Optional Print Course Material: Planning a Research Trip Including Salt Lake City
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
As genealogists and family historians we all dream of one day
walking the land of our ancestors or going to ‘genealogy heaven’
in Salt Lake City. You can make those dreams come true, with
sound practical advice. Researching away from home, especially
abroad, can be productive and rewarding if adequate preparations
are made. This course gives practical advice on travel,
accommodation, what to take, and what to expect in libraries,
archives, and other repositories. You need to be fully prepared
to accomplish your research objectives. The second half of the
course concentrates on the world’s largest genealogical library,
the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. It is your guide in
the planning process, familiarizes you with how the FamilySearch
Library is organized, and gives all the practical tips anyone can
use to get the most from their research trip.
COURSE CONTENT
Course Notes
MODULE 1
PREPARING A RESEARCH
TRIP
Module Notes
Introduction
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your
Research
Relatives
What to take on your
visit
Ancestral Places
- What records do I need to consult?
- Where are these records kept?
- Contacting the Archives, Record Office, or Library
- Code of Conduct
Module 1 Course Assignments
MODULE 2
VISITING SOCIETIES & TRIP
PLANNING
Module Notes
Family History and Genealogy
Societies
Local Bookstores
Planning Your Research
Trip
- Daily Itinerary
- Travel
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Research Needs
- Bags
- What to bring inside an archive or library
- Things to Take on a Research Trip
- Note Taking
- Handbags & Security
- Supplies
- Money
Sightseeing and Family Visits
During The Trip- What to Expect at an Archive
Module 2 Course Assignments
MODULE 3
SALT LAKE CITY AND THE
FAMILYSEARCH LIBRARY
Module Notes
Why are you
going?
When to go?
How long to
stay?
What to wear?
Items to Bring
Salt Lake City,
Utah
Getting There
Accommodations
Getting Around Salt Lake
City
Preparation Before You
Go
Module 3 Course Assignments
MODULE 4
AT THE FAMILYSEARCH
LIBRARY
Module Notes
General
Information
Floor Plans
FamilySearch Library
Policies
Reference Desks
Making Copies
Using the Machines
- Languages
- Condition of the Records
- Books
- Maps
Your Last Day
On Your Return
In Conclusion
Recommended Reading and
Resources
Module 4 Course Assignments
Optional Print Course Material: Personal Historian: Beginning Genealogy
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Genealogical research is one income stream you can add to your
Personal Historian business whether you conduct the research or
your hire a researcher. Family history information enhances a
personal history project by providing more in-depth family
details. This introduction to genealogy will address how to add
this income stream to your business, what to look for when hiring
a researcher, and how to do the basic research
yourself.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
ADDING GENEALOGY TO YOUR PERSONAL HISTORIAN BUSINESS
Introduction
Pros & Cons of Adding a Genealogy Income Stream
Code of Ethics for Genealogical Researchers
Contracts & Fees
Types of Contracts
Marketing
Next Steps
MODULE 2
GENEALOGY BASICS
Introduction
Enhancing a Personal History Project
Starting Genealogical Research
Family Stories
Genealogy Software
Home Sources
Interviewing
Searching Online Records vs. Offline Records
Warning! It isn’t as easy as clicking a Shaky Green Leaf Hint
Religious and Country Rulers Affected Records
Country, State/Provincial, County, & Town Boundary Changes
MODULE 3
ANALYZING INFORMATION & PLANNING
Introduction
Looking at information provided by a client
Family stories and the truth
Sources
Evidence Analysis Process
Citing Sources
Creating the Client Research Report
MODULE 4
COMMONLY USED RECORDS
Introduction
Online & Offline Records, and Missing Records
Commonly Used Records in Genealogy
Vital Records
Religious & Cemetery Records
Population, Agriculture, & Non-Population Census Schedules
Immigration
City Directories or Phone Books
Newspapers
Military Records
Land & Property Records
Court and Probate Records
Next Steps
MODULE 5
REPOSITORIES AND ONLINE RECORDS
Introduction
Records Access
Tips for Using Repositories
Types of Repositories
Online Records & Indexes
MODULE 6
LOCATING, HIRING & EVALUATING A PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGIST
Introduction
Why Do You Need a Researcher?
Locating a Researcher
Hiring a Researcher
Recommended Reading & Resources
Optional Print Course Material: Research: FamilySearch Resources: In Person and Online
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
FamilySearch is one of the important websites in the field of
genealogical research. The FamilySearch, free, website is just
one part of a larger network, provide by The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch includes over 6.3
billion searchable records and indexes online. FamilySearch
provides digital images, education, digitized books, online
indexing, a library catalog, and online access to genealogy
sources in a variety of forms. The services provided through the
FamilySearch organization have proven time and time again to be
invaluable to researchers of all experiences and levels of
expertise. In this course we will review all aspects of using the
FamilySearch website and how to use the website to find, learn,
network, and share with other researchers.
Course Length: 9 weeks
MODULE 1
GETTING STARTED
Introduction
Getting Started on FamilySearch
About the Website
Granite Mountain Records Vault
Support and Help
MODULE 2
SEARCH FUNCTIONALITY
Introduction
Find What You Need: Search Functionality
Getting to the Records
What Now?
MODULE 3
NOW WHAT?
Introduction
Indexed versus Non-Indexed Collections
Using the Online Viewer
Downloading Images
The Indexing Process
Citations
MODULE 4
THE RESEARCH WIKI
Understanding the Research Wiki
Using the Wiki
Boolean Search
Wiki Tools
Contributing to the Wiki
Quality Control
MODULE 5
THE FAMILY TREE
Introduction
Family Tree
Establishing Your Tree
Person Profile
Connecting with Other Researchers
Memories
MODULE 6
CATALOG AND BOOKS
Introduction
Catalog Contents
Searching the Catalog
Microforms
FamilySearch Digital Library
FamilySearch Digital Library Search
Narrowing Your Results
Viewing Your Book
MODULE 7
FAMILYSEARCH HELP AND LEARNING
Introduction
Help and Learning
FamilySearch Blog
MODULE 8
FAMILYSEARCH CENTERS
What is a FamilySearch Center and a FamilySearch Library?
Using a Center
Services at the Center
Expert Help
Computers and Resources
Optional Print Course Material: Discover Your Family History
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
An introductory course in tracing your family history. Start with the question: “Why should I trace my family history?” Then focus on the how as you learn to use a Pedigree Chart and Family Group Record. Move to research basics with living family members and home sources that provide relevant information. Review websites and sources most used in family history research. The course concludes with a look at next steps to continuing your research including DNA testing and hiring a genealogist. Or, continue courses with the International Institute of Genealogical Studies to reach your dream of becoming a professional genealogist by earning your credentials.
MODULE 1
WHERE DO I BEGIN? INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY HISTORY
The Basics of Genealogy
Starting Genealogical Research
Planting an Online Tree
Genealogy Software
Home Sources
MODULE 2
ORAL INTERVIEWING AND PLANNING RESEARCH
Introduction
Interviewing
Family Stories and the Truth
Getting Ready to Research: Understanding Sources
Information within Records
Cite Your Sources
Planning Your Family History Research
MODULE 3
COMMONLY USED RECORDS
Introduction
Online & Offline Records and Missing Records
Commonly Used Records in Genealogy
But What Do I Need?
Next Steps
MODULE 4
FAMILY HISTORY ON THE INTERNET: USING FAMILYSEARCH
Introduction
FamilySearch Catalog
FamilySearch Digital Library
FamilySearch Historical Records
FamilySearch Research Wiki
MODULE 5
FAMILY HISTORY ON THE INTERNET
Searching Online Records vs. Offline Records
Start Online, But Don’t Stay There!
Online Resources
Don’t Stop at the Homepage
Been There, Done That, Now What?
Genealogy Finding Aids
Digital Collections
Searching on Google Books
MODULE 6
ASKING FOR HELP AND NEXT STEPS
Next Steps
Help!
Be Prepared
Take a Research Trip
Hiring a Professional Genealogist
DNA
Why Am I Testing?
Which DNA Test Should I Take?
Optional Print Course Material: Planning a Fabulous Family Reunion
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Planning a family reunion is often something you have been thinking or dreaming of for years. But like most projects, at a certain point you must stop dreaming and start doing.
Let's not kid ourselves, planning a family reunion is a big job. It will take lots of hours, and many times you will wonder why you ever dreamed of this.
Yes, you can do this, just don't try to do it by yourself. If you've assembled a good planning team, your family reunion will be a success. This course will give you lots of ideas and suggestions to make the planning of your reunion a little easier.
Genealogy has been known to become a passion or become addictive. Well the enthusiasm in planning a family reunion is infectious, if you have the excitement, you will pass it on.
Course Length: 5 weeks
MODULE 1
PLANNING A FABULOUS FAMILY REUNION
Why plan a family reunion?
How often should a reunion be held?
The Family Survey
Who, What, When & Where?
Various Committees
MODULE 2
VARIOUS STEPS IN PLANNING A FABULOUS REUNION ... Continued
The Guest List
Organizing the Family List & Communications
Getting the List
Communication with the Family
MODULE 3
VARIOUS STEPS IN PLANNING A FABULOUS REUNION ... Continued
The Budget — A Tough Challenge
Reunion Themes
Reunion Activities
MODULE 4
VARIOUS STEPS IN PLANNING A FABULOUS REUNION ...Continued
Remember-the-Reunion
The Good-Byes
After the Reunion
Needed Genealogical Items
Optional Print Course Material: Preserve Your Family
History Documents and Heirlooms
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
[Formerly titled: Protect Your Precious Documents]
You have taken the time to locate and acquire your family’s
precious documents, photos, and heirlooms. Now take the time to
protect, curate, and share them for future generations to
enjoy.
This course discusses how to preserve your family history items to minimize damage. The procedures for encapsulating documents and photographs will be explored, as well as other methods to protect your family heirlooms. You are your family’s archivist, and family history requires you to do more than research, you must also preserve material items of the past. This course will demonstrate the techniques and tools you need to do just that.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
PRESERVING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Introduction
What Should We Preserve?
Cleaning Procedures
Preservation
What You Will Want to Preserve
Worst Enemies of Preservation
MODULE 2
HANDLING AND STORING PAPER ITEMS
Paper Documents
Newsprint
What to keep & what to discard?
How are your documents held together?
Do your documents require cleaning?
Does your document have tears or rips in it?
How to Store Your Documents
Archival Products
MODULE 3
PHOTOGRAPHS & FAMILY BOOKS
Photographs & Negatives
Family Books
Archival Products
MODULE 4
AUDIO & VIDEO RECORDINGS, AND HEIRLOOMS
Audio Recordings
Live Action Video Recordings
Compact Disks
Special Heirlooms on Fabric, Wood, or Metal
Archival Products
MODULE 5
DIGITIZING FOR PRESERVATION
Introduction
Why Digitize?
Digitization Equipment
Digitization Guidelines
MODULE 6
RESOURCES & TOOLS
Records Preservation Tool Kit
In the End
Other Ways to Preserve Items for the Long Term
Suggested Reading & Resources
Optional Print Course Material: Writing Your Family History Book
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Recording interesting family stories is essential if you want
future generations to read your family history book. This course
will help you write the story of your life or of your ancestors’
lives. Techniques for researching the facts, remembering the
events, writing the text, adding visuals with graphics or
photographs, and finally reproducing your book will all be
discussed.
Course Length: 6 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Introduction to Writing
Techniques for Researching the Facts
The Art of Storytelling
Organizing Your Material
Organizing Family Documents, Photographs, and Other Items
Twenty-First-Century Family Trees
MODULE 2
FORMATTING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Charts and Reports
Scrapbooks and Journals
Ancestor Profiles
Books
Booklets and Newsletters
Electronic Publishing
MODULE 3
TIME MANAGEMENT
Introduction
Writing Obstacles/Distractions
Setting Goals
MODULE 4
WRITING THE TEXT
Writing from Documents
Writing from Photographs
Writing from Family Research/Interviews
Questioning Techniques
Transcribing Interviews
Problems with Contacting Relatives
What Material to Include
Inserting Charts, Graphics, and Photographs
Putting Your Family in Historical Context
Writing Your Story
MODULE 5
THE RESEARCH IS DONE, NOW WHAT?
Introduction
Publishing Options
Publishing Goals - Recouping Costs
Blogging
Print On-Demand
Self-Publishing
Traditional Publishing
Final Thoughts on Publishing
WRITING EXERCISES FOR WRITING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Suggested Reading