The National Institute for Genealogical Studies

LEADERS IN ONLINE GENEALOGY EDUCATION

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies - LEADERS IN ONLINE GENEALOGY EDUCATION

Keeping In Touch With The National Institute For Genealogical Studies

Red Telephone Box by Tom Curtis/Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Red Telephone Box by Tom Curtis/Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In the genealogy world we need to communicate with each other to keep abreast of the constantly evolving research methods and resources. The same is true within The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. As a student of the National Institute, there are various ways you can communicate with us and your fellow students. Here is how:

#1 By email to the National Institute

When contacting us please include your first and last name and the course title, including the country the course applies to.

i) admin@genealogicalstudies.com – for general questions;

ii) alert@genealogicalstudies.com – to advise us of broken links in your course materials and assignments–please be specific as to where problem is;

iii) exam@genealogicalstudies.com – questions pertaining to your course exam.

#2 By email to a fellow student

When you view a fellow student’s public assignment SUBMISSION/ANSWER and you would like to contact them about something in their posting, simply click on the envelope icon to the right of the student’s name. A new window will open where you can type your message. For privacy reasons, you will not see the recipient’s email address and they have the option to reply or not.

#3 Attend a Virtual Meeting

VIRTUAL MEETINGS ARE THE BEST PLACE TO COMMUNICATE with an instructor and fellow students. Anyone can participate! You do not have to be registered in the course to attend. When attending virtual meetings, please bring questions applicable to the topic being discussed.

Watch for our emails outlining upcoming virtual meetings dates and times. Or visit our website at www.genealogicalstudies.com, click on Information in the top menu bar, and then Virtual Learning Room for the full schedule.

#4 Follow the National Institute’s Blog

Go to http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/ and scroll down. On the right hand side of the page you will see Subscribe to Blog via Email. In the text box, enter your email address and click on the Subscribe button. Once subscribed, you will receive an email each time we post an article. Each blog article includes a link to write a comment or share via social media. Look for these options at the end of each blog post.

#5 Follow us on Twitter

Once signed into your Twitter account, search for us on Twitter by our Twitter name @GeneaStudies. On our Twitter page, click on the Follow button to subscribe to our tweets. Not a member of Twitter? No problem, just go to Twitter www.twitter.com and join. Membership is free.

#6 Follow The National Institute on Facebook

To follow us on Facebook you must be a member. To join Facebook go to www.facebook.com and sign up. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/National-Institute-for-Genealogical-Studies/110290648619 and click on the Like button on the top right of our page.

#7 Join a GenealogyWise group to communicate with your fellow students

Go to www.genealogywise.com and Sign Up. There are groups set up for each of the National Institute’s country streams; i.e. American, Australian, Canadian, English, German, Irish, and Scottish, as well as Methodology, Librarianship, Alumni, and First Timer FAQs.

#8 Follow GenealogyWise on Facebook

To follow us on Facebook you must be a member. To join Facebook go to www.facebook.com and sign up. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GenealogyWise and click on the Like button on the top right of our page.

#9 Consultation with an instructor ($)

If you want to have a one-on-one consultation with an instructor this can be arranged. Please email admin@genealogicalstudies.com to request an appointment. When emailing please provide some information as to what course and some background details you would like to discuss so we can recommend a consultation with an appropriate instructor. The consultation with an instructor is available for a modest fee.

May 2018 Virtual Meetings

May Month Art Grunge Design by fotographic1980/Courtesy Freedigitalphotos.net

Welcome to the May Virtual Meetings! Mark your calendars! Times given are Eastern Daylight Time.

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Tuesday, May 15th at 8:00 PM EDT – All DNA courses with Shannon Combs-Bennett   

This session is appropriate for students registered in/working on the DNA stream, Forensic Genealogy, Genetics & Medical Family History, Organising a One-Name Study, and Organising a One-Place Study courses, although all are welcome. The focus of this Virtual Meeting is the DNA testing process and how DNA can be use in genealogy research. Join Shannon to ask questions about these courses and/or your DNA research.

Time zones:

Tuesday, May 15th – 8:00 PM Eastern; 7:00 PM Central; 5:00 PM Pacific;

Wednesday, May 16th – 1:00 AM in London, England; 10:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/dna/

(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Wednesday, May 16th at 3:00 PM EDT – All Scottish courses with Sheena Tait 

Join Sheena to ask questions about the Scottish  record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:

Wednesday, May 16th – 3:00 PM Eastern; 2:00 PM Central; Noon Pacific; 8:00 PM in London, England;

Thursday, May 17th – 5:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/scottish/

(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Wednesday, May 16th at 8:00 PM EDT – All Canadian courses with Kathryn Lake Hogan    

Join Kathryn to ask questions about the Canadian record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:

Wednesday, May 16th – 8:00 PM Eastern; 7:00 PM Central; 5:00 PM Pacific;

Thursday, May 17th – 1:00 AM in London, England; 10:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/canadian/

(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Wednesday, May 23th at 7:00 PM EDT – Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 3 – ARTICLE REVIEW with Gena Philibert-Ortega      

This Virtual Meeting is more appropriate for students registered in this course. Please follow the directions found in your course material and read the article “Identification through Signatures: Using Complex Direct Evidence to Sort Colwills of Cornwall” by Ronald A. Hill (NGSQ Vol. 87, No. 3, September, 1999).

Time zones:

Wednesday, May 23th – 7:00 PM Eastern; 6:00 PM Central; 4:00 PM Pacific;

Thursday, May 24th – Midnight in London, England; 9:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/asarticle3/

(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Wednesday, May 23th at 8:30 PM EDT – All American courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega      

Join Gena to ask questions about the American record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:

Wednesday, May 23th – 8:30 PM Eastern; 7:30 PM Central; 5:30 PM Pacific;

Thursday, May 24th – 1:30 PM in London, England; 10:30 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/

(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Saturday, May 26th at 10:00 AM EDT – Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 1 – ARTICLE REVIEW with Gena Philibert-Ortega    

This Virtual Meeting is more appropriate for students registered in this course. Please follow the directions found in your course material and read the article “Heritage Books and Family Lore: A Jackson Test in Missouri and Idaho” by Connie Lenzen (NGSQ Vol. 86, No. 1, March, 1998).

Time zones:

Saturday, May 26th – 10:00 AM Eastern; 9:00 AM Central; 7:00 AM Pacific; 3:00 PM in London, England;

Sunday, May 27th – Midnight in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/asarticle1/

(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Tuesday, May 29th at 5:00 PM EDT – All English courses with Brenda Wheeler    

Join Brenda to ask questions about the English record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:

Tuesday, May 29th – 5:00 PM Eastern; 4:00 PM Central; 2:00 PM Pacific; 10:00 PM in London, England;

Wednesday, May 30th – 7:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/english/     

(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Tuesday, May 29th at 6:30 PM EDT – All Methodology courses with Brenda Wheeler     

This Virtual Meeting is appropriate for ALL students no matter which country you are researching in. Join this session to ask questions or to discuss organizing, skill-building, strategies, effective searching and recording, proving it, transcribing, abstracting, extracting, copyright, and much more.

Note: This Virtual Meeting is available for the convenience of our Australasia students; however, everyone is welcome to participate! It is applicable to all students no matter what country you are researching in.

Time zones:

Tuesday, May 29th – 6:30 PM Eastern; 5:30 PM Central; 3:30 PM Pacific; 11:30 PM in London, England;

Wednesday, May 30th – 8:30 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/methodology/

(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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LISTEN ON THE GO!

Want to listen to the student presentation but will not be at your computer? No problem! You can download the FREE Adobe Connect Mobile App from the iTunes App Store (for iPod/iPhone/iPad), from the Google Play Store (for Androids), or from Blackberry World (for Blackberry).

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See the calendar of future Virtual Meetings sessions at www.genealogicalstudies.com; in the top menu choose INFORMATION and then VIRTUAL LEARNING ROOM in the drop-down menu.

If you have not attended a Virtual Meeting before, read the Instructions available at www.genealogicalstudies.com/instructions.pdf. If this URL does not open, please go to www.genealogicalstudies.com, click on Information in the top menu bar, and then Virtual Learning Room in the drop down menu. The link to the Instructions (in PDF format) will be at the top right of the page (you may need to scroll over to the right side of the page).

 

7 Reasons to Register for Research: House and Farm Histories

Bush House, Grove Hill, Clarke County, Alabama By Altairisfar – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5290438

By Sandy Fackler, PLCGS (student)

Have you noticed that the covers of genealogy magazines use teasers to get you to look inside them?  Titles like “Three tips to tear down your brick wall” or “Four ways to become a better genealogist.” Not to be outdone, I’m offering seven reasons for you to take Research: House and Family Histories.

Reason 1. You’ll learn architectural styles. Do you know which style has a mansard roof? Can you tell the difference between French Colonial, Southern Colonial, New England Colonial, Spanish Colonial, and Dutch Colonial? These and others are detailed in this course.

Reason 2. You’ll learn about the companies who sold mail order homes. We’ve all heard about Sears homes, but did you know other companies sold them as well? Do you know which American company sold mail order homes in Australia, England, and other countries?

Reason 3. You’ll learn which farm buildings were sold by mail and the companies that manufactured them. Do you know there are different styles of barns?

Reason 4. You’ll learn the definition of farmer was not static. How many times do you think the definition has changed between 1850 and 1974? For what purpose was it changed?

Reason 5. You’ll learn that a farm could be included in another census schedule besides agricultural. Do you know which one?  What information does an agricultural census contain?

Reason 6. You’ll learn the sources you’ll need to research and the information they contain to do a house or farm history. Do you know what an abstract of title is or how it can help in your research? Do you know what a mechanic’s lien is or if you need to check for one when you do a house history?

Reason 7. You’ll learn about centennial farms and the requirements to become one. Do they have centennial farms in your state? If you live on a farm does your farm qualify?

Whether you want to research your own house or farm, do house and farm histories for clients, or write newspaper articles about your town’s homes, Research: House and Farm Histories can add to your education and for professional genealogists, can provide the basis for another income-producing stream for your business.

Research: House and Farm Histories is a six-module intermediate level course and is required if you’re pursuing a Professional Development Certificate  from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies.  The next course begins June 4, 2018.

 

 

Sandy Fackler, PLCGS, holds certificates in American Records, Irish Records, and Methodology from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Her favorite source is old newspapers and she spends her free time reading and transcribing them. She is currently researching her third great uncle (a sideshow performer) and several local history stories.

 

 

A Few of our Favorite Websites

Keyboard And Mouse With Coffee by Stuart Miles/Courtesy Freedigitalphotos.net

During the Internet Tools Virtual Meeting last week, instructor Gena Philibert-Ortega posed the question, “what are your  5 favorite genealogy websites?” The only rule was that you couldn’t name a subscription website.

What came out of that meeting was a great list of  websites.

Couldn’t make the virtual meeting? No problem. See the list below and consider creating your own list from these links.

Internet Archive
British Columbia Archives
Library and Archives Canada

FamilySearch – Family History Research Wiki

Saskatchewan Genealogical Society – Changes of Names
Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan – Hometead Index
Linkpendium

DeadFred

Peel’s Prairie Provinces
Society for Eastern European Genealogy

Nova Scotia Historical Vital Statistics 

Seeking Michigan 
US Bureau of Land Management – General Land Office
US Census Bureau – History

US Census Bureau – History – State Censuses 
Olive Tree Genealogy

United States Maps
Library and Archives Canada – Electoral Atlas of the Dominion of Canada(1895)

Global Genealogy –Ontario, Upper Canada, Canada West Genealogy & History Resources 

One-Step Webpages by Steve Morse

Old Fulton Post Cards  (newspapers)

US GenWeb

Canadian County Atlas Digital Project – 1880 Map of Ontario Counties

RootsPoint – Family Histories 

Mennonite Church USA Archives – MennObits

County & Town Histories

Automated Genealogy 

British Newspaper Archives

United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada

Microcolour Map Display System (scroll down for map catalogue)

Ask About Ireland – Griffith’s Valuation 

Deceased Online

All Census Records – Questions Asked on the 1861 Agricultural Census

LibGuides –  U.S. & Canada *: Primary Sources by Century

LibGuides

Death Indexes 

 

The Ancestor Hunt

Ancient Faces 

Cyndi’s List

GenWed

Incorporating Social History Into Family History

Soldiers in formation on the grounds of Camp Sherman. NPS Photo. https://www.nps.gov/articles/camp-sherman-ohio.htm

Soldiers in formation on the grounds of Camp Sherman. NPS Photo. https://www.nps.gov/articles/camp-sherman-ohio.htm

 

By Sandy Fackler, PLCGS (student)

When I first started doing genealogy I collected names, dates, and places. I was a genealogist. Years later I became a family historian. Besides those names, dates and places, I wanted to know the what, when, where, and how. I needed the meat on the bones.

The transition was not a deliberate course of action. I think it started because of my paternal grandfather. He died three years before I was born. My father was raised by his maternal grandparents and he couldn’t tell me much about him. I set out to find more about my grandfather.

One of the first things I learned about him was that he was in World War I. He didn’t see active duty but he graduated from the Cooks and Bakers School at a nearby training camp. That led to information on his training at the camp.

The search was on.

I read every newspaper in the town nearest the camp from February 1917 through the end of the camp’s life plus the camp’s newspapers. I read every publication on the camp both government issued and commercial, as well as journal and magazine articles. I bought photos, negatives, letters, postcards, training materials, and maps of the camp. I even sought out  artifacts, such as teaspoons and salt & pepper souvenirs. I know all the churches and YMCAs, the locations of barracks, buildings and streets, and their names. I know about the sports and training activities. Even today, 40+ years after starting that research, I still search for information.

One of several YMCAs on the grounds of Camp Sherman. NPS Photo. https://www.nps.gov/hocu/learn/historyculture/camp-sherman.htm

One of several YMCAs on the grounds of Camp Sherman. NPS Photo. https://www.nps.gov/hocu/learn/historyculture/camp-sherman.htm

By doing the research on the camp, I can put together a day-by-day account of what life may have been like for my grandfather for the 141 days he was there.

What does this have to do with Social History?  Social History is defined as “the environmental history of an individual.”[i]

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies course, Research: Social History written by Barbara J. Starmans, takes you through every aspect of an individual’s life and provides the resources to do so. Each module has a case study to inspire you. Check out the topics covered by skimming the table of contents here on The National Institute’s website.

Research: Social History is offered once a quarter and the next start date is  May 7, 2018. If you have a favorite relative you want to know more about, I recommend Research: Social History. I believe if you take this course and use the resources and techniques or the case studies as examples, you can learn how to put the meat on the bones of your ancestors.  You’ll enjoy doing social history and it will be one of your favorite courses.

 

___________________________

[i] Merriam-Webster Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20history  Accessed April 2, 2018

 

Sandy Fackler, PLCGS, holds Certificates in American Records, Irish Records, and Methodology from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Her favorite source is old newspapers and spends her free time reading and transcribing them. She is currently researching her third great uncle (a sideshow performer) and several local history stories.

 

 

 

 

 

April 2018 Virtual Meetings

Month by arztsamui/Courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net

Month by arztsamui/Courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net

Sometimes we feel a little isolated in our studies and family research…but you do not have to be alone. Join a virtual meeting with your fellow students and instructors to participate (or just listen and learn) in conversations about genealogy. Have any questions about your courses or your research? Attend a virtual meeting applicable to your course/research to get answers. Below is the virtual meetings schedule for the month of April. Please note that times given are Eastern Daylight Time.

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Saturday, April 14th at 1:00 PM EDT – All Canadian courses with Kathryn Lake Hogan
Join Kathryn to ask questions about the Canadian record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Saturday, April 14th – 1:00 PM Eastern; Noon Central; 10:00 AM Pacific; 6:00 PM in London, England;
Sunday, April 15th – 3:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/canadian/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Tuesday, April 17th at 2:00 PM EDT – All Methodology courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega
This Virtual Meeting is appropriate for ALL students no matter which country you are researching in. Join this session to ask questions or to discuss organizing, skill-building, strategies, effective searching and recording, proving it, transcribing, abstracting, extracting, copyright, and much more.

Time zones:
Tuesday, April 17th – 2:00 PM Eastern; 1:00 PM Central; 11:00 AM Pacific; 7:00 PM in London, England;
Wednesday, April 18th – 4:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/methodology/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Tuesday, April 17th at 7:00 PM EDT – All Australian courses with Kerry Farmer
Join Kerry to ask questions about the Australian record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Tuesday, April 17th – 7:00 PM Eastern; 6:00 PM Central; 4:00 PM Pacific;
Wednesday, April 18th – Midnight in London, England; 9:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/australian/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Tuesday, April 17th at 8:30 PM EDT – All Irish courses with Brenda Wheeler
Join Brenda to ask questions about the Irish record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Tuesday, April 17th – 8:30 PM Eastern; 7:30 PM Central; 5:30 PM Pacific;
Wednesday, April 18th – 1:30 AM in London, England; 10:30 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/irish/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Thursday, April 19th at 1:00 PM EDT – Internet Tools with Gena Philibert-Ortega
This session is appropriate for students registered in/working on the Connecting Family: Online and Virtually, Google for the Wise Genealogist, and Social Media Tools for the Wise Genealogist courses, although all are welcome. Join Gena to ask questions about these courses and/or your Internet searches.

Time zones:
Thursday, April 19th – 1:00 PM Eastern; Noon Central; 10:00 AM Pacific; 6:00 PM in London, England;
Friday, April 20th – 3:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/internettools/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Thursday, April 19th at 2:30 PM EDT – All Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program – GENERAL with Gena Philibert-Ortega
This Virtual Meeting is appropriate for students registered in the Analysis and Skills Mentoring courses. Students registered in the Skills: Transcribing, Abstracting, Extracting, Skill-Building: Breaking Down Brick Walls, Skill-Building: Evidence Analysis, and Skill-Building: Nuts & Bolts of Reporting are also welcome to join. Topics for discussion include course procedure, evidence analysis, Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), citations, ethics, timelines, transcriptions, abstractions, extractions, proof summaries and more.

Time zones:

Thursday, April 19th – 2:30 PM Eastern; 1:30 PM Central; 11:30 AM Pacific; 7:30 PM in London, England;
Friday, April 20th – 4:30 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/asgeneral/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Thursday, April 19th at 7:00 PM EDT – All English courses with Brenda Wheeler
Join Brenda to ask questions about the English record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Thursday, April 19th – 7:00 PM Eastern; 6:00 PM Central; 4:00 PM Pacific;
Friday, April 20th – Midnight in London, England; 9:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/english/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Thursday, April 19th at 8:30 PM EDT – Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 2 – ARTICLE REVIEW with Brenda Wheeler
This Virtual Meeting is more appropriate for students registered in this course. Please follow the directions found in your course material and read the article “Organizing Meager Evidence to Reveal Lineages: An Irish Example—Geddes of Tyrone” by Thomas W. Jones (NGSQ Vol. 89, No.2, June, 2001).

Time zones:
Thursday, April 19th – 8:30 PM Eastern; 7:30 PM Central; 5:30 PM Pacific;
Friday, April 20th – 1:30 AM in London, England; 10:30 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/asarticle2/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Friday, April 20th at 7:00 PM EDT – All Methodology courses with Brenda Wheeler
This Virtual Meeting is appropriate for ALL students no matter which country you are researching in. Join this session to ask questions or to discuss organizing, skill-building, strategies, effective searching and recording, proving it, transcribing, abstracting, extracting, copyright, and much more.

Note: This Virtual Meeting is available for the convenience of our Australasia students; however, everyone is welcome to participate! It is applicable to all students no matter what country you are researching in.

Time zones:
Friday, April 20th – 7:00 PM Eastern; 6:00 PM Central; 4:00 PM Pacific;
Saturday, April 21st – Midnight in London, England; 9:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/methodology/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Wednesday, April 25th at 4:00 PM EDT – All American courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega
Join Gena to ask questions about the American record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Wednesday, April 25th – 4:00 PM Eastern; 3:00 PM Central; 1:00 PM Pacific; 9:00 PM in London, England;
Thursday, April 26th – 6:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Wednesday, April 25th at 6:00 PM EDT – All Professional Development courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega
Join Gena to ask questions about the Professional Development courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Wednesday, April 25th – 6:00 PM Eastern; 5:00 PM Central; 3:00 PM Pacific; 11:00 PM in London, England;
Thursday, April 26th – 8:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/professional/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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LISTEN ON THE GO!
Want to listen to the student presentation but will not be at your computer? No problem! You can download the FREE Adobe Connect Mobile App from the iTunes App Store (for iPod/iPhone/iPad), from the Google Play Store (for Androids), or from Blackberry World (for Blackberry).

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See the calendar of future Virtual Meetings sessions at www.genealogicalstudies.com; in the top menu choose INFORMATION and then VIRTUAL LEARNING ROOM in the drop-down menu.

If you have not attended a Virtual Meeting before, read the Instructions available at www.genealogicalstudies.com/instructions.pdf. If this URL does not open, please go to www.genealogicalstudies.com, click on Information in the top menu bar, and then Virtual Learning Room in the drop down menu. The link to the Instructions (in PDF format) will be at the top right of the page (you may need to scroll over to the right side of the page).

March 2018 Virtual Meetings

March by arztsamui/Courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net

March by arztsamui/Courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net

Here is the list of scheduled Virtual Meetings for the month of March. Mark your calendars for sessions applicable to your area of studies or research!

Times given are Eastern Daylight Time.

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Saturday, March 17th at 9:30 AM EDT – All Methodology courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega
This Virtual Meeting is appropriate for ALL students no matter which country you are researching in. Join this session to ask questions or to discuss organizing, skill-building, strategies, effective searching and recording, proving it, transcribing, abstracting, extracting, copyright, and much more.

Time zones:
Saturday, March 17th – 9:30 AM Eastern; 8:30 AM Central; 6:30 AM Pacific; 1:30 PM in London, England;
Sunday, March 18th – 12:30 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/methodology/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Saturday, March 17th at 11:00 AM EDT – All Analysis and Skills Mentoring Courses – GENERAL with Gena Philibert-Ortega
This Virtual Meeting is appropriate for students registered in the Analysis and Skills Mentoring courses. Students registered in the Skills: Transcribing, Abstracting, Extracting, Skill-Building: Breaking Down Brick Walls, Skill-Building: Evidence Analysis, and Skill-Building: Nuts & Bolts of Reporting are also welcome to join. Topics for discussion include course procedure, evidence analysis, Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), citations, ethics, timelines, transcriptions, abstractions, extractions, proof summaries and more.

Time zones:

Saturday, March 17th – 11:00 AM Eastern; 10:00 AM Central; 8:00 AM Pacific; 3:00 PM in London, England;
Sunday, March 18th – 2:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/asgeneral/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Tuesday, March 20th at 10:00 AM EDT – All Canadian courses with Kathryn Lake Hogan
Join Kathryn to ask questions about the Canadian record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Tuesday, March 20th – 10:00 AM Eastern; 9:00 AM Central; 7:00 AM Pacific; 2:00 PM in London, England;
Wednesday, March 21st – 1:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/canadian/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Wednesday, March 21st at 4:00 PM EDT – Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 3 – ARTICLE REVIEW with Gena Philibert-Ortega
This Virtual Meeting is more appropriate for students registered in this course. Please follow the directions found in your course material and read the article “Identification through Signatures: Using Complex Direct Evidence to Sort Colwills of Cornwall” by Ronald A. Hill (NGSQ Vol. 87, No. 3, September, 1999).

Time zones:
Wednesday, March 21st – 4:00 PM Eastern; 3:00 PM Central; 1:00 PM Pacific; 8:00 PM in London, England;
Thursday, March 22nd – 7:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/asarticle3/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Wednesday, March 21st at 7:00 PM EDT – Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 1 – ARTICLE REVIEW with Gena Philibert-Ortega
This Virtual Meeting is more appropriate for students registered in this course. Please follow the directions found in your course material and read the article “Heritage Books and Family Lore: A Jackson Test in Missouri and Idaho” by Connie Lenzen (NGSQ Vol. 86, No. 1, March, 1998).

Time zones:
Wednesday, March 21st – 7:00 PM Eastern; 6:00 PM Central; 4:00 PM Pacific; 11:00 PM in London, England;
Thursday, March 22nd – 10:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/asarticle1/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Saturday, March 24th at 1:00 PM EDT – All American courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega
Join Gena to ask questions about the American record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Saturday, March 24th – 1:00 PM Eastern; noon Central; 10:00 AM Pacific; 5:00 PM in London, England;
Sunday, March 25th – 4:00 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Saturday, March 24th at 2:30 PM EDT – Internet Tools with Gena Philibert-Ortega
This session is appropriate for students registered in/working on the Connecting Family: Online and Virtually, Google for the Wise Genealogist, and Social Media Tools for the Wise Genealogist courses, although all are welcome. Join Gena to ask questions about these courses and/or your Internet searches.

Time zones:
Saturday, March 24th – 2:30 PM Eastern; 1:30 PM Central; 11:30 AM Pacific; 6:30 PM in London, England;
Sunday, March 25th – 5:30 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/internettools/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Saturday, March 24th at 4:30 PM EDT – All English courses with Brenda Wheeler
Join Brenda to ask questions about the English record courses and/or your research.

Time zones:
Saturday, March 24th – 4:30 PM Eastern; 3:30 PM Central; 1:30 PM Pacific; 8:30 AM in London, England;
Sunday, March 25th – 7:30 AM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/english/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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Tuesday, March 27th at 4:00 AM EDT – All Methodology courses with Brenda Wheeler
This Virtual Meeting is appropriate for ALL students no matter which country you are researching in. Join this session to ask questions or to discuss organizing, skill-building, strategies, effective searching and recording, proving it, transcribing, abstracting, extracting, copyright, and much more.

Note: This Virtual Meeting is available for the convenience of our Australasia students; however, everyone is welcome to participate! It is applicable to all students no matter what country you are researching in.

Time zones:
Tuesday, March 27th – 4:00 AM Eastern; 3:00 AM Central; 1:00 AM Pacific; 9:00 AM in London, England; 7:00 PM in Sydney, Australia

MEETING LOCATION: http://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/methodology/
(NOTE: No user name or password required. Please type in your first and last name; then click “Enter as a Guest”.)

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LISTEN ON THE GO!
Want to listen to the student presentation but will not be at your computer? No problem! You can download the FREE Adobe Connect Mobile App from the iTunes App Store (for iPod/iPhone/iPad), from the Google Play Store (for Androids), or from Blackberry World (for Blackberry).

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See the calendar of future Virtual Meetings sessions at www.genealogicalstudies.com; in the top menu choose INFORMATION and then VIRTUAL LEARNING ROOM in the drop-down menu.

If you have not attended a Virtual Meeting before, read the Instructions available at www.genealogicalstudies.com/instructions.pdf. If this URL does not open, please go to www.genealogicalstudies.com, click on Information in the top menu bar, and then Virtual Learning Room in the drop down menu. The link to the Instructions (in PDF format) will be at the top right of the page (you may need to scroll over to the right side of the page).

The Most Interesting Course I’ve Taken :  Photography: Clues Pictures Hold, Editing, Digitizing and Various Projects

 

Carte de visite of George W. Fackler, 2nd great grandfather of Sandy Fackler. Probably taken between 25 September 1865 and 27 December 1868. Courtesy of Sandy Fackler.

Carte de visite of George W. Fackler, 2nd great grandfather of Sandy Fackler. Probably taken between 25 September 1865 and 27 December 1868. Courtesy of Sandy Fackler.

By Sandy Fackler, PLCGS. Student.

 

I knew little about the aspects of photography when I registered for Photography: Clues Pictures Hold, Editing, Digitizing and Various Projects in December. Now, I want to recommend this course to anyone who has a collection of old or recent photographs because I believe you’ll learn at least 3 things to help you whether it is how to digitize your photos, how to identify people through facial characteristics, or how to identify when or where a photo was taken.

While I’ve scanned photos before, I hate to admit I was unaware I could scan at different dots per inch (dpi) or that my scanner would do so. Now I plan to re-scan many of my old photos to see if I can improve the images. This course also provides tips on organizing photos on a computer so I will do that as I scan.

Cabinet card of Alonzo Hiwanda, aka George F. Day, 3rd great uncle of Sandy Fackler. The names of the gentlemen on the barrel are unknown. Date unknown but probably in 1890s. Courtesy of Sandy Fackler.

Cabinet card of Alonzo Hiwanda, aka George F. Day, 3rd great uncle of Sandy Fackler. The names of the gentlemen on the barrel are unknown. Date unknown but probably in 1890s. Courtesy of Sandy Fackler.

 

I’ve purchased a cabinet card and cartes de visite of my ancestors through eBay. The cabinet card and many of the CDVs are of a circus sideshow performer. I learned about backdrops and that they were individually hand-painted by local artists. Can I find other CDVs with the same background and learn where my CDVs were taken? If so, this might lead to identifying the name of the circus he performed with.

I also have a group photo of men and women possibly taken in the 1890s-1920s. No one is identified. Using information in this course I can try to narrow the time frame through their clothes, hairstyles, and by facial comparison and analysis. Each of these topics is included along with photos for comparison.

One other thing I learned that might help. If I have a photo and can’t identify the person, I might be able to find a written description of potential candidates. Descriptions are found in World War I draft cards, World War II draft registration cars, military records, newspaper articles, and criminal records.

All in all, this was one of the most interesting courses I’ve taken. I’ve learned a lot and if you take this course I believe you will too.

Photography: Clues Pictures Hold, Editing, Digitizing and Various Projects contains eight modules. You can register now for the next class which starts April 2, 2018. For more information on this course and the table of contents, see The National Institute website .

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Sandy Fackler, PLCGS, graduated from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies in April 2013 and holds Certificates in American Records, Irish Records, and Methodology. She is a member of the National Genealogical Society, the Ohio Genealogical Society, the Association of Professional Genealogists, and many local societies. Her favorite source is old newspapers and spends her free time reading them. She is currently researching her third great uncle (the sideshow performer), her English Quaker ancestors, and several local history stories.

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies Announces a New Eastern European Records Certificate

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies Announces a New Eastern European Records Certificate

Features Courses Written by Lisa Alzo, MFA

 

For Immediate Release

27 February 2018

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies is proud to announce a new addition to our Certificate Programs. The Eastern European Records Certificate features courses in researching various records and repositories in Eastern Europe.

Course author and genealogy professional, Lisa Alzo, MFA says of researching Eastern European ancestors, “A vast number of immigrants came to the United States and Canada 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. With the popularity of DNA testing, more people are discovering they have Eastern European ancestry and have a desire to know more. As more records become accessible with each passing year, it has never been easier to consolidate known facts with newly discovered information.”

Courses in this new certificate program include:

  • Eastern European: Locating Places in Eastern Europe
  • Eastern European: Understanding Migration Patterns
  • Eastern European: The Languages and Alphabets
  • Eastern European: Chronological Considerations: The Austro-Hungarian Empire
  • Eastern European: Civil Registration Records
  • Eastern European: Church Records
  • Eastern European: Other Records (Tax, Military, Land, Census)
  • Eastern European: Record Repositories
  • Eastern European: Onsite Research in the Ancestral Homeland
  • Eastern European: Problem Solving

Other courses offered include research, records, and repositories in individual Eastern European countries and regions.

The certificate in Eastern European Records will provide in-depth instruction for genealogists with roots in many countries where research was difficult, if not impossible, just a decade ago.

“We are excited to announce the creation of this new certificate program focusing on Eastern Europe. Researchers will find these courses to be an important addition to expanding their knowledge about the region and records,” remarked National Institute’s Managing Director Louise St Denis.

The Eastern European Records Certificate description and links to courses can be found on The National Institute’s website at http://www.genealogicalstudies.com/eng/courses.asp?certificateID=25.  Courses are continually being added to this certificate program.

In conjunction with the RootsTech conference, The National Institute is offering a 20% discount off any Eastern European course package. To register for a course package, use code 20RT18EE at checkout. Eastern European course packages can be viewed on The National Institute’s website at  http://www.genealogicalstudies.com/eng/packages.asp.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GENEALOGICAL STUDIES

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies, leaders in online genealogy education, has been offering genealogy and history courses for 20 years. Over 200 courses in genealogical studies are offered to help enhance researcher’s skills.

For those looking to acquire more formal educational training, The National Institute offers Certificate Programs in the records of Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Eastern Europe and the United States, as well as a General Methodology, Professional Development and Librarianship Certificate Program.  For more information please call us toll-free in North America at 1-800-580-0165 or email us at admin@genealogicalstudies.com.

For more information:

Louise St Denis

www.genealogicalstudies.com

admin@genealogicalstudies.com

1-800-580-0165 (North American)

416-861-0165 (International)

Skype: louisestd

 

Keeping In Touch With The National Institute For Genealogical Studies

Red Telephone Box by Tom Curtis/Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Red Telephone Box by Tom Curtis/Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In the genealogy world we need to communicate with each other to keep abreast of the constantly evolving research methods and resources. The same is true within The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. As a student of the National Institute, there are various ways you can communicate with us and your fellow students. Here is how:

#1 By email to the National Institute

When contacting us please include your first and last name and the course title, including the country the course applies to.

i) admin@genealogicalstudies.com – for general questions;

ii) alert@genealogicalstudies.com – to advise us of broken links in your course materials and assignments–please be specific as to where problem is;

iii) exam@genealogicalstudies.com – questions pertaining to your course exam.

#2 By email to a fellow student

When you view a fellow student’s public assignment SUBMISSION/ANSWER and you would like to contact them about something in their posting, simply click on the envelope icon to the right of the student’s name. A new window will open where you can type your message. For privacy reasons, you will not see the recipient’s email address and they have the option to reply or not.

#3 Attend a Virtual Meeting

VIRTUAL MEETINGS ARE THE BEST PLACE TO COMMUNICATE with an instructor and fellow students. Anyone can participate! You do not have to be registered in the course to attend. When attending virtual meetings, please bring questions applicable to the topic being discussed.

Watch for our emails outlining upcoming virtual meetings dates and times. Or visit our website at www.genealogicalstudies.com, click on Information in the top menu bar, and then Virtual Learning Room for the full schedule.

#4 Follow the National Institute’s Blog

Go to http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/ and scroll down. On the right hand side of the page you will see Subscribe to Blog via Email. In the text box, enter your email address and click on the Subscribe button. Once subscribed, you will receive an email each time we post an article. Each blog article includes a link to write a comment or share via social media. Look for these options at the end of each blog post.

#5 Follow us on Twitter

Once signed into your Twitter account, search for us on Twitter by our Twitter name @GeneaStudies. On our Twitter page, click on the Follow button to subscribe to our tweets. Not a member of Twitter? No problem, just go to Twitter www.twitter.com and join. Membership is free.

#6 Follow The National Institute on Facebook

To follow us on Facebook you must be a member. To join Facebook go to www.facebook.com and sign up. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/National-Institute-for-Genealogical-Studies/110290648619 and click on the Like button on the top right of our page.

#7 Join a GenealogyWise group to communicate with your fellow students

Go to www.genealogywise.com and Sign Up. There are groups set up for each of the National Institute’s country streams; i.e. American, Australian, Canadian, English, German, Irish, and Scottish, as well as Methodology, Librarianship, Alumni, and First Timer FAQs.

#8 Follow GenealogyWise on Facebook

To follow us on Facebook you must be a member. To join Facebook go to www.facebook.com and sign up. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GenealogyWise and click on the Like button on the top right of our page.

#9 Consultation with an instructor ($)

If you want to have a one-on-one consultation with an instructor this can be arranged. Please email admin@genealogicalstudies.com to request an appointment. When emailing please provide some information as to what course and some background details you would like to discuss so we can recommend a consultation with an appropriate instructor. The consultation with an instructor is available for a modest fee.

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