American: Vital Records, Understanding and Using The Records

Note: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. The book(s) are available at GenealogyStore.com

Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian (1997; reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2011). 

OR

Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, Third Edition Revised (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2017). 

Optional Print Course Material: American: Vital Records, Understanding and Using the Records

Birth, marriage and death records in the United States are examined. The history and the depth of the information is discussed. The recording of vital statistics often done at the time the event means the information is often of high accuracy. Some problems with accuracy are explored. The objectives of this course include:

• Understanding the creation of vital records in the United States
  
• Locating vital records in the United States
  
• Evaluating information in these records 
  
• Creating a research plan based on availability of records 
  
• Securing documents needed to prove your family lineage