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.

“The major fortunes in America have been made in land,” is a quote attributed to John D. Rockefeller. The major economy of the nation from the colonial period through the 1860s was agriculture. The acquisition of land was a promise of a better life, and a major draw to immigrants from other nations. In this course, we explore land development, law, and acquisition across the nation’s history. State and federal land records are discussed as well as maps and land platting. Genealogically-rich, deeds and other types of land records are full of relationships, community, and context for the savvy researcher.

This course is designed to be a skill building experience that includes both methodology and strategies for meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard when researching ancestors of African descent. In addition to foundational lectures such as the law and history of American slavery, case studies will arm students with the conceptual tools needed to overcome the challenges of researching during the antebellum period. Students will also learn about unique record sets for ancestors with roots in the Louisiana Creole, Native American Freedmen, and West Indian communities.

This advanced course challenges genealogists to engage deeply with the law as both context and tool for genealogical problem-solving. Students will have access to sophisticated legal resources typically available only at law libraries or by subscription to understand how the law shaped the records we analyze. The course emphasizes finding and applying the law to resolve complex research questions involving identity, kinship, and more. Individual sessions will focus on specific legal disciplines (criminal, civil, probate and the like), giving students the tools to problem-solve across legal and historical boundaries.

We are passionate about using DNA test results to establish proof and expand documentary research. This course focuses on case studies. Different from most case study presentations, we concentrate on the decision-making during the research process rather than the conclusion. The instructors will take you on a journey of a complex case integrating and correlating evidence from both documentary and genetic sources. They will highlight the various options at selected crossroads and identify their own reasoning and decision making as the research process continues to unfold. The reasoning is informed by the guidance provided in Genealogy Standards. You will experience DNA-related Standards in action. While some tools will be covered in selected lectures, this is NOT a tools-based course. We focus on the best tool of all—the BRAIN!

This course is designed for experienced genealogists tracing New England ancestors who want to strengthen their skills in using the region’s records. Building on a solid foundation, the course focuses on practical approaches to town records, land and probate records, compiled and published sources, and lesser-known or overlooked New England materials.

Through lectures, examples, and guided exercises, the course emphasizes strategies for identifying and interpreting both compiled and original records. Attention is also given to the historical and regional factors that shaped New England record-keeping from the colonial period through the nineteenth century, along with tips for locating less-obvious sources and making the most of available records. This course is best suited for genealogists ready to move beyond basic searches and work more deeply within New England records to resolve long-standing research questions.

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.