy in Context: Italy
Basics of genetic genealogy in context of Italian research.
Woodbury
10:15–11:30 am
Navigating Notarial Records
Learn where to find notarial records, what they contain and how to access them.
Cole
1:00–2:15 pm
Italy – Big City Research
Methodology and practice to locate ancestors in large cities – examples from Palermo, Naples, Rome, Venezia, etc.
Adams, Cole, Manfredi, Merriman
2:45–4:00 pm
Italian Research – A Case Study
Case study utilizing multiple record types.
Adams
DNA
Course 8: DNA Dreamers: Integrating DNA Evidence to Resolve Complex Cases
Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
This course is designed to deconstruct, and study researcher decisions, strategies, and methodologies employed in the correlation of documentary and genetic evidence to establish proven genealogical conclusions. Examples include NEW case studies suitable for publication, research reports, and proof summaries/arguments useful in a Kinship Determination Project (KPD). The research problems are all long-standing genealogical brick walls that could not be solved without the skillful use of DNA and documentary sources. We will focus on a variety of strategies to meet the newly minted DNA-Related standards and the Genealogical Proof Standard.
Methodology
Course 9: Advanced Genealogical Methods
Paul K. Graham, CG, AG
Students in Advanced Genealogical Methods will learn how to assemble and use evidence to rediscover ancestral origins, identities, and relationships that have been forgotten over the passage of time. The course will address advanced use of evidence derived from a variety of genealogical sources and will explore research techniques for populations for which the usual records are in short supply. Students will also learn how to document their research and develop written proof summaries to reach accurate conclusions and create a credible record of their findings for present and future generations of family historians.
This intense course is targeted to high intermediate genealogists who have completed an intermediate level methodology course or who have equivalent experiences. Their research has led them to encounter relationships that cannot be documented only with direct evidence. They have taken at least one DNA test.
Pre-reading
Students are encouraged to obtain and read Mastering Genealogical Proof prior to the start of the course.
Jones, Thomas W., Mastering Genealogical Proof (Arlington: National Genealogical Society, 2013)
Technology Requirements
Students will need access to a computer with Internet access to participate fully in the course.
Outside Support
Students will be encouraged to spend time independently at the Family History Library, but use of the facility will not be required.
Course Schedule
Times
Class Title
Instructor
Monday
8:00–8:30 am
Optional Morning Gathering
Graham
8:30–9:45 am
Evidence and the Advanced Genealogist
Advanced genealogists mine sources for information that they turn into evidence used to establish genealogical proof. Learn how to think about the research process conceptually and methodologically.
Graham
10:15–11:30 am
Research Questions, Hypotheses, and Plans
Effective research requires thorough planning. Learn how to ask the right questions and write a research plan designed to answer challenging research questions.
Graham
1:00–2:15 pm
Correlating Sources, Information, and Evidence while Resolving Conflicts
Strong genealogical proof comes from correlation of evidence from numerous sources and resolution of any conflicts between evidence items. Think about methods of presenting information and the ways we categorize types of conflicts.
Graham
2:45–4:00 pm
Victory and Vanquish: An Overview of Manifest Destiny in Federal Land Records
When history is written by the conquerors, genealogists must take a broader view to avoid presentism. This overview will highlight points in the country's westward growth and land acquisition history from colonial grants through large purchases from Spain and France, to the Mexican War and Indian conflicts of the West, and also homesteading.
Koford
4:00–4:30 pm
Optional Homework Assignment
Graham
Tuesday
8:00–8:30 am
Optional Homework Review
Graham
8:30–9:45 am
Identifying and Citing Sources
Evidence analysis begins with proper source identification. As advanced genealogists we need to be able to correctly and thoroughly identify unfamiliar sources. That information is then used to make source citations.
Graham
10:15–11:30 am
Resolving Questions of Identity
Is John Smith in Source A the same as John Smith in Source B? Who is the subject of these records? "The name is the same" isn't enough to turn a hypothesis into a conclusion. Explore the evidence used to define identity and the methods for separating conflated individuals.
LaRue
1:00–2:15 pm
Bringing the Law to Bear on Complex Genealogical Problems
The lives of our ancestors were governed by laws, and the records created because of those laws are often the richest sources of information that helps us answer complex genealogical questions. Understanding the law gives us insight not only into the records that were created but often the reasons why our ancestors acted as they did.
Russell
2:45–4:00 pm
Communities and Clusters
The advanced researcher documents extended family, understands geography, and explores communities. Documenting a person’s relationships and life experience requires bringing together all the source knowledge and analytical skills we can muster.
Graham
4:00–4:30 pm
Optional Homework Assignment
Graham
Wednesday
8:00–8:30 am
Optional Homework Review
Graham
8:30–9:45 am
Advanced DNA Methods: Genetic Networks and Genetic Coverage
Increasingly, DNA evidence is an important at least as a consideration for achieving genealogical proof. Two advanced methodologies for applying DNA evidence are consideration of genetic networks and application of coverage estimates for targeted testing and multiple subject comparisons. Learn to make the most of current test results, and advance your genetic analysis, improve your DNA organization, and thoroughly consider multiple DNA test subjects.
Woodbury
10:15–11:30 am
Government Documents in Federal Records
Understand the critical value of records found in the US Congressional Serial Set, American State Papers, Statutes at Large, and more. Private Acts and original records at the National Archives contain evidence of genealogical relationships not found elsewhere.
Koford
1:00–2:15 pm
In the Archive: Utilizing Manuscript Collections for Effective Genealogical Research
Explore the invaluable resources available within archives and manuscript collections, empowering you to uncover a deeper understanding of your ancestors' lives beyond traditional genealogical sources. We will discuss types of archives, archival holdings, and finding aids, as well as learn how to search an archival catalog, understand archival limitations, and conduct research on site. Case studies will demonstrate how archival materials can be used to discover facts and add context.
Philibert-Ortega
2:45–4:00 pm
Mastering Indirect and Negative Evidence
Looking beyond direct statements is necessary to answer difficult genealogical questions. Evidence that is suggested (indirect) or based on omission (negative) takes practice to recognize and use for developing a proof argument. Explore various evidence situations and learn to use writing to convey conclusions.
Graham
4:00–4:30 pm
Optional Homework Assignment
Koford
Thursday
8:00–8:30 am
Optional Homework Review
Koford
8:30–9:45 am
Researching and Identifying Female Ancestors
Researching female ancestors can be challenging, but it's not impossible. While genealogical standards provide a basic framework, a discussion of sources and proven methodology provide a deeper understanding of how to identify the women in our families through all available and relevant source material.
LaRue
10:15–11:30 am
Overcoming Record Loss to Recover Genealogical Evidence
It is rare for our ancestors to have only lived in places with complete sets of records. Rather than throwing up their hands in defeat at the first mention of a courthouse fire, the advanced genealogist forges ahead with confidence in their knowledge of sources found in different jurisdictions, institutions, and private hands. Learn thought processes for finding evidence despite loss of the most direct sources.
Graham
1:00–2:15 pm
Advanced DNA Methods: Reasoning is the Glue that Ties Genetic and Documentary Evidence Together
Learn best practices and receive guidance for interpreting and writing about genetic evidence. A case study incorporating autosomal DNA (atDNA) and X-chromosome DNA (X-DNA) illustrates the principles.
Stanbary
2:45–4:00 pm
Writing Genealogy
This class covers the components, structure, content, and characteristics of clear and effective genealogical writing. It touches on genealogical numbering systems, self editing, and written genealogical products, including family histories, proof arguments, and reports.
Jones
4:00–4:30 pm
Optional Homework Assignment
Graham
Friday
8:00–8:30 am
Optional Homework Review
Graham
8:30–9:45 am
To and Fro: Advanced Strategies for Tracing Migrations
Researching the migration of an ancestor and their family is not always straightforward. Records documenting precise movements are often unavailable, requiring genealogists to employ numerous strategies and use multiple sources. Yet, identifying migration patterns is an important research element and is often essential when determining a family's structure, origins, and other details. This session will demonstrate effective strategies through two case studies tracing families throughout New England, New York, and elsewhere in the 1700s and 1800s. Examples include specific record analysis, evaluating negative evidence, and resolving conflicting information while tracing each family's migrations.
Taylor
10:15–11:30 am
U.S. Military Pension and Bounty Land: Research, Analysis, and Law
From the Revolution to the early 1900s the United States offered federal pensions to its soldiers, and bounty land to veterans who served in conflicts before 1855. The records associated with applying for and obtaining their benefits or lands are some of the most numerous produced by the U.S. government and the most genealogically rich. They touch entire communities, not just the veteran families.
Koford
1:00–2:15 pm
Land, Tax, and Probate: Using Property Ownership to Prove Relationships
Local records related to property ownership are among the most valuable for documenting relationships. Understanding the ways land, tax, and probate records intersect allows us to conduct more thorough research and develop complex proof arguments by telling a more complete story or being able to reconstruct one type of source through information gleaned from another.
Graham
2:45–4:00 pm
Continued Advancement
Advanced genealogists never stop learning. Discuss the many opportunities available for continuing education.
Graham
Proficiency Development
Course 10: Guided Research and Consultation
Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG, FUGA
Experience the power of having your own personal guide for an entire week as you research both online and in the Family History Library. Students will review progress and findings in regular group meetings and one-on-one consultations throughout the week as they work on their own personal research projects. Assistance will be available as needed during specific research hours.
We all have family archives, whether we think of them that way or not, and as family historians, we often end up as the “keepers of the stuff.” We have papers, digital files, photos, and family keepsakes that need organizing and preserving. We also need ways to collaborate with family members who have items that can be included in our archive and ways to share our family treasures with others. We need a plan for what will happen to it all when we’re gone. Our team of expert instructors will help us think like archivists and give us practical advice on how to organize, preserve, safely store, and share our family archives. We aim for this to be an engaging and interactive course, and students will each have the opportunity for a one-on-one consultation with a faculty member.
Genealogists constantly face ethical questions. This course is designed to enable genealogists first to identify those questions and then to reflect intentionally for the purpose of acting professionally and ethically when encountering such questions. Participants will consider several areas of ethical concern for genealogists, explore codes of ethics promoted by major genealogical organizations, consider how they will approach ethical dilemmas in their own work, and construct a framework for ethics in genealogy.
Genealogy’s history is rooted in those wishing to trace their family back in time to ancestors whose accomplishments seemed more remarkable than their own. Over time, genealogical repositories have boasted books and periodicals and special, archival, and museum collections that attempt to capture more than just the dry vital record dates of ancestors. Eventually, genealogy became a pursuit for the “everyman” (and woman), learning more about a distant past one generation at a time. Today, an emphasis on “bringing ancestors to life” through stories means the genealogist must master genealogical methodology while also understanding how to research the non-genealogical to weave a story that will interest descendants.
This course offers students an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the rich research resources of the law, including those generally available only at law libraries. Students will work with legal records and sources, gaining a better grasp of legal history and its implications for research as well as the skills to find and apply the law to solve genealogical problems. Individual sessions will focus on specific legal disciplines (criminal, civil, probate and the like) and students will have the opportunity to use resources often available only at major law libraries.
This course is designed to be a skillbuilding experience that will take researchers to the next level by focusing on both methodologies and strategies for meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard when researching families that survived slavery. In-class exercises and a focus on case studies will arm students with the conceptual tools needed to overcome the challenges of researching during the antebellum period.
Beginning with the colonial period and moving to the 1900s, this course offers an in-depth look at New England research, specifically focusing on advanced methodologies and underused sources. Individual sessions will provide a deeper historical and social context for those tracing New England families, providing specific resources for each Connective, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
“Open my heart and you will see
This course is designed to deconstruct, and study researcher decisions, strategies, and methodologies employed in the correlation of documentary and genetic evidence to establish proven genealogical conclusions. Examples include 
Students in Advanced Genealogical Methods will learn how to assemble and use evidence to rediscover ancestral origins, identities, and relationships that have been forgotten over the passage of time. The course will address advanced use of evidence derived from a variety of genealogical sources and will explore research techniques for populations for which the usual records are in short supply. Students will also learn how to document their research and develop written proof summaries to reach accurate conclusions and create a credible record of their findings for present and future generations of family historians.
Experience the power of having your own personal guide for an entire week as you research both online and in the Family History Library. Students will review progress and findings in regular group meetings and one-on-one consultations throughout the week as they work on their own personal research projects. Assistance will be available as needed during specific research hours.