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.