Search results: 218
Optional Print Course Material: Personal Historian: Oral History and Interviewing Techniques
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
A personal historian uses oral history interview techniques to
interview individuals about their lives or those of their family.
Combining the interview, research, and additional items like
photographs and documents, a personal historian can create a
beautiful story for a client. This course will discuss the things
you need to know before specializing in oral histories, how to
prepare for and conduct an interview, and what can be done with
all the materials. Finally, we will learn how to put everything
together and preserve these priceless histories.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
GETTING STARTED IN ORAL HISTORIES
Introduction
Establishing the Business Component
Fee Setting
Contracts and Usage Agreements
Oral History Education and Networking
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Additional Resources
MODULE 2
PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW
Get To Know the Client
Create an action plan
Things to Consider When Interviewing
Preliminary Interview & Summary
Preliminary Interview Example
Additional Resources
MODULE 3
CONDUCTING THE INTERVIEW
Prior to the Interview
The Day of the Interview
Getting Started and Breaking the Ice
Asking the Questions
Tips for Interviewing
Concluding the Interview
Additional Resources
MODULE 4
SHAPING THE INTERVIEW RESULTS
Why Do We Transcribe & Index Interviews?
Who will Transcribe?
Basics of Transcribing and Indexing
Specifics on Transcribing and Indexing
Editing the Transcript
Additional Resources
MODULE 5
PRODUCTS
Introduction
Oral History Package
Books, Photo books or Scrapbooks
Blogs or Websites
Videos or Audio Recordings
Microsoft Office PowerPoint/Slide Show
Additional Resources
MODULE 6
PRESERVATION AND FINAL THOUGHTS
Introduction
Special Oral History Projects
Preserving the Oral History or Final Product
Continuing Education
Additional Resources
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.
Course Length: 7 weeks
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
Optional Print Course Material: Writing the Genealogist's Memoir
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
As a genealogy researcher for your family, you can enhance the results of your work, as well as realize personal satisfaction and value, by creating a memoir to enlighten those who read it. Your memoir can tell them about the story behind your research: your inspiration, motivation and/or interest in genealogy; your process; “aha” moments; roadblocks and disappointments; and successes. The professional genealogist or personal historian can also offer a service to help clients create such a companion piece for their family trees or histories.
This course will explore the importance and value of memoir, a method for accomplishing one, and special issues to consider. Exercises will offer practical application of the material and opportunities to work on writing your memoir. The course will focus on writing as a method but will explore other options, such as audio and video, as well.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
THE VALUE OF MEMOIR FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND THE CULTURE
Introduction
Course Overview
Glossary
Importance of Telling/Writing Your Story in General
Benefits to the Individual, Family and Culture
Historical Precedents
Memoir for the Genealogist
MODULE 2
PLANNING THE MEMOIR
Types of Life Writing
Definition of Memoir For Purpose of This Course
What a Memoir is Not
What to Include
Who is Your Audience?
Reading Memoirs for Ideas and Inspiration
Media Available for Saving Your Story
An Aside on Commercial Publication
MODULE 3
GATHERING MATERIAL FOR THE MEMOIR
Journaling/Memoir Writing and the Difference
Mind Mapping
Timeline/Defining Moments
Interview/Questions
Freestyle Writing
Recording Into a Device (Audio or Video)
Use of Photographs and Other Prompts
Topics List for the Genealogist’s Memoir
MODULE 4
DEVELOPING THE NARRATIVE
Transcription
Writing
Organizing the Material
Revision and Editing
MODULE 5
ISSUES IN MEMOIR WRITING
Truth In and Disagreement About Memories
Dealing with Uncomfortable Memories
Privacy Considerations
Copyright and Fair Use
Helping a Client to Write a Memoir
MODULE 6
PRODUCING THE FINAL PRODUCT
Methods of Book Production
Formatting the Manuscript
Bibliography
APPENDIX
Optional Print Course Material: Electronic Resources: Organize and Publish a Family Tree
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
This course is designed to give students a wide view of
genealogical organization systems available. Geared toward making
a sound decision and investment in one’s genealogical software,
this course will include cloud-based systems, online trees,
desktop software, as well as a brief survey of alternative
programs and systems for organizing and displaying genealogical
research.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
OVERVIEW & REVIEW OF TECHNOLOGY
Introduction
Genealogical Software
What is a GEDCOM File?
What is a Wiki?
What is “The Cloud?”
Decide Which is Right for You
Glossary
MODULE 2
GENEALOGY PROGRAMS FOR WINDOWS
Introduction
Family Tree Maker 2019
Legacy Family Tree Deluxe 9.0
RootsMagic 7
Ancestral Quest 16
Family Historian
Glossary
MODULE 3
GENEALOGY PROGRAMS FOR MACINTOSH
Introduction
Family Tree Maker 2019
Reunion
MacFamilyTree
Heredis 2021
Gramps
Running Windows on a Macintosh
Glossary
Suggested Reading
MODULE 4
ORGANIZING YOUR FAMILY TREES ONLINE
Introduction
Privacy Issues
Security Tips
Online Family Tree Websites
Glossary
Suggested Reading
MODULE 5
GENEALOGY MOBILE APPLICATIONS
Introduction
Genealogical Software Companion Apps
Website Companion Apps
Stand-Alone GEDCOM Viewer Apps
Miscellaneous Apps
Glossary
Suggested Reading
MODULE 6
STORING, ORGANIZING, ANALYZING & DISPLAYING RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Introduction
Cloud-Based Systems
Backup Systems
Other Miscellaneous Programs
Spreadsheets
Glossary
Suggested Reading
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.
Course Length: 7 weeks
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)
Optional Print Course Material: Personal Historian: Video Techniques
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
This course is designed to introduce the basics of audio-video production for personal historians and genealogists, that is, people who want to use current digital audio and video tools to record, edit and share life stories. Audio-video productions encompass four phases of work: pre-production, production, post-production and delivery. This course is structured along these four phases.
Students with any level of audio-video experience, including those who are beginners, can learn from this course. There is great depth and variety to the practice of video biography. This course will help you build your skills and savvy.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
AUDIO/VIDEO TECHNIQUES, TOOLS & TIPS
Introduction
Glossary of Terms
PRE-PRODUCTION
Crew and Gearing Up
Managing time & money: budgets, schedules & expectations
Crew: will you work alone or with others?
The right tools for you
Packaging and delivery
Partnerships
Learning opportunities
MODULE 2
PRE-PRODUCTION ... Continued
Prepare for Your Shoot
Gearing up - A brief review
Planning and organizing a specific shoot
Budgeting: money matters
Scheduling: managing your time per project
Location scouting
Story skills: Thinking visually
Research
MODULE 3
PRODUCTION
Your Field Recording, Your Shoot
Lighting - Essential skills
Camera work - Essential skills
Field audio - Essential skills
Interviewing
B-roll explained
How to choose and use the subject’s personal archive
MODULE 4
POST-PRODUCTION - PART 1
Organizing Your Materials After the Shoot
Understanding narrative structure in brief
Practical options for preparing your materials for edit
Practical options for organizing your story
MODULE 5
POST-PRODUCTION - PART 2
Editing & Composing Your Materials After the Shoot
Editing video
Editing audio
Graphics
Rights and permissions - your legal responsibilities
Rough cuts & fine cuts
MODULE 6
DELIVERY
Outputting Your Story & Reaching Your Audience
Additional audiences - use your work to generate more
Communities
Speaking opportunities
Organize client-centered screening events
Create a web presence
Encourage word of mouth
Leverage local media
Optional Print Course Material:Research: Social History
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
This introduction to social history will provide examples and resources of subject matter from many areas of interest to the social historian. Rather than being a comprehensive discussion of social history, the material is intended to inspire your research into the lives of your people and the times and places they lived in. Your ancestors, their families, and the society they lived in may be different from the examples given but only by researching the specifics of their lives, their communities, the world around them and the forces and influences that shaped their environment can you begin to know who they were.
NOTE: Assignments in this course will require the student to do social history research on the Internet and/or at a local library. How in-depth the research will be, depends on the student’s own personal interest on the subject.
Course Length: 8 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL HISTORY
Introduction
Course Overview
Resources
Understanding Current Events: Historic Newspapers
Understanding the Period: Historical Books
Understanding Society: Magazines and Journals
Historical Directories
Research Papers, Reports and Statistics
Contemporary letters and diaries
Libraries, archives, museums and collections
Maps, illustrations, photographs, paintings, film
Interviewing and oral history
Records and documents
How to Record and Share Social History
Genealogy Software
Blogging
Online story sharing
Self-publishing: Print on demand and eBook
YouTube and Vimeo
Suggested Reading and Resources
MODULE 2
PEOPLE, FAMILY AND SOCIETY
Demographics: Population, race and class
Sexuality and Morality
Marriage and Divorce
Children and Childhood
Customs and Traditions
Social Currents, Ethnicity and Prejudices
Leisure, hobbies and games
MODULE 3
DOMESTIC LIFE
Introduction to Domestic Life
Environment
Clothing and Fashion
Food and Cooking
House and Home
Housekeeping
Land and Property
Alcohol and Drugs
MODULE 4
BIRTH, LIFE, AND DEATH
Birth
Resources
Health and Lifestyle
Healing: treatments, medicines, surgery
Disease and epidemics
Mental health
Mortality: Death and Burials
MODULE 5
WORK, WAGES AND ECONOMY
Economy: Prices, Cost of Living and Salaries
Occupations, working conditions and the labour movement
Businesses and employers
Social Welfare
MODULE 6
COMMUNITY, RELIGION AND GOVERNMENT
Community
Fairs and Markets
Celebrations and holidays
Education, language and literacy
Religion, church, faith and persecution
Crime and punishment
War, Revolution and Unrest
MODULE 7
GAME CHANGERS
Emigration
Inventions
Transportation
Communication
Optional Print Course Material: Research: South African Ancestors Including Military Records
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
This course covers the history of South Africa, genealogical sources and repositories for searching your ancestors. General genealogical topics covered include birth, marriage, death, church records, cemeteries, newspapers, and more. Also included is discussion on online databases. Research examples are provided to give guidance in various types of research projects.
In addition, the course looks at major wars and conflicts, and the records they produced. Starting with the Boer Wars, World Wars I and II, and ending at the Korean War. In particular, records of the South African Constabulary, South African Defence Force, South African Air Force and the South African Police are covered.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA & THE BOER WARS
South African History
Searching National Archives and Records Service
Settlers Who Travelled to Natal from England, 1824-1857
Shipping/Passenger Lists
The Boer Wars
Boer War 1899-1902
MODULE 2
HOW TO FIND MY ANCESTORS
Introduction to Genealogy in South Africa
General Genealogical Topics
Problems and Pitfalls
Restricted Access Files
School Records
Statistics
Sources for Genealogical Research
MODULE 3
RESEARCH EXAMPLES
An Unfortunate Flying Accident
Story of a Digitorium
Family Rumour
Armoured Train, Trafalgar
Where is Uncle Presbury?
An Unusual Casualty
Story of John Smith
MODULE 4
WORLD WAR I
1914 Rebellion
World War I (1914-18)
History of South Africa’s Involvement
German South West Africa 1914-1915
Actions Taken by the South African Forces
German East Africa Campaign
World War I Diaries
Regimental Mascots
Medals
Germans Living in South Africa Placed in Internment Camps during World War I
South African Police in World War I
MODULE 5
WORLD WAR II
South Africa during World War II
South Africa Defence Force Records
Department of Home Affairs
Obtaining a Certificate through a Private Company
World War II Diaries
German Families during World War II
Men Who Died While Serving in World War II
South African Police in World War II
Women’s Auxiliary Air Force & Women’s Auxiliary Air Service
Nursing in South Africa during World War II
MODULE 6
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE & SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE IN KOREA
South African Police
Rand Rebellion
Police Clearance Certificates
South African Air Force in the Korean War
APPENDIX
Abbreviations
Guide to Using the National Automated Archival Information Retrieval System
National Archives and Records Service (NARS) Website
National Automated Archival Information Retrieval System
Searching the NAAIRS Databases
Reference Addresses
Libraries
Museums
Creating interesting family history stories involves adding details of your ancestor’s life that go beyond just names and dates. What was their occupation? What religious and political beliefs did they hold? Did they serve in the military, and why did they do what they did? This is an interesting way to start fleshing out the bones of your genealogy and to make your family history come alive.
In this course we will explore how to find and incorporate information about your ancestor’s life to how to write and publish your family history story. Not sure how to go about writing the story of your ancestor? We cover the very beginning steps of writing to the final product.
MODULE 1
THE BASICS OF WRITING
Introduction
Why should we write family stories?
What about other stories outside of straight genealogy?
What is the FOCUS of the writing project?
What General Research Materials Can We Use?
Ethics and Copyright
A Brief Look at Ethics and Copyright
Deed of Gift or Usage Agreements
Writing Assistance
MODULE 2
EXPLORING THE INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY
How to Explore the Individual or Family
Memory and Story Lists
Jog Your Memory
Incorporate Life Lessons
First Ideas on Writing and Storytelling
Creating the Outline and Timeline for the Story
The Research
MODULE 3
MANY FACETS OF HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Thinking Outside of the Box
Historical Research Considerations
Conducting Historical Research
Next Steps
MODULE 4
TELLING THE STORY
Managing the Writing Project
Writing Tips
Telling the Story
Story Examples
MODULE 5
PUBLISHING
Introduction
Self-Publishing Examples
Writing and Editing
Beta Readers
Layout - Preparing the Text and Images
Cover Design
Proofreaders
Publishing Options - Print and Print On Demand
MODULE 6
GETTING SUPPORT FOR WRITING
Introduction
Education
Writing Groups, Residencies, Retreats, and Studios
Writing Competitions
Special Topic Programs and Lectures
Books, Blogs, Journals, and Magazines
Find a Friend
Suggested Reading and Resources for Writing
Optional Print Course Material: Research: Nova Scotia Ancestors
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Nova Scotia, first settled in 1604 (although it did not remain), has some of the oldest history in what is now Canada. Its early history reflected the ongoing conflicts between France and England, resulting in an era of New France and ultimately, becoming part of British colonial territory that included the thirteen colonies in what became the United States. By the official end of the American Revolution in 1783, Acadia, as it was then known, was redrawn with the state of Maine becoming part of the new US Republic.
Connections with New England, or what Nova Scotians called “the Boston states,” remained close through family on both sides of the border. Indeed, some of the United Empire Loyalists who sought refuge in Nova Scotia returned years later to rejoin parts of their family who remained across the border. The easy trip by schooner between Halifax and Boston or New York was more feasible than overland travel to other parts of Canada. In later years, as economic difficulties in Nova Scotia led to crossing the border for work opportunities, connections increased as half of a family might be living in Boston. Many went to work only and families remained in Nova Scotia. In family history research in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it is not uncommon to find people on a US Census in 1880 and a Canadian Census in 1891. Back and forth migration was a strategy for some families. Ultimately, Nova Scotians who remained in New England married, had children, moved across the United States and lost their connections with family back home.
Many people in other parts of Canada and in the United States have an ancestor who resided in Nova Scotia for five years or several generations. For this reason, the course will focus on distance research although resources available only on-site at archives or local history museums will also be explored.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO NOVA SCOTIA RESEARCH
Course Overview
Overview of Nova Scotia History & Its People
General Sources of Genealogical Information
Birth, Marriage and Deaths
Cemeteries
Probate
Census Records
Poll Taxes and Assessments
Land
Immigration
Military Records
Geography and Administrative Constructs
MODULE 2
ABORIGINAL PEOPLES - THE MI’KMAQ
The Mi’kmaq
Vital Statistics
The Acadians
MODULE 3
BRITISH COLONIAL ERA
New England Planters
Tracing a Planter from Horton Township
United Empire Loyalists
The Hessians
MODULE 4
THE CELTIC PEOPLE - SCOTS & IRISH
The Scot
The Irish
MODULE 5
SETTLEMENT BY THE ENGLISH
The English
British Home Children
Industrial Cape Breton
Halifax and Area
Out-migration or Moving On
MODULE 6
RESEARCH STRATEGIES
Developing a Research Strategy
Nova Scotia Research
Distant Cousins - A Case Study
A Research Trip to Nova Scotia
Social Media
Recommended Resources
Local Genealogy Societies/Museums/Archives
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
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
Optional Print Course Material: Planning a Research Trip to Scotland
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Traveling to your ancestor’s hometown can be exciting and scary! The possibility of breaking brick walls, finding never-before-seen records, and walking in your ancestor’s footsteps is beyond exciting. But if you haven’t traveled internationally or aren’t sure where to start, planning such an adventure can be overwhelming.
In this course we will explore what you need to do in order to plan and execute your ancestral travel to Scotland. We will discuss how to prepare for your trip and plan for research, and repositories you will want to visit.
Course Length: 6 weeks
MODULE 1
GETTING STARTED
Introduction
An Introduction to Scottish History
Planning Your Trip
Getting There
In Scotland
Ready to Go
Researching in Scotland
MODULE 2
SCOTTISH ARCHIVES
Introduction
What is an Archive?
National Records of Scotland – ScotlandsPeople Centre
Local Scottish Archives
MODULE 3
GENEALOGY SOCIETIES
Websites
Introduction
Scottish Genealogy Society
Scottish Association of Family History Societies
Scottish Association of Family History Societies Members
MODULE 4
LIBRARIES
Introduction
Searching Collections
National Library of Scotland
Mitchell Library
Glasgow Women’s Library
Edinburgh Central Library
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Library & Special Collections
Scottish Borders Council Libraries
Library of Innerpeffray
University Libraries
MODULE 5
CREATING A RESEARCH PLAN
Introduction
A Genealogy Research Plan
Optional Print Course Material: Research: Austro-Hungarian Ancestors
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Austria-Hungary was formed in 1867 when the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary agreed to unite under the House of Hapsburg, a powerful family that controlled almost all of Europe at different points in history. The dual monarchy became one of the most influential powers in Eastern Europe in the latter half of the 19th century before being dissolved in 1918 following the end of World War I. Because of this complex history, beginning the genealogy research process may seem an overwhelming task.
Whether you can trace your ancestry back to the Austrian portion, or the Hungarian half, this course will provide you with a solid foundation on which to begin your research. We will discuss, amongst other things: what resources, mainly U.S. and Canadian, can help you begin your research; how geography and border changes impact your research; what Austrian and Hungarian records are available and the historical considerations in their creation; where and how these records can be accessed digitally, on microfilm, via correspondence, or from onsite research; and language resources. We will also review strategies and tips for addressing and overcoming modern-day research challenges and obstacles.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
STARTING YOUR SEARCH
Tracing Austrian & Hungarian Ancestors
Who controlled what?
Were your ancestors really Austrian or Hungarian?
Creating a Research Plan
History & Sources for Immigration/Emigration
Emigration Questions to Ask Relatives
Specific Clues to Look for in Records
Ethnic Genealogical Societies
MODULE 2
GETTING AROUND THE AUSTRIAN HALF OF THE EMPIRE
Geography’s Impact on Austrian Genealogy
Austrian Empire
Shifting Borders
Tools for Locating Towns & Villages
MODULE 3
LOCATING AUSTRIAN RECORDS
General Guidance
What Types of Records for Austrian Ancestors?
Church records / Kirchenbücher or Matriken & Parish Transcripts / Kirchenbuchduplikate
Civil Registration / Zivilstandsregister
Cemetery Inscriptions / Friedhofsinschriften
Inquisitions postmortem / Totenerklärungen
Census Records / Volkszählungen
Military Records / Militärakten
Seigniorial records
Land and tenancy records / Grundbücher und Prästationstabellen
House books / Hausbücher
Court and notarial records / Gerichts- und Notariatsakten
City directories / Adreßbücher
Guild and apprenticeship records / Zunft- und Lehrlingsbücher
Burgher rolls / Bürgerbücher
Genealogical collections / Genealogische Sammlungen und Ortssippenbücher
Wills and estate records / Testamente und Nachlaßakten
Guardian and ward records / Vormundschafts- und Waisenakten
School Records / Schulmatrikel
Tithing and tax records / Zehnt- und Zinsbücher
Emigration records /Auswanderungsakten
Newspapers Published in Austria
Historical Photographs & Other Social History Resources
Reading the Records
Languages & Scripts
Translation Resources
MODULE 4
GETTING AROUND THE HUNGARIAN HALF OF THE EMPIRE
Geography’s Impact on Hungarian Genealogy
Administrative Divisions & Terminology
Online & Offline Tools for Locating Towns & Villages
MODULE 5
LOCATING HUNGARIAN RECORDS
General Guidance
What Types of Records for Hungarian Ancestors?
Church Registers / Anyakönyvek
Civil Registration / Állami anyakönyvek
Cemetery Records
Census Records / Népszámlálás
Military Records / Katonasági Atatok
Other Records
Reading the Records
Languages & Scripts
Other Languages
MODULE 6
MODERN DAY RESEARCH CHALLENGES
Identifying the Missing Pieces
Visiting Archives & Other Repositories
Hungarian Military Archives
Strategies for Breaking Down Brick Walls
Case Study
Optional Print Course Material:Research: Australian Ancestors
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
This course provides a detailed description of how to research
your family in Australian records. Learn about history, civil
registration, church records, immigration (both “free” and
convict), as well as the archives and other records you can use
to “add flesh to the bones” and turn a list of names and dates
into a family history. Learn how to use the online indexes and
find the digitized records that can help overcome the “Tyranny of
Distance”.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Indigenous Australians
European Exploration
British Settlement and Colonization
Colonial Self-Government & Discovery of Gold
Federation of Australia
BIRTHS, DEATHS & MARRIAGES
Civil Registration & What it Means
New South Wales Records
Queensland Records
South Australian Records
Tasmanian Records
Victorian Records
Western Australian Records
Australian Capital Territory Records
Northern Territory Records
OTHER SOURCES FOR BDM
Cemetery Records
Wills and Probate
Newspaper BDM, Funeral Notices & Obituaries
MODULE 2
IMMIGRATION (FREE SETTLERS)
Background
Immigration to New South Wales
Immigration to Queensland
Immigration to South Australia
Immigration to Tasmania
Immigration to Victoria
Immigration to Western Australia
Immigration Sources to “All Australia”
Naturalisations
New South Wales Naturalization 1863
Additional Websites of Interest
MODULE 3
CONVICT RECORDS
Convicts
Background
Australian Joint Copying Project
Pensioner Guards
Prison Warders
Trial Records
Convict Indents
Assignments
Tickets of Leave
Tickets of Exemption from Government Labour
Certificates of Freedom
Pardons
Secondary Punishment Colonies
Newcastle
Port Macquarie
Norfolk Island
Moreton Bay
Port Phillip District
Van Diemen’s Land/Tasmania
Convict Central
1828 Census
Other Sources
MODULE 4
GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES
National Archives of Australia
New South Wales State Records
Queensland State Archives
State Records of South Australia
Archives Office of Tasmania
Public Record Office Victoria
State Records Office of Western Australia
Territory Archives - Australian Capital Territory & Northern Territory
Other Government Archives
MODULE 5
HISTORIES AND DIRECTORIES
Published Family Histories
Dictionary of Biography
Local Histories
eMelbourne and Dictionary of Sydney
Directories
Government and Police Gazettes
Electoral Rolls
Newspapers
Additional Websites of Interest
MODULE 6
MILITARY RECORDS & OTHER SOURCES
National Archives of Australia
Australian War Memorial
Colonial Australia
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Other Sources
Occupational Sources
Censuses in Australia
Library Digital Collections
National Library of Australia
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Optional Print Course Material: Google for the Wise Genealogist
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Everyone knows that Google is a powerful search engine, but for genealogists Google provides so much more. This course will explore Google programs and how they can be used to research family history. You will be introduced to a variety of Google products, how to navigate those products and specifically how to use them to further your genealogical research. Google provides free software, digitized books and articles, mapping, access to newspapers, translation tools and more. Learn how to use Google for finding information, creating and sharing documents, groups, websites and blogs as well as using it to map your ancestors. Learn about popular Google products like Google search, Google Maps and Google Books as well as the not so well-known products like Google Bookmarks, Google Alerts, Google Scholar, Google Groups and Google Sites. Google is the best non-genealogy, genealogy website there is!
Course Length: 9 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
GETTING STARTED WITH GOOGLE
What is Google?
Google Account
Google Alerts
Gmail
Google Toolbar
Google Keep
MODULE 2
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF GOOGLE THE SEARCH ENGINE
What Will a Search on Google Find?
Structuring Your Search
Searching on Google
Search Techniques
Continuing Your Search
Additional Resources
MODULE 3
MAP YOUR ANCESTORS!
Using Google Maps to Find Your Ancestor’s Home
Google Maps on the Go
Google Earth
MODULE 4
GOOGLE BOOKS THE BEST NON-GENEALOGY, GENEALOGY WEBSITE
Introduction to Google Books
What Types of Books Will You Find?
Preview Options
How to Find Books Not Digitized by Google Books
Searching on Google Books
My Library
Additional Resources
MODULE 5
COLLABORATE WITH GOOGLE
Introduction to Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides
Using Google Docs for Word Processing
Using Google Docs for Research
Using Google Sheets for Spreadsheets
Using Google Slides for Presentations
Collaborating with Others
Google Drive
MODULE 6
BLOG YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Blogs and Blogging
Creating Your Blog
Maintaining a Blog
Ways to Use a Blog for Genealogy
Let’s Hangout!
MODULE 7
OTHER GOOGLE PRODUCTS
Google News
Google Scholar
Google Patents
Parlez-Vous Français? You can with Google Translate
MODULE 8
EVEN MORE GOOGLE PRODUCTS
Google Groups
YouTube
Google Sites
Google Blogs
Additional Resources