Course image British: Military Records
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Military Records

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This course details the military system and records of the United Kingdom. People whose ancestors come from the four constituent parts will find relevant research resources. These parts have changed through time. At present, the United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Prior to 1922, the whole of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. Irish men served in the British army throughout its modern history from the end of the 18th century. Irish military records relating to its independence period (1916-1922) and the subsequent army records of the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland) will be covered in a separate course.


Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7

Course Content

Course Notes
MODULE 1
GENERAL MILITARY RECORDS
Module Notes
“British” Defined
IntroductionDefence Services
  • General Military Records
Army Organisation
  • Army Regiments
  • Army Ranks
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 1 Course Assignments

MODULE 2
ARMY HISTORY

Module Notes
Introduction

Army Records
  • Records of all Personnel
Module 2 Course Assignments


MODULE 3
ARMY HISTORY ... Continued
Module Notes
First World War Records
Records After World War I

Military Hospitals, Institutes & Schools

  • Hospitals
  • Institutes or Academies
  • Further Sources
ROYAL MARINES & MILITIA

Royal Marines

  • Duties of the Royal Marines
  • History of the Royal Marines
  • Royal Marines Records
Militia
  • History of the Militia
  • Militia Records
Module 3 Course Assignments

MODULE 4
EAST INDIA COMPANY & COLONIAL REGIMENTS
Module Notes
Introduction
History of the Honourable East India Company

Honourable East India Company Records
  • Records of Service in India
Colonial Regiments
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 4 Course Assignments

MODULE 5
ROYAL AIR FORCE & ROYAL NAVY

Module Notes

Royal Air Force
  • History of the Royal Air Force
  • Royal Air Force Organisation
  • Royal Air Force Records
Royal Navy
  • History of Royal Navy
  • Organisation of Royal Navy
Module 5 Course Assignments

MODULE 6
ROYAL NAVY ... Continued
Module Notes

Royal Navy Records
  • Records of Royal Navy Ratings
  • Ships’ Musters
  • Records Useful for all Sailors
  • Miscellaneous Units
Bringing Your Navy Ancestors to Life
  • Naval Museums & Libraries
  • Societies
  • Other Naval Records
Module 6 Course Assignments

RECOMMENDED READING

Course image Research: British India Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: British India Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This course gives an introduction to researching ancestors in India, during the time of British involvement and rule. The course focuses mainly on British ancestors, but includes records that are relevant to other Europeans in India, as well as Anglo-Indians. 

In this course, the author will use primary and secondary material to demonstrate how to research ancestors in British India in depth. 

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
HISTORY OF THE BRITISH IN INDIA
East India Company & Beginnings of British Involvement in India
1857 Indian Mutiny
India Office Records & direct rule from Britain
Rise of Indian nationalism
1947 Independence
Life (and records) from 1948

MODULE 2
MAPS & PLACE NAMES
Changing Borders of ‘British India’
Princely States & other areas beyond direct British control
Variants in spelling & place name changes
Travel to & from India: changes over time
Suez Canal
Passenger Lists
Ship Records

MODULE 3
VITAL EVENTS, CHURCH RECORDS & PROBATE
Online Indexes
Digital Books
Church records (Anglican & non-Anglican)
Civil registration
Christianity in India
Schools & orphanages
Cemeteries
Probate
Probate in India
Probate pre-1727
Probate in the UK

MODULE 4
ARMED FORCES & MERCHANT SEAMAN
East India Company’s Armies
Indian Army
British Army
Indian Navy & Royal Indian Marine/Navy
British Merchant Seamen
Royal Navy
Royal Indian Air Force & Royal Air Force in India
Chaplains, Medical Service (and Subordinate), Veterinary Corps & Bandsmen
Indian Army Nursing Services & Women’s Auxiliary Corps

MODULE 5
OCCUPATIONS
Main occupations of the British in India (outside of the armed forces)
Civil servants: covenanted & uncovenanted (EIC)
India Office & Burma Office
Trade: tea, jute, coffee and other products
Tea Trade
Railways

MODULE 6
MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS
Memoirs, letters & diaries online & in collections around the world
Directories: what exists and what exists online
Newspapers and online databases
Family papers
Other published sources & how to access them
USEFUL ADDRESSES
Archives in the UK
Archives in India
ONLINE INDEXES
General UK Genealogy
British India
TIMELINES
Governors & Viceroys of India
Governors-General of India (1773-1858)
Viceroys of India (1858-1947)
Course image Research: Child Migration from Britain
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Child Migration from Britain

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This course provides an overview of the history of child migration from Britain and an introduction to the records that can be accessed to research them. Britain has a very long history of exporting children. Child migration from Britain occurred over a period of nearly 350 years through various private and government sponsored emigration schemes. 

This course is a good starting point for anyone who knows, or even suspects, that they have a British child migrant ancestor in their family tree. Children were sent to the American Colonies, the West Indies, Australia, Canada, Southern Rhodesia, South Africa and New Zealand. The major recipients of children, based upon numbers, were Canada and Australia. 

The course is structured to address research in each of the receiving countries, in Britain and from the sending agencies themselves. The course concludes with a case study which uses a child who migrated to Canada during a time period when child migration to Canada was near its peak. 

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO CHILD MIGRATION FROM BRITAIN
Introduction
Overview of Child Migration from Britain
Social Conditions
Agencies
Evolution
Children’s Overseas Reception Board (CORB)
The Voyage
Research Strategy

MODULE 2
CANADIAN RESEARCH
Canadian Research Sources
Immigration Records
Government Inspection Reports
Central Registry Files
Closed Files
Library and Archives Canada/British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa Home Child Database
Other Canadian Sources
Records of the First World War - Canadian Expeditionary Force
1940 National Registration
Library and Archives Canada (LAC)
Home Children Canada

MODULE 3
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & SOUTHERN RHODESIA RESEARCH
Australian Research Sources
Immigration Records
Passenger Lists
Citizenship Records
Migrant Selection Documents
Other Records
New Zealand Research Sources
Passenger Lists
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Probate Records
Southern Rhodesia Research Sources
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Additional Resources

MODULE 4
BRITISH RESEARCH
British Research Sources
British Ships Passenger Lists
British Poor Law Records
Civil Registration
Census Records
Parish Registers
Probate Records
Electoral Registers
Directories
Additional Resources

MODULE 5
AGENCIES & AGENCY RECORDS
Barnardo’s Homes
Macpherson Homes
Catholic Emigration
Quarriers
Liverpool Sheltering Homes
Middlemore Homes
Maria Rye
National Children’s Home
Fegan’s Homes
Church of England Waifs and Strays Society
Fairbridge Society
Contacting an Agency

MODULE 6
CASE STUDY
History of a Child Migrant
Course image Research: English & Welsh Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: English and Welsh Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This course gives an introduction to the first two centuries of family history research in England, Wales, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. The course will concentrate on the major sources. It will also offer a sound strategy for using these sources to gain a firm foundation for subsequent research.

Contact Hours: 12
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 5 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
STARTING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Where to Begin
Geography
LANGUAGES & NAMES
English Names
Welsh Names

MODULE 2
LOCATING RESEARCH ALREADY DONE OR IN PROGRESS
Introduction
Published Family Histories
Locating Other Researchers
Family Trees on the Internet
ABBREVIATIONS & TERMINOLOGY
ENGLISH & WELSH RECORDS
Original Records
Strategy for Genealogical Research
Civil Registration
Using the Indexes
Isle of Man Civil Registration
Channel Islands Civil Registration
Lundy Island Civil Registration

MODULE 3
ENGLISH & WELSH RECORDS…Continued
Census Records
Differences in the Censuses
Parish Registers
If Your Parish Has Not Been Digitized Yet
How to Read a Parish Register Film Effectively
Using Indexes to Parish Registers
Isle of Man Parish Registers
Channel Islands Parish Registers

MODULE 4
ENGLISH & WELSH RECORDS…Continued
Probate Records
The Will
The Probate Act or Grant of Probate
How to Find a Will for 1858 to Present
Isle of Man Probate
Channel Islands Probate
ARCHIVES & RECORD OFFICES
England
Wales
Isle of Man
The Channel Islands
FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETIES
England
Wales
Other Societies
Course image Research: The National Archives of England
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: The National Archives of England

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

Many of us can trace our ancestry back to England and the British Isles and for this reason, The National Archives is one of the most important, if not the most important, source of information on our family history. 

The old children’s rhyme about tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, really does apply here. If your ancestor was English, it is essential to know what records are available here and how to access them, whether in person or from a distance. 

The foundation stone of this archive is the Doomsday Book, the record of the whole country, a census if you will, instigated by William I in 1086. Records of British monarchs and governments through the ages are here from Henry VII’s Court of Star Chamber to the 1911 census. 

The records may have been created by Kings or Queens or their governments but in the end, they are about people, our people, the ordinary man in street, who appealed to the Court of Star Chamber for justice or fought for his country in battles overseas. 

This course is designed to help you learn how to explore this great archive, its holdings and how you can access them to help your research. It covers records about our ancestor’s occupations, criminals, military men and emigration as well as records of divorce and dispute. 

Course Length: 6 weeks

Contact Hours: 15
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 6 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
LEARNING ABOUT THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
History
The Keeper’s Gallery
What records are held at The National Archives?
What records are not held at The National Archives?
The Catalogue
Visiting The National Archives in person
Using The National Archives from a distance

MODULE 2
BIRTH, MARRIAGE, DEATH, DIVORCE, DISPUTE AND INHERITANCE
Introduction
Nonconformist Registers
Wills
Death Duty Registers
Chancery Documents
Divorce
Family Trees and Pedigrees

MODULE 3
MILITARY RECORDS
Soldiers
Soldier’s Families
Muster Pay Rolls
First World War Records (1914-1918)
Sailors - Royal Navy
Royal Marines
Merchant Seamen

MODULE 4
CRIMINAL ANCESTORS, TRANSPORTATION, EMIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION
Records of Criminality
Records of the Justices of Assize for the period 1554-1971
Prison Records
Travel: Immigration & Emigration
Naturalisation
Other Records

MODULE 5
OCCUPATIONAL RECORDS
Customs and Excise Officers
Police Officers
Staff Records
Pension Records
Recommended Reading
Course image Research: Mayflower Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Mayflower Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

You have traced your genealogy back to New England and suspect you may have Mayflower ancestry. Or perhaps you have actually traced a family line back to a Mayflower passenger. This course will cover various aspects of conducting Mayflower research and how to properly document the line by utilizing New England original and derivative records as well as sources specific to Mayflower research. 

We will first discuss the story of our Pilgrim ancestors and, believe me, their story is a fascinating one! From their religious persecution in England, to their exile in Holland and finally, their voyage to the wilderness of the New World, their determination, courage and abiding faith is an inspiration to us all. 

The resources available to you in order to trace back and/or document your existing lineage, whether for your own satisfaction or for membership in the Mayflower Society will be fully explored. We will discuss family genealogies, town histories and New England vital records. There are libraries, societies and family associations you should know about and specific genealogical journals, websites, and social media tools which can make your journey a whole lot easier. We will discuss the role of DNA testing to prove a lineage and you will be provided with a selected reading list so that you may delve more deeply into the historical aspect if you so choose. 

If you have ever wondered about the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, with headquarters in Plymouth, Massachusetts and what it’s all about, now is your chance to learn. We will cover its history, its objectives and its accomplishments. The society has definite documentation requirements for membership; these will be detailed as well as how and where to apply for membership. 

Course Length: 6 weeks

Contact Hours: 15
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 6 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
WHO WERE THE PILGRIMS? WHY WERE THEY ON THE MAYFLOWER?
Introduction
England
Holland
New England
Passenger List & Those Who Left Descendants
Passengers Who Left Known Descendants

MODULE 2
MAYFLOWER RESEARCH TOOLS & RESOURCES
Introduction
Printed Materials
Family Genealogies
MF and MFIPs
Multi-Family Genealogies
Town Histories
Periodicals & Journals
Original Records

MODULE 3
REPOSITORIES & INTERNET RESOURCES
Repositories
Public Record Offices
Archives
Libraries
Genealogical & Historical Societies
Online Resources

MODULE 4
GENERAL SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS
History of the Mayflower Society
Membership Information
Membership Benefits
Documenting Your Line for Membership

MODULE 5
DID YOU KNOW?
Old Style/New Style Dating
Julian Calendar (Old Style)
Gregorian Calendar (New Style)
Mayflower Family Associations
DNA & Mayflower Research
Benefits to Mayflower Research
Mayflower Research Library
Early Historical Works
Transcribed Records
Pilgrim Biographies & Histories
Pilgrims
Early New England Settlers, 1600s-1800s
Course image Research: U.S. 20th Century Records Including Adoption Records
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Note: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. These are available at GenealogyStore.com

  1. Board for Certification of Genealogists, Genealogy Standards, 2nd edition revised (Nashville, Tennessee: Ancestry, 2021).

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. 20th Century Records, Including Adoption Records

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

Genealogists have one, two, or three generations of ancestors to track through the 20th century; a century marked by an emphasis on privacy and the closure of records. 

This six-module course provides a foundation for researching twentieth-century sources. It includes evidence analysis exercises, source citation practice, and application of genealogical standards. (Genealogy Standards, Second Edition, or Genealogy Standards, 50th Anniversary Edition, is compulsory reading for this course.) Adoption research is featured in many of the examples. 

Course Length: 7 weeks

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Commonly Used Sources
Genealogical Proof Standard
Genealogy Standards
Evidence Analysis Terminology
COMPILED RECORDS
Introduction
Internet Searches
Evaluating Internet Resources
Use CARS to Analyze a Compiled Family Tree
Adoption
Search for Living Persons

MODULE 2
VITAL RECORDS: BIRTH, MARRIAGE & DEATH
Access to Birth Records
Pre-Adoption Birth Record
Death Records
Older Death Records
Other Records Created at the Time of Death
Probate Records
Marriage Records
Locating Vital Records

MODULE 3
CENSUSES AND CITY DIRECTORIES
Does the Census Correlate with Other Information?
Does One Census Correlate with Other Censuses?
Censuses as a Source of Clues
Censuses as a Source of Demographic Information
City Directories
State Gazetteers

MODULE 4
NEWSPAPERS
Newspaper Source Citations
Family Archives
Libraries
Interlibrary Loan
Ask A Librarian
Legal Notices
Online Newspapers

MODULE 5
LAND RECORDS
Source Citations
Land Records Terminology
Land Records Overview
Evidence Analysis
Where are Land Records Located?
How Do We Know if Our Ancestors Owned Land?
Census to Land Records Example
City Directories
Federal Lands

MODULE 6
MILITARY RECORDS
General
Philippine Insurrection
World War I
World War II
Cemetery
Draft Records
World War I
War on the Home Front
World War II
Philippine-American War, 1899-1902
Military Cemeteries
Course image Research: U.S. African American Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. African American Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

Researching African American genealogy can be difficult but it is not impossible, as some believe. This course focuses on three aspects of genealogical research and how these relate specifically to researching African Americans: research skill, knowledge of records, and understanding of historical context. 

The course is organized into reverse chronological eras, beginning with the twentieth century and moving through the late nineteenth century and Reconstruction, the Civil War era, and the antebellum (pre-Civil War) period. In each module case studies and assignments demonstrate and test the skills being developed. 

Course Length: 7 weeks

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN RESEARCH
Introduction to Research
Beginning Your Research
Summary of common record groups
Defining your problem
Identifying and locating relevant records
Cluster genealogy
Principles of source citation
Sources, information, and evidence
Evaluating your evidence
The Genealogical Proof Standard

MODULE 2
TWENTIETH-CENTURY RESEARCH
Twentieth-century sources
Privacy concerns
The Great Migration
Introduction to African Americans in the U.S. Federal Census
Locating your family in the federal census
Tracing back through the recent years
Supplementing the census with other records

MODULE 3
LATE NINETEENTH-CENTURY RESEARCH & RECONSTRUCTION
Overcoming the missing 1890 census
Using the 1880 census to identify families
The 1870 census: the first after emancipation
1867 Voter Registration lists
Southern Claims Commission
Freedman’s Bank records
Freedmen’s Bureau records
Other Sources

MODULE 4
THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865
The Beginnings of the Civil War
The African American contribution to the War
Identifying your veteran ancestor
Compiled Military Service Records
Slave Claims Commissions
U.S. Pension Records
Identifying your pensioner ancestor
Clues in a pension application file
Confederate pensions

MODULE 5
IDENTIFYING THE FINAL SLAVE OWNER
Introduction
Records that identify slave owners directly
Creating profiles of the slave and the slave owner
Identifying a probable slave owner
The U.S. Census Slave Schedules
Comparing multiple lists of slaves

MODULE 6
THE ANTEBELLUM PERIOD (PRE-1861)
Antebellum free African Americans in the North and South
Overview of the history of American slavery
Introduction to researching slaves
African American families under slavery
Using Chattel and Probate records to follow slave transactions
Pre-1850 federal census records and local tax lists
Runaway slave advertisements
Slave narratives
Court records
Manuscript collections
Suggested Reading
Course image Research: U.S. Colonial New England Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. Colonial New England Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This seven module course will give the student a basic foundation to research using colonial records in New England. It focuses primarily on the most common records used for research. The student will learn about strategies for finding colonial New England records while incorporating colonial town records, colonial census records, colonial land records and maps, the colonial wars, religious records, and court documents. 

Note: The student who undertakes this course should have familiarity with United States vital, religious, census, land and military records, as well as have a good knowledge of genealogical methodologies. 

Course Length: 8 weeks

Contact Hours: 21
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 8 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
COLONIAL NEW ENGLAND
State Resources
INTRODUCTION
Strategies for Finding Colonial New England Records
Deciphering Colonial Handwriting
Calendar Considerations
Building a Colonial New England Research Library
A Brief History of Colonial New England
Research Facilities - Archives and Libraries
Newspapers
Genealogies - Printed and Manuscript

MODULE 2
COLONIAL TOWN RECORDS
Town Records
Different Types of Colonial Town Records
Vital Records
Cemetery Records

MODULE 3
COLONIAL CENSUS
Published Census, Reconstructed Census Lists, and Census Substitutes
Seventeenth Century
Eighteenth Century
Strategies
Immigration
Court Records

MODULE 4
LAND RECORDS AND MAPS
Colonial New England Land Records
Common Terminology
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont
Maps
Gazetteers

MODULE 5
MILITARY RECORDS
Colonial Wars
Military
Colony Involvement

MODULE 6
RELIGIOUS RECORDS
Types of Religious Records
Locating Church Records
Religious Groups in Specific Colonies
Religious Groups
Major Repositories

MODULE 7
COURT DOCUMENTS
Divorce Petitions, Probate Records, and Civil and Criminal Cases
Terminology
Searching Colonial Court Records
Course image Research: U.S. Fraternal Organizations
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. Fraternal Organizations

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

Researching your ancestor’s involvement in fraternal organizations can be a very rewarding aspect of genealogy. You may learn a great deal about the individual, or you may learn a great deal about the community they resided in, or both. The research can lead you through a variety of different elements of their life, and add color to the basic timeline of an individual’s life span. During this course, we will discuss a variety of topics including the basics of this type of research, the social impacts of these organizations, and the hazards you may encounter along the way. 

Their impact on the history of the United States, and truly across the globe, cannot be overlooked. The impact fraternal organizations have had on their individual members—our ancestors—must also not be overlooked in a thorough investigation of a family history. 

Course Length: 8 weeks

Course Length: 8 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
Introduction
Aren’t they all just Masons?
How many organizations are there?
How many people were really involved?
A Part of Your Genealogy Research
Important Terminology
Basic Historic Timelines
Basic History of Fraternal Societies
Politics & Fraternal Societies
Dispelling Common Myths

MODULE 2
TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS
Society Style Differences
Fraternal
General Organization & Structure
Benevolent Organizations
Secret Organizations
Ethnic Organizations
Women’s Organizations

MODULE 3
TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS…Continued
Religious
Guilds
Political
Military
Work & Industry
Guilds
Symbols

MODULE 4
LINEAGE SOCIETIES
What Makes Lineage Societies Different?
Specific Resources
Civil War Organizations
Surname Societies

MODULE 5
RESEARCH PLANNING
Clues to Fraternal Affiliation
Preparing for a Long Process
Putting the Clues Together
Identifying Resources

MODULE 6
RESEARCH RESOURCES
Websites
Graveyards
Headstone Symbols
Newspapers
Museums
Local Archives
Manuscript Collections
Court Records
Current Members
Historic Research Field
Family Heirlooms
Regalia, Medallions, Aprons & Other Adornments

MODULE 7
RESEARCH EXECUTION
The Fraternal Society Today
Knowing When to Pull Back
Controversial Organizations
Open & Receptive – The Attitude of the Genealogist
Recommended Reading & Resources
Course image Research: U.S. Great Lakes Area Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. Great Lakes Ancestors, 211 pages.

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

The Great Lakes region of the United States is an area with a rich and diverse history. This course will focus on generalized and locality specific resources for six states in this area―Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. These six states once formed, in part, the first possession of the United States known as the “Northwest Territory.” A summary of each state’s history and geography will be provided, as well as tips on where to find important genealogical resources (such as census, land, probate, and vital records). A brief discussion of important Canadian records and suggestions for advanced research techniques will also be included.  

Contact Hours: 24
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 10 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Abbreviations
What are the “Great Lakes”?
Brief Historical Synopsis
General Research Methodology
Source/Data Worksheets for Documenting & Organizing Information
Course Organization

MODULE 2
ILLINOIS
Illinois Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Migration Patterns
Immigration & Naturalization
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Census Records
Military Records
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Newspapers

MODULE 3
INDIANA
Indiana Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
General Resources
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Migration Patterns
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers

MODULE 4
MICHIGAN
Michigan Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers

MODULE 5
MINNESOTA
Minnesota Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers

MODULE 6
OHIO
Ohio Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Migration Patterns
Immigration & Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers

MODULE 7
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Research
Brief History
Largest Cities
Vital Records
Religion
Ethnic Groups
Immigration and Naturalization
Probate & Court Records
Land Records
Census Records
Military Records
Major Repositories
Newspapers

MODULE 8
CANADA
Brief History
Why Research in Canada?
Getting Started
Key Records
APPENDIX
Course image Research: U.S. Midwestern States Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. Midwestern States Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of some of the historical events that occurred in each state, especially events that shaped the state’s history, boundaries, laws, records and other items. The states included in this course were all part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which were: Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Each state is unique in its geographical formation, social attitudes, political structure, ethnicity, industry and historical records. The modules included are aimed at giving researchers information to aid understanding of these states individually and to provide tools for researching family history, not only in terms of the individual, but also in their broader social context. 

Course Length: 7 weeks

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Introduction to Midwestern States Research
Bibliography & Resources for Further Study
ARKANSAS
Early History & Important Events
Government Structure
Court Records
Immigration Trends
Major Industry & Agriculture
Land, Maps and Taxes
Major Transportation Routes
Wars and Military Records
Vital Records
Church Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids & Repositories

MODULE 2
OKLAHOMA
Early History & Important Events
Government Structure
Court Records
Immigration Trends
Major Industry and Agriculture
Land, Maps and Taxes
Major Transportation Routes
Wars and Military Records
Vital Records
Church Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids and Repositories

MODULE 3
IOWA
Early History and Important Events
Government Structure
Court Records
Immigration Trends
Major Industry and Agriculture
Land, Maps and Taxes
Major Transportation Routes
Wars and Military Records
Vital Records
Church Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Archives and Repositories

MODULE 4
MISSOURI
Early History and Important Events
Government Structure
Court Records
Immigration Trends
Major Industry and Agriculture
Land, Maps and Taxes
Major Transportation Routes
Wars and Military Records
Vital Records
Church Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids and Repositories

MODULE 5
NEBRASKA
Early History and Important Events
Government Structure
Court Records
Immigration Trends
Major Industry and Agriculture
Land, Maps and Taxes
Major Transportation Routes
Wars and Military Records
Vital Records
Church Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids and Repositories
KANSAS
Early History and Important Events
Government Structure
Court Records
Immigration Trends
Major Industry and Agriculture
Land, Maps and Taxes
Major Transportation Routes
Wars and Military Records
Vital Records
Church Records
Newspapers
Census

MODULE 6
NORTH DAKOTA
Early History and Important Events
Government Structure
Court Records
Immigration Trends
Major Industry and Agriculture
Land, Maps and Taxes
Major Transportation Routes
Wars and Military Records
Vital Records
Church Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids and Repositories
SOUTH DAKOTA
Early History and Important Events
Government Structure
Court Records
Immigration Trends
Major Industry and Agriculture
Land, Maps and Taxes
Major Transportation Routes
Wars and Military Records
Vital Records
Church Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids and Repositories
Course image Research: U.S. Records Using Ancestry Including DNA Strategies
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. Records Using Ancestry Including DNA Strategies

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

An overview of the five essential groups of records to jumpstart your genealogy! 

NOTE: Access to Ancestry is a requirement by the student to be able to complete this course.

The use of proper search techniques and Ancestry databases will assist you in obtaining your research goals. This course will introduce very important groups of records to the genealogist: Censuses, Vital, Military, Newspapers & Publications, and Immigration records. 

Each module will provide a brief description of the record group, describing how to search for the record, what information is contained within the document, recording the information and its genealogical importance. The last module will consist of three case studies, with exercises following a family through the various record groups.

During your genealogical research project, no record group should stand alone! Although the modules can stand alone as learning tools, at the completion of this course, the researcher will be able to better understand how the various groups of records work together to provide the answers to your research quest. It is normal when researching that one record group leads you to another. The combination of the two record groups will then lead you to the third group of records, and so on. By reading the course materials, and completing the exercises and assignments, this course will teach you the importance of combining the vast amount of information available in various groups of records to develop a much more interesting family history.

Remember, this course is only an introduction to census, vital, military, newspaper and immigration records that are available on Ancestry. Additional courses are available for a more in-depth study of each of these record groups. Online virtual meetings are also provided, enabling you to ask questions of your instructor.

Ancestry has many tools that will assist the researcher in developing and recording their family history. You should have a good understanding of the tools prior to starting this course.

Course Length: 8 weeks

Contact Hours: 21
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 8 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
CENSUS RECORDS
Census Schedules
What to Expect...
Starting at the Beginning
Comparing and Analyzing Census Schedules
Census Searching at Ancestry
Source Citation
Evaluating the Schedules
When the Search Becomes a Little More Difficult
Other Census Subjects

MODULE 2
VITAL RECORDS
Availability of Vital Records
Evaluating the Document
The Death Certificate
Marriage Records
Birth Records
Using Indexes
Searching on Ancestry
More Resources at Ancestry
Social Security Death Index
United States Obituary Collection
Cemetery Indexes

MODULE 3
MILITARY RECORDS
Did They Serve?
Using Military Records in Family History Research
Adding to Family History Research
More and More Resources

MODULE 4
NEWSPAPERS
Small Town Newspapers Verses Large City Newspapers
Adding to the Family History
Looking for an Obituary
Adding More to Family History Research...Working from Newspapers
Searching the Newspaper Database at Ancestry
Other Publications

MODULE 5
IMMIGRATION & EMIGRATION RECORDS
Ship Passenger Lists (Immigration Records)
Using Ancestry Helps
Before you begin. . .
Finding the Gollnick Immigration - Using Family Stories & Census Schedules
Finding Elizabeth Lee’s Immigration Records
Before 1820...
Border Crossings
Mexican Border Crossings 1903-1957
Emigration Records
Naturalization Records
Finding the Records. . .
U. S. Passport Records

MODULE 6
THE ANCESTRY FAMILY OF WEBSITES
Fold3
Newspapers.com
Find a Grave
Ancestry
AncestryDNA

MODULE 7
RESEARCHING USING ANCESTRY: CASE STUDIES
Case Study #1
Case Study #2
Case Study #3
Course image Research: U.S. Western States Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. Western States Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

Each module in this course provides an historical overview and historical timeline as well as a survey of records available in both repositories and online for one western state. States covered are Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. In addition each module will focus on one aspect of Western states development, such as trails, suffrage and mining. 

Course Length: 8 weeks

Contact Hours: 21
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 8 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
United States Government
Church Research
Map Collections
Newspapers
Major Repositories and Record Sets Online and Off
Introduction to Western States Research
History, Government & Legislative
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
IDAHO RESEARCH
History, Government & Legislative
Important Events in Idaho History
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Vital Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study

MODULE 2
WYOMING RESEARCH
Women of the West: Suffrage
Wyoming
History, Government & Legislative
Important Events in Wyoming History
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Vital Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study

MODULE 3
ALASKA RESEARCH
Fishing, Whaling and the Fur Trade
Alaska
History, Government & Legislative
Important Events in Alaska History
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Vital Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study

MODULE 4
OREGON RESEARCH
Trails
Trails West
Oregon
History, Government & Legislative
Important Events in Oregon History
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Vital Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study

MODULE 5
MONTANA RESEARCH
Home on the Range
Montana
History, Government & Legislative
Important Events in Montana History
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Vital Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study

MODULE 6
WASHINGTON RESEARCH
Logging, Shipping and Immigration
Washington
History, Government & Legislative
Important Events in Washington History
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Vital Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study

MODULE 7
CALIFORNIA RESEARCH
Gold Rush
Gold, Guns, and Girls
California
History, Government & Legislative
Important Events in California History
Courts
Land, Maps & Taxes
Vital Records
Newspapers
Census
Major Finding Aids & Repositories
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study
Course image Research: U.S. World War II Ancestors-Part 1
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. WWll Ancestors - Part 1

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

World War II’s D-Day. There are many records that were created during World War I that are similar in World War II. Learn what led to the start of World War II, how the U.S. became involved and the military records available. They did not all burn in the 1973 fire! 

This course will move from military records for the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines to civilian jobs including the USO, Merchant Marines and others. You will learn how to research the service of your military ancestors through numerous sources. Through this research you can then write the story of your ancestor’s life. Continue your journey into World War II military records in the Research: U.S. World War II Ancestors-Part 2 course. 

Course Length: 7 weeks

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO WORLD WAR II
Introduction
History of World War II
Theaters of War
African Americans in World War II
Jews and the Holocaust
War Prison and Internment Camps
Communication During World War II
The Home Front
Propaganda
The Draft

MODULE 2
BASICS OF MILITARY RESEARCH
Introduction to Military Research
Start with the Basics
Military Service Records
Serial Numbers
Civilian Records
Military Occupational Specialty
Training Camps
Military Museums and Bases
Military Terms and Slang

MODULE 3
RECORDS CREATED IN THE FIELD
Introduction to Field Records
Records Created at The Company Level
Records Created at The Organizational Level
Other Publications
Missing in Action Soldiers
Prisoners of War

MODULE 4
MILITARY DEATH RECORDS
Introduction to Military Death Records
Graves Registration Service
Newspaper Sources
Individual Deceased Personnel Files
Naval Deaths
Permanent Interment After the War
Records on the Home Front

MODULE 5
COLLEGES, CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES, RED CROSS & UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Introduction
High Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Civilian Employees
Civilian Records
Red Cross
United Service Organizations

MODULE 6
NAVY, MERCHANT MARINES AND COAST GUARD
Introduction to Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Records
Merchant Marines
Records
ABBREVIATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Course image Research: U.S. World War II Ancestors-Part 2
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: U.S. WWll Ancestors - Part 2

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

2014 marked the 70th Anniversary of World War II’s D-Day. In Research: U.S. World War II Ancestors-Part 1 we reviewed what led to the start of World War II, how the U.S. became involved, and the military records available. In Research: U.S. World War II Ancestors-Part 2 we begin with records from the Army, Army Air Corps, Marines and National Guard and explore military and other records that can assist you in conducting World War II era research. We will explore life on the home front and the role of women in World War II including their service in the military. A case study will help you get ideas for piecing the life of your World War II soldier’s story together. 

Course Length: 7 weeks

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
ARMY, ARMY AIR CORPS, MARINES AND NATIONAL GUARD
Introduction
Education
Army Records
Marines
National Guard Records
Abbreviations

MODULE 2
RESEARCHING WOMEN
Introduction
What Women Were Doing at Home
Moving into the Work Force
Education
Men March Off To War
File Clerk or Spy?
Sources for Women’s Research on the Home Front
Tips for Researching Women
Japanese American Women in the Military
Female Prisoners Of War
Additional Resources

MODULE 3
WOMEN’S ARMY CORPS, WOMEN ACCEPTED FOR VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICE, AND WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS
Introduction
The Decision to Join the Fight
The Army - Women’s Army Corps
Army Air Corps - Women Airforce Service Pilots and Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron
The Navy - Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service
Records for Women
Additional Resources

MODULE 4
NURSES, SPARS, AND MARINE RECRUITS
Introduction
Nurses
SPARS
Marine Corps Women’s Reserve
Problems for All Service Branches
Records for Women
Histories
Additional Resources

MODULE 5
AFTER THE WAR
Introduction
The Living Return from War
Women after the War
Other Returning Considerations
The Dead and Missing
G.I. Bill
Korean War, Vietnam & Military Records Access
Military Groups and Historical Associations
Military Museums, Historical Societies, and Other Military Resources
Writing Your Soldier’s Story
Additional Resources

MODULE 6
YOU CAN RESEARCH EVEN WHEN ALL THE RECORDS BURNED!
Introduction
Resources Used For Research
What I Knew
Research Process - How One Thing Led To Another
APPENDIX
Course image Research: Acadian Ancestors - Update Pending
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

This course is an excellent introduction to the confusing and often complex history of the Acadians in Canada. Beginning with the arrival of the Acadians into the Maritime region, the power struggles between the British and the French, the expulsion of the Acadians in 1755 and 1758, the different areas within the world they settled and finally their return from exile. This is a very good starting point for anyone with an Acadian background or with an interest in the area. 

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7 weeks
Course Content

WEEK 1
INTRODUCTION
Historical Dates
Map of Ancestral Counties in France
Map of New France & Lacadie
Map of Old North American Territory of New France 1760
Map of the New Acquisitions of U.S. 1783
New Map of Canada 2000 & Governmental Information
EARLY HISTORY, THE BEGINNING, 1604
Thus began the Acadian Community
Passenger list of the St. Jehan, which sailed for Acadia on April, 1636
Found in The Port Royal Records
Records from Beaubassin and Rivières aux Mines 1679-1686
THE HUGUENOTS INFLUENCE IN ACADIA
Huguenots History
Return of the Acadians & the Jacques Robin Co.

WEEK 2
THE ACADIANS
The Social Structure
The Acadian Homes
Pictures of Acadians
Map of Nova Scotia (Acadia), Ile-Saint-Jean, Prince Edward Island & Ile-Royal (Cape Breton Island)
Map of Ile-Saint-Jean, Prince Edward Island
Map of Fortress Louisbourg

WEEK 3
THE ACADIAN PEOPLE & THE EXPULSIONS 1755 & 1758
The Expulsion of 1755
The Ports of The Arrivals
Map of Belle-Ile-en-Mer
Map of Belle-Ile Parishes
The Expulsion of 1758
Isle Royal (or) Ile Royal, Cape Breton Island
Isle Saint-Jean or Ile Saint-Jean
The Events Leading to the Expulsion of 1758

WEEK 4
THE FRENCH CITIZENS OF FRANCE & ACADIAN EXILES RETURNED TO FRANCE
Map of the French Ports & the Settlements
Map of French Guiana
Map of Alsace-Lorraine
Map of Poitier & Chatellerault France
Map of the Acadian Settlement at Archigny
Map of the French colonies in the West Indies
Map of former French Island of Jersey
Map of Island of Jersey (Parishes)
Map of the English Channel Islands & Ports
Map of Falkland Islands & Montevideo, Uruguay

WEEK 5
LOUISIANA
The Early Years
Map of Present State of Louisiana
Map of Old Louisiana Territory & llinois County
1763 Old Map of Spanish Louisiana
Map of the Louisiana State Parishes
Louisiana Territory Under The French
The ships that arrived
Parish of Iberville 1808 to 1812
St. Martinville & St. Martin Parish
Pointe Coupée Vendor & Vendée 1769-1772
Louisiana Culture
The French Royalists Refugees Arrive in Louisiana 1797
Map of the Acadian Settlement at St. Gabriel’s Parish
Map of Louisiana State with Parishes
Old St. Gabriel Church Iberville
St. Gabriel Church Parish - 1806 Document
Early Louisiana Industry

WEEK 6
THE ACADIANS RETURN TO AMERICA
Iles-de-la-Madeleine or Magdalen Islands
Acadian Places - Name Change
Manchac 1799 Survey of Simon Daigres’ Land Louisiana
Passengers from the Ship: El Nuestra Senora Carmen
Passengers on the Ship The Lydia in 1788
Acadians Records
Louisiana Records
More Acadian Records
French Guiana Records
Societies
Course image Research: Alberta Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Alberta Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

Primary settlements took place in the province of Alberta between 1885 and 1914. In the world of genealogy, that does not seem very far back! 

During this course, we will discuss the settlement patterns in Alberta and various documents created such as vital statistics, probate, census, land and church records. We will also review available research resources such as archives, libraries, and FamilySearch. 

This course will not only address the needs of those researching Alberta ancestors but also the needs of those living in the Province of Alberta researching other ancestors of various backgrounds. 

Course Length: 5 weeks

Contact Hours: 12
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 5 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
YOUR ANCESTORS IN ALBERTA
Introduction
Settlement Patterns
Years & Locations of Settlement
DOCUMENTS
Vital Statistic Registrations
Probate Records
Census Records
Land Records
Church Records
Cemeteries
Funeral Homes
Newspapers

MODULE 2
MAJOR REPOSITORIES
Provincial Archives
University Archives
Municipal Archives
Other Archives

MODULE 3
LIBRARIES & SOCIETIES
Societies & Society Libraries
Public Libraries
Smaller Local Libraries
University Libraries
Other Libraries

MODULE 4
SOCIETIES, MUSEUMS & MORE
Genealogical Societies
Museums
FamilySearch
Hiring a Professional Researcher
Course image Research: British Columbia Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: British Columbia Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This course will provide a brief overview of what genealogical resources are available in the Province of British Columbia and how to access the material. 

British Columbia has the majority of it’s population living in the southern region of the province, adjacent to the boundary with the United States, but many people lived throughout the province and material pertaining to the more isolated regions may not exist, or if in existence, might be in original form and therefore difficult to access. We will discuss how to deal with this problem. Migration and settlement patterns will also be discussed.  

Every study of family history is unique and study in each province of Canada is also unique. The material in this course will provide the researcher with the knowledge of which documents exist and where to find them to conduct an efficient and successful research project in the province of British Columbia. 

Course Length: 5 weeks

Contact Hours: 12
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 5 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
BRITISH COLUMBIA RESEARCH
Introduction
History
Available Records
Vital Statistics
Divorce Records
Directories
Land Records

MODULE 2
AVAILABLE RECORDS … Continued
Census Records
Probate Records
Cemeteries

MODULE 3
OTHER RECORDS OF INTEREST
Church Records
Newspapers
ARCHIVES & OTHER REPOSITORIES
Provincial Archives
Museums & Archives
Library and Archives Canada
Vancouver City Archives
Victoria City Archives
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Hudson’s Bay Company Archives

MODULE 4
ARCHIVES & OTHER REPOSITORIES … Continued
Family History Center
Public Libraries
Genealogical & Historical Societies
British Columbia Genealogical Society
Victoria Genealogical Society
Other Societies
Course image Research: Canadian Ancestors
Intermediate Electives
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Canadian Ancestors

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This course is intended as a guide for those who are starting to research their ancestors in Canada. It is a general guide to the records available for those conducting genealogical research in Canadian records for the first time.   

Specifically, this course is intended as a guide to researchers living outside of Canada who find that their research journey has led them to the point that they must now enter unfamiliar territory and conduct research in the records of another country, when those records may not follow the patterns with which they are familiar. To that end, each province will be examined individually in order to understand the variations in the records and storage that apply to each province. 

Course Length: 6 weeks


Contact Hours: 15
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 6 weeks
Course Content

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO CANADIAN RESEARCH
Introduction
Archives—General Information
Genealogical Societies—General Information
Major Record Collections for Genealogists
Genealogical Websites
Canadian Records
Library and Archives Canada

MODULE 2
PROVINCIAL RECORDS
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Northwest Territories, Yukon & Nunavut

MODULE 3
PROVINCIAL RECORDS...Continued
Ontario
Québec

MODULE 4
PROVINCIAL RECORDS...Continued
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island

MODULE 5
CASE STUDY
Case Study Outline
Case Study Information