International Institute of Genealogical Studies

Optional Print Course Material:DNA: Autosomal DNA - Testing for Everyone

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

NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take one of these courses. The DNA and Forensic courses offered by the International Institute of Genealogical Studies provide instruction on DNA methods as used in genealogical research. We recommend that students without the basic knowledge of genealogy methods and genealogical research should register in the Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology Part 2 - Organizing and Skill-Building courses prior to registering for this course.

Genetic genealogy is a great tool, but also has ethical concerns beyond scientific understanding. Explore and understand the three tests of genetic genealogy. Autosomal, that now includes X-Chromosome analysis, paternal lineage (yDNA), and maternal lineage (mtDNA).

Optional Print Course Material: DNA: Tracing Maternal and Paternal Lines

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

NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take one of these courses. The DNA and Forensic courses offered by the International Institute of Genealogical Studies provide instruction on DNA methods as used in genealogical research. We recommend that students without the basic knowledge of genealogy methods and genealogical research should register in the Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology Part 2 - Organizing and Skill-Building courses prior to registering for this course.

This course focuses on two types of DNA testing for genealogy: Y-Chromosome DNA (yDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing. You will learn how to determine when you should take these tests, what they will tell you, and more importantly what they will not tell you. We will also discuss how to read and interrupt your testing results.

NOTE: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. 

1. COMPULSORY: The book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom: The Art of a One-Name Study can be purchased. This book comes from the Guild of One Name Studies, can be ordered as an ebook or a physical book. 
2. Optional Print Course Material: Organising A One-Name Study *Will only be sent to students that are already registered in the course. 

One-name (surname) studies are not just about collecting documentary event data on a particular surname. According to the Guild of One-Name Studies, the aim of the study “is to research the genealogy and family history of all persons with a given surname and its linked variants.” The study can be as elusive as the wild goose chase for a needle in a hay stack and is certainly a challenging pursuit. Through proper use of resources your research will be extremely rewarding. 

This course will begin by examining the art of a one-name study and elaborating on the many different elements you should consider. Organising your research, searching for primary sources around the world, analysing the data you acquire, publicising, publishing and preserving your work are thoroughly discussed along with tips and techniques in the field of one-name studies. 

Optional Print Course Material: Organizing a One-Place Study

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

One-place studies are the study of the people in a community within the context of the place they live. Unlike a local history, which focuses on the past as described by residents, a one-place (or community) study uses a statistical approach and resources often used by family historians. Because a one-place study brings family and local history together, various analysis methods can be used to reconstruct the community and gain an insight into the lives of the people who have walked the streets, ploughed the fields, worked and worshipped in a place. This course will suggest ways in which this could be done. 

This course will examine the sources of information available to researchers, how to access them (on- and off-line) and the fascinating details which can be uncovered. 

Optional Print Course Material: Forensic Genealogy

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

NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take this course. 

Please be aware this course is classified as Basic Level in the Professional Development Certificate Program. It has been developed for individuals who have experience in genealogy research and are at, or working in, the Intermediate to Advanced Levels in our other certificate programs. It is advised that you have genealogy research knowledge and experience, in addition to completing the Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 1 course or have a working knowledge of the topics taught in that course prior to registering for this one. 

The field of forensic genealogy is a fast-growing field dealing with genealogical research that might have legal implications such as heir searching or determining mineral rights. Families drift apart for many reasons: divorce, disagreement, migrations, remarriage, or others. Today’s genealogists and family historians have many reasons for reestablishing connections with lost relatives. This course is designed to help forensic researchers identify and contact living people. It will also take students through genealogical sources and documents, but with a focus on identifying living people, as well as some practical examples. Students will also learn about specific career subsets in forensic work. Forensic genealogy and the work necessary to identify and contact living people can be a rewarding field. This course will teach students some of the basic skills necessary to get started. 

NOTE: This course has more of a U.S. focus; however, the skills being taught can be applied to those researching in other countries. 

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Genealogy Ethical Guidelines and Standards

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

Whether you are a hobby genealogist, society member, serious researcher, or a professional genealogist, ethics affect your work. Adherence to ethical standards as they apply to your research and your interactions with others should be of concern to all researchers. Genealogists are faced with diverse ethical decisions in their research including black sheep ancestors, adoption, non-paternal events, and revealing family secrets. This course begins by looking at what is ethics in genealogy and the history of genealogical ethics and continues by exploring ethical considerations when sharing your genealogy online and in print, DNA testing, and while visiting libraries and archives. Ethical standards for professionals will also be explored including interacting with clients and the public.

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: DNA: Special Circumstances - Adoptees and Unknown Parentage

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

NOTE: There is a lot of interest in DNA and Forensic topics. Please read carefully before registering to take one of these courses. The DNA and Forensic courses offered by The International Institute of Genealogical Studies provide instruction on DNA methods as used in genealogical research. We recommend that students without the basic knowledge of genealogy methods and genealogical research should register in the Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology Part 2 - Organizing and Skill-Building courses prior to registering for this course. 

This course explores how to use genealogy and genetics to uncover genealogical roots, connect with biological family, and better understand medical history. The emphasis is on adoptees and those helping adoptees with their DNA and genealogy. 

This course is adapted from the book The DNA Guide for Adoptees: How to use genealogy and genetics to uncover your roots, connect with your biological family, and better understand your medical history.

Optional Print Course Material: DNA: Methodology and Analysis

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

This course covers advanced techniques associated with DNA methodology, analysis and strategies. Students should have a firm grasp of the understanding of autosomal, Y-chromosome, and mitochondrial DNA. 

While advances in DNA testing are exciting, DNA does not hold all of the answers for everyone. It plays an important role for many who are searching for family, or those simply hoping to learn more about themselves and their genetics. In some cases, DNA testing has helped people discover unknown medical risks. 

People biologically related to you will have to take a DNA test and share the results on the same service or platform you choose to test to connect. After that you will need to use the tools available for DNA analysis allowing you to understand the results to their fullest. 

Each DNA testing company provides its own set of tools and these tools change over time. This course will help you determine what tools are best for you and when to use them. 

Optional Print Course Material: DNA: Reading and Understanding Articles for Genetic Genealogy

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

Pursuing genetic genealogy requires genealogists to keep abreast of the latest discoveries and tools in the field of DNA. DNA is an ever-changing field with new tools and discoveries being made rapidly. While taking courses and attending lectures are a must for genetic genealogists, it is just a part of what is necessary to continue your education. In addition, the reading of information presented online, in popular magazines and in peer-reviewed journals, should be a part of your education plan. This course will present ways to better understand what you read about genetic genealogy and provide examples of various writings on the subject.

Course Length: 8 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: DNA: Historical Studies

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

Genetic genealogy is a topic of immense interest to family history researchers looking to find connections to ancestors when traditional research has failed to provide results. Utilizing both DNA testing and traditional research methods can mean the difference between an elusive ancestor and a documented ancestor.

 But DNA testing is not just for genealogists interested in family relationships and ethnicity estimates. DNA is well-known for solving cold cases for law enforcement. It has also been used to solve some of history’s biggest mysteries such as in the claims of historical identities. Cases explored in the course include Anna Anderson, the Titanic Baby, Jesse James, and the Golden State Killer.

 What can these seemingly non-genealogical cases teach us? Learning more about DNA as it relates to genealogical cases and non-genealogical cases helps to expand and enhance our DNA knowledge and provides insights as we solve research problems. Students are encouraged to explore these cases presented in this course further by seeking out scientific journals and popular media articles.

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Introduction to Research for North Americans

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

A vast number of immigrants from came to North America from various areas in Central and Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, in the past, those with Eastern European roots have been reticent to begin research on their immigrant ancestors due to perceived barriers of language, geography, and difficulty with accessing and understanding the records.

The purpose of this course is to begin the teaching of genealogical concepts pertinent to Eastern European research. It introduces the basic concepts needed to succeed in Eastern European research, and begins to dispel the notion that Eastern European research is difficult. Actually, from a research perspective, it is much easier than it used to be thanks to a surge in interest, the Internet, and greater accessibility to archival records and other resources. Therefore, the purpose of this course is to serve as the foundation for the entire Eastern European Genealogical Research certificate program.

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Languages and Alphabets

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

One of the biggest challenges for North American genealogists who finally cross the ocean in their research is discovering that many of the records they locate in Europe are written in languages other than English. Unfamiliar handwriting, confusing formats and cryptic looking alphabets provide unique obstacles. However, the language does not have to be a barrier. One does not need to become fluent in the Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, or other languages to be a good genealogist in Eastern European records. This course introduces the key information needed about the various languages so researchers can be successful in reading and interpreting documents and records, and in communicating with relatives and archivists in Europe.

The focus of this course will be on understanding Eastern European languages and alphabets commonly found in records. Tools for assisting with translation and transcription will also be discussed and sample documents will be provided for “hands-on” practice. Individual elective courses in the specific countries will provide more in-depth information about record-keeping practices in various areas of Eastern Europe.

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Locating Places

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

Successful genealogical research in Eastern Europe is all about location, location, location. Our ancestors lived in specific places, and the records about them were usually created on a local level, in the town or parish where they resided. Even records of larger jurisdictions, such as at the national level (e.g., census records), were generally written by officials in the specific place where a family lived. Further, it is through a family’s location that we, in part, identify them.

Therefore, locating places in Eastern Europe is critical to the research process. This begins with learning the correct place where an ancestor came from; his ancestral home. From there it is essential to identify the parish where the family attended church. As research progresses, there is often the discovery that persons married into families from other areas. Those locations must also be identified, so that appropriate records can be searched. The primary tools for such research are gazetteers. Learning how to locate, interpret, and use gazetteers will be the primary focus of this course. However, important aspects of Eastern European border changes and political and administrative divisions are also necessary to understand, as is the ability to read, and correctly comprehend place names which may not be familiar to an English-speaking researcher. We will briefly address these issues in this course as well.

The purpose of this course is to learn how to successfully determine ancestral locations in Eastern Europe in order to learn where to find the key records you need to correctly identify your ancestor. For an in-depth study of countries or ethnic groups, students should take the appropriate elective courses.

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Understanding Migration Patterns

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

This course provides an extensive overview of migration patterns of various ethnic groups from Central and Eastern Europe to the United States, Canada, South America, and other countries. The study of migration does not just involve one movement but recognizes that for a number of reasons, it is natural for peoples to move and settle from one place to another, be it a new country or a new community. For those researching ancestors who came from Central and Eastern Europe an understanding of the “push-pull factors” of emigration/immigration is critical to research success. This course will explore the history of migration of the various Central/Eastern European groups, and explain key concepts and definitions. In the study of migration, it is vital to remember that while we speak in general of peoples or ethnicities, each individual has a story, waiting to be explored. For in-depth study of countries or ethnic groups, students should take the appropriate elective courses.

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Austrian-Hungarian, German and Russian Empires: Chronology

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

In this course, you will learn more about the differentiations within ethnic Eastern European research depending upon the time period and geographic place. Through studying the key dates and concepts critical to the Austrian, German, and Russian Empires you will understand of how these three Empires shaped Eastern Europe, and impacted the lives and decisions of your ancestors.

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Civil Registration Records

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

Church parish registers are the foundation of genealogical research in Eastern Europe, but civil registration of vital events is also an important consideration. Although civil registration generally began during the 1800s in most areas, the depth of information in these records makes them a valuable source for learning more about people who were registered. Most civil registrations of births, marriages, and deaths provide significantly more information than is found in comparable church registers. In addition, they are often indexed and therefore easier to use. Unfortunately, access to such records is often restricted by availability (they often begin much later than research needs would require) and privacy laws regulating public access. In this course, you will learn the value of civil registration records, what types of records are available, how to access them, the nature and extent of access and privacy restrictions. In addition, you will learn about key terminology, how to deal with foreign language challenges, and other obstacles and key tips on reading and interpreting birth, marriage, and death records.

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Church Records

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

Church parish registers are the most popular and useful source for tracing ancestors in Eastern Europe. Often these are the only records in which to find information about our ancestors and their families in the old country, and as such, form the foundation of genealogical research. In most cases, our Eastern European ancestors were not landowners nor mentioned in probate records. Census records are sporadic, while tax lists and other records are scant, incomplete, and difficult to access, if they exist at all. This makes the local records of birth, marriage, or death kept by the local church the records of choice for documenting most East Europeans, especially before the late 19th century. In this course, you will learn the value of church records (both Christian and Jewish), what types of records are available, how to access them, limitations and privacy restrictions. In addition, you will learn about general search strategies, key terminology, how to deal with foreign language challenges, and other obstacles, and tips on reading and interpreting birth, marriage, and death records.

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Other Records Including Census, Land, Military and Tax

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

While church registers are the most useful sources for tracing most Eastern European ancestors, and civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths provide even more details, there are other record groups to be searched that may prove useful in the absence of church and civil registration records for your locality.

We will begin with a brief review of “other” records that you can use to research your ancestors in Eastern Europe. We will then look specifically at census, military, land, tax, and nobility records, as well as sources such as directories and compiled genealogies. In addition, you will learn about general search strategies, key terminology, how to deal with foreign language challenges, and other obstacles, and tips on reading and interpreting these records.

Finally, we will review some of the best websites for finding Eastern European records online and how to work around common obstacles such as privacy laws, translating records and more.

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Record Repositories

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

Tracking down specific records for ancestors is likely the ultimate goal of students taking the Eastern European courses. Therefore, one important aspect of these courses is to describe the nature of the repositories where the needed records reside. There are a variety of libraries and archives (hence, the usage of the term “repositories”) one may access to obtain the needed records.

To be effective in using a variety of repositories in Central and Eastern Europe, it is important to learn about them, including their differences, and how to access them. Due to the sheer number of archives, libraries, societies, and other repositories for the various Eastern European countries, not all are identified. Each researcher may need a different set of repositories to succeed in research. This course will introduce the major kinds of repositories and a basic overview of how they operate.

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Problem Solving

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

This course focuses on six of the most common Eastern European genealogy research problems and the methods to solve them. We will begin with the issue of names and the problem of spelling. Next, we will address the problems of identifying the name of the ancestral town or village and locating places those places using current borders. Then, we will review the issue of records access (especially how to acquire records that are not online) and address the challenges of reading records in unfamiliar languages. Finally, we will discuss the basics of what it means when your DNA test results indicate Eastern European ancestry.

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Eastern European: Onsite Research in the Ancestral Homeland

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

No matter how convenient it may be these days to research ancestors without leaving home, you probably still dream of visiting your family’s homeland. You are yearning to see where your ancestors lived, stand in the church where they were baptized, enjoy traditional cuisine, and understand what life was like for your ancestors before they made the journey to America. With heritage travel, you have an opportunity to go beyond the same old research strategies and discover those details you can’t get from online databases, books, or microfilm. In this course, you will learn about “immersion genealogy”—the process of discovering where and how our ancestors lived, worked, and worshiped, and experiencing first-hand those customs and traditions they passed down through the generations. We will begin with planning your trip (including packing and travel tips). Then, we will cover how to contact relatives and locals (mayors and priests) in advance, what to do when you meet them, and creating an itinerary. Finally, we will review what to do after the trip to document your meetings, travels, and research.

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Research: FamilySearch Resources: In Person and Online

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

FamilySearch is one of the important websites in the field of genealogical research. The FamilySearch, free, website is just one part of a larger network, provide by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch includes over 6.3 billion searchable records and indexes online. FamilySearch provides digital images, education, digitized books, online indexing, a library catalog, and online access to genealogy sources in a variety of forms. The services provided through the FamilySearch organization have proven time and time again to be invaluable to researchers of all experiences and levels of expertise. In this course we will review all aspects of using the FamilySearch website and how to use the website to find, learn, network, and share with other researchers. 

Course Length: 9 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Discover Your Family History

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

An introductory course in tracing your family history. Start with the question: “Why should I trace my family history?” Then focus on the how as you learn to use a Pedigree Chart and Family Group Record. Move to research basics with living family members and home sources that provide relevant information. Review websites and sources most used in family history research. The course concludes with a look at next steps to continuing your research including DNA testing and hiring a genealogist. Or, continue courses with the International Institute of Genealogical Studies to reach your dream of becoming a professional genealogist by earning your credentials.

Optional Print Course Material: Writing Your Family History Book

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

Recording interesting family stories is essential if you want future generations to read your family history book. This course will help you write the story of your life or of your ancestors’ lives. Techniques for researching the facts, remembering the events, writing the text, adding visuals with graphics or photographs, and finally reproducing your book will all be discussed. 

Course Length: 6 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Preserve Your Family History Documents and Heirlooms

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

You have taken the time to locate and acquire your family’s precious documents, photos, and heirlooms. Now take the time to protect, curate, and share them for future generations to enjoy. 

This course discusses how to preserve your family history items to minimize damage. The procedures for encapsulating documents and photographs will be explored, as well as other methods to protect your family heirlooms. You are your family’s archivist, and family history requires you to do more than research, you must also preserve material items of the past. This course will demonstrate the techniques and tools you need to do just that. 

Course Length: 7 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Planning a Fabulous Family Reunion

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

Planning a family reunion is often something you have been thinking or dreaming of for years. But like most projects, at a certain point you must stop dreaming and start doing.

Let's not kid ourselves, planning a family reunion is a big job. It will take lots of hours, and many times you will wonder why you ever dreamed of this.

Yes, you can do this, just don't try to do it by yourself. If you've assembled a good planning team, your family reunion will be a success. This course will give you lots of ideas and suggestions to make the planning of your reunion a little easier.

Genealogy has been known to become a passion or become addictive. Well the enthusiasm in planning a family reunion is infectious, if you have the excitement, you will pass it on.

Course Length: 5 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Planning a Research Trip Including Salt Lake City

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

As genealogists and family historians we all dream of one day walking the land of our ancestors or going to ‘genealogy heaven’ in Salt Lake City. You can make those dreams come true, with sound practical advice. Researching away from home, especially abroad, can be productive and rewarding if adequate preparations are made. This course gives practical advice on travel, accommodation, what to take, and what to expect in libraries, archives, and other repositories. You need to be fully prepared to accomplish your research objectives. The second half of the course concentrates on the world’s largest genealogical library, the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. It is your guide in the planning process, familiarizes you with how the FamilySearch Library is organized, and gives all the practical tips anyone can use to get the most from their research trip.

Historical: This course originated February 2001. Current version copyright is March 2024.
If you have older material, it needs to be replaced. Use the chat app to order your replacement materials.

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Irish Ancestors

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

This course is an introduction to the first two centuries of family history research in Ireland, covering both Northern Ireland, which remains part of Britain, and the Republic of Ireland (Eire), which has been independent since 1922. The emphasis is in doing the research yourself from wherever you happen to live, rather than merely covering the resources available in Ireland. Irish records are available worldwide if you know where to look, and this course will show you where they are and how to utilize them.

Consideration is given to the difficulties inherent in Irish research, key items in Irish history and geography and to emigration (the Irish Diaspora). Major original sources covered are civil registration, census (including substitutes where this is lacking), church registers and probate. These are followed by discussions of the usefulness of occupational records, locating research already done or in progress and a brief guide to resources for planning a genealogy research trip to Ireland.

Course Length: 6 weeks

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Jewish Ancestors

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

Researching a Jewish ancestor may seem a daunting task especially when you consider the Holocaust and the incredible destruction of lives, synagogues, and cemeteries in Europe. You may ask “why should I even try?” Then there is the myth that immigrants had their names changed at Ellis Island that leads us to believe that our Jewish ancestors are nearly impossible to research. All of these things scare off many from researching their Jewish family and discovering that there actually is a great deal of information “out there.” Researching Jewish ancestors is challenging, but with the research techniques provided in this course it will be revealed that much information is available. 

This course is presented with the assumption that the student may have little to no first-hand knowledge of Jewish ancestry. At the completion of the course the student will have a solid foundation to research Jewish ancestors and will understand the types of records available. This course will start with an introduction to the history of the Jewish people to better understand the challenges of this research. We will then get a basic understanding of the languages, dates, and name conventions of this unique group. Immigration patterns of the Jews as they came to North America are a valuable component to ultimately discovering their origins and the resources to assist in this research will be presented. Jewish life and record sources as they settled can provide additional clues to their origins and experiences as they came to America and Canada. Effective research strategies for finding Jewish ancestors will be presented. Lastly, the course includes an extensive discussion on resources available to pursue the genealogy of Jewish ancestors. 

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Grandmothers, Mothers and Daughters - Tracing Women

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

Our female ancestors played significant roles in history. Yet, researching and writing about the women in our families can be a daunting task. If you have hit a brick wall in the quest to find information about your female ancestors, this course covers strategies and key sources to assist you with your research and show you how to document “her” story. 

Course Length: 7 weeks

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

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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

Optional Print Course Material: Connecting Family: Online and Virtually

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

Computers and the Internet have revolutionized the way families communicate. This course will highlight a few specific ways to use your computer and the Internet to build and strengthen family ties. Topics will include using multimedia techniques to preserve and share family photographs, building an online family tree, creating virtual family history tours/videos, creating online family newsletters, digitizing scrapbooks, publishing an online family history and creating and maintaining family websites, using communication tools such as Skype, and using social media (blogs, Facebook, and Twitter) to find long lost cousins and stay in touch with relatives.

Optional Print Course Material: Social Media Tools for the Wise Genealogist

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

Genealogy has come a long way from the days when networking meant writing a letter and waiting for a reply. With the advent of social networking and social media tools you can network with researchers worldwide, find distant relations, curate content, and share your research. This course will provide you with just some of the tools to help you take advantage of Web 2.0. 

Most people automatically associate social networks with websites like Facebook, Twitter, and even The International Institute’s own GenealogyWise. We will explore these websites and others that help you share your family tree, family stories, and even your personal library. The course demonstrates that the concept of social media is all about sharing, education, mobility and yes, networking. Each module concludes with recommended resources that provide the student with additional learning tools to get the most out of their social media experience. 

Course Length: 9 weeks

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

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.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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