Beginning Genealogy

Beginning Genealogy is designed for both the new and the intermediate genealogist. It will be held on four Saturdays, beginning January 19, 2013. The class meets for two hours each week.

The story of the new genealogist is often familiar. A box of papers and photos received through the death of a family member, now sitting untouched in the closet, is discovered. Curiosity takes over. What are these documents and pictures? …or… We begin to feel mortal. What will our family know about us and our ancestors when we’re gone? The quest to leave a family legacy begins.

As time goes on, the new genealogist becomes the intermediate genealogist. The basic know-how is understood, but sometimes the process takes too long. Let’s just skip to the next step - a shortcut. OOPS! A brick wall! Now what? How about a review of the research steps so every available document is uncovered and additional records are found to research?

The computer has changed genealogy and raised research to a whole new plane. There are programs, information, clues. There’s also a lot of missing information and mis-information on the net. How much is on the Internet? How valuable is it? How should I use it? Good questions for this class.

Beginning Genealogy is the starting place to learn how or to relearn how. It’s a wonderful time to contract the incurable addiction to researching family history. Will you be there?

There is a charge for this course to cover the cost of materials for the participants. Each person receives a research notebook and numerous handouts throughout the classes. All participants must be registered with the instructor. Walk-ins are not accepted.

CLICK HERE to download the registration form.

Syllabus

Class 1
Introduction to Genealogy: Basic Terminology; Making a Plan; Setting Goals
Charting: Pedigree Chart, Family Group Sheet & Chronological Profile
Relationships
Interviewing & Letter Writing; Social Media
Organization & Filing Systems
Evidence: Primary & Secondary Evidence; Evaluation of Evidence
Computer Programs: Short discussion of popular programs
Introduction to Genealogy Websites

Class 2
Federal Census: Terminology; Puzzle Pieces of the Census; 1790-1940 Federal Census;

State Censuses; Pitfalls; Census Substitutes

Home Survey

Vital Records: Birth; Marriage; Divorce; Death; Substitutes

Church Records: Church; Cemetery; Burial; Funeral Directors

Hometown Records: City Directories; Maps & Gazetteers

Genealogy Websites of Value

Class 3

Hometown Records: Newspapers, Town/County Histories

Probate Records: Terminology; Wills and other Probate Packet Records

Land Records: Terminology; Land Survey Systems; Deeds

Court Records: Tax Lists; Polling Lists; Court Minutes

Genealogy Websites of Value


Class 4
Immigration & Naturalization: Preparation for the Voyage; Arrival (Castle Garden, Ellis Island); Passenger Lists; Naturalization Process
Military Records: Evidence of Service, Revolutionary War; Civil War; Pension & Bounty Land Warrant Applications; Draft Registration Cards; Discharge Papers, 20^th Century Records
Other Federal Records: Passports; SSDI; Civil Service, Payment Tax for the Civil War
Websites: National Archives; Library of Congress
Learning More: Valuable Websites
Winning Strategies