International Institute of Genealogical Studies

LEADERS IN ONLINE GENEALOGY EDUCATION

International Institute of Genealogical Studies - LEADERS IN ONLINE GENEALOGY EDUCATION

New Course: Research: FamilySearch Resources – In Person and Online

Think you know how to use FamilySearch? Maybe you’ve never used FamilySearch? Now’s the time to learn more with the new course  Research: FamilySearch Resources – In Person and Online from The National Institute for Genealogical Studies.

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, provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch includes over 3 billion names globally, and provides digital images, 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 content includes:

 

  • Website Search Functionality
  • Getting to the Records
  • Indexed versus Non-Indexed Collections
  • The Research Wiki
  • The Family Tree
  • FamilySearchCatalog
  • Digitized Books
  • Learning Center
  • Family History Centers

This course starts January 5, 2015. For more information see our website.

 

Celebrate 15 Years of Online Genealogy Education

Gifts For Christmas by Naito8

Gifts For Christmas by Naito8

[Update: The National Institute of Genealogical Studies merged into the International Institute of Genealogical Studies on 2 March 2022 and no longer uses the past name noted in this article.]

Seventeen years ago, The National Institute for Genealogical Studies was founded. On October 4, 1999, Methodology-Part 1: Getting Started was the first online course offered to students. On December 1st, 15 years later, it started for the 185th time.

We are celebrating! Now’s the time to sign-up for those courses you’ve always wanted to take.

Give us a call toll free at 1-800-580-0165 ext 1 to learn more or for help with any registration.

From the team, MERRY CHRISTMAS and  HAPPY CHANUKKAH, to you and your family…

We Have a Winner!: APG PMC

Winner by Salvatore Vuono/Courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net

Winner by Salvatore Vuono/Courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net

We have a winner!

You may recall that we had one registration to the Association of Professional Genealogist’s  Professional Management Conference to give away to one lucky student. That lucky student is Lynn Funk.

Lynn was understandably excited, “The reason I wanted to attend was that I looked at the amazing line-up of speakers and topics being presented and knew there were things that I could learn from them that would make me a better genealogist.  For instance, Thomas Jones has several workshops including You’ve Got Options: Many Ways to Cite Right.  I know that citing sources is a weakness for me and I look forward to hearing what Dr. Jones has to say about this so that I can turn this weakness into a strength.” Lynn is also looking forward to hearing  Billie Stone Fogarty and National Institute course author James Beidler. ”

This was a great opportunity for Lynn whose goal is to become a professional genealogist. She says, “I try to take every opportunity that is presented to me to learn more about genealogy and family history.”

About herself, Lynn says, “I have been researching family history for over 35 years, off and on–more on now that my children are grown!  Right now I am involved in several projects: 1) Researching my Smith line with a cousin who “found” me through AncestryDNA.  We have never met in person or talked on the phone– in fact up until a few months ago, I didn’t even know she existed.  But we are hoping to get together sometime in the next year to see what we can find on this elusive line.  2) I am working on The National Institute course, Analysis and Skills Mentoring II . 3) I am trying to organize my genealogy in preparation for putting together a history of my family that can be passed down to my children and grandchildren, etc.  and 4) I am preparing to teach a beginning genealogy class at my church.”

webBan_PMC-RegistrationPage_650x250

Congratulations Lynn and good luck with your research!

If you wish you had been the winner you can still register for the 2015 APG PMC. Check out the conference website.

Research Canadian Archives Like an Expert

NYCL-Microform Cabinets (c) 2014 Sue de Groot. Used with permission.

NYCL-Microform Cabinets (c) 2014 Sue de Groot. Used with permission.

Have Canadian ancestors or just need to know more about researching archives in Canada? The National Institute for Genealogical Studies course Canadian: Archival Centres has been updated and will help you learn more about archives and their collections in Canada. This course covers:

  • Finding Aids
  • National & Provincial Archives
  • Local & University Archives
  • Religious, Ethnic & Specialized Archives
  • Using the Archival Records
  • Specific Groups of Records
  • And much, much, more…

Learn more about this course by visiting our website.

Australian: Newspapers and Biographies

Newspapers are an important resource for your family history. We are proud to announce our latest  course: Australian: Newspapers and Biographies authored by Australian genealogist Shauna Hicks.

Example from Queensland Government Gazette 1 January 1887, Text Queensland

Example from Queensland Government Gazette 1 January 1887, Text Queensland

Newspapers are a wonderful research tool as they can provide background information on our ancestors that may not be found in official documents. As well as the expected notices of births, engagements, marriages, deaths, burials and obituaries we may also find reference to their sporting activities or involvement in community events. References to insolvencies, bankruptcies, other misdemeanours or more serious crimes can lead to court and criminal records at the archives. This course focuses on using both historical and current newspapers to flesh out our knowledge of our ancestors and the communities in which they lived.

A useful companion to newspapers are biographical resources and these can be for an individual or a defined group and based on a local, state or national level. Often referred to as biographical dictionaries or pioneer registers these resources can provide a quick background on an individual which can then be followed up in newspapers and official records.

By using these two types of resources, you will be able to add substantially to your knowledge of your ancestors. As more and more of these resources are digitised and placed online making them easier to access and to search, there is a constant need to go back and revisit your research to find any new material on your ancestors.

By undertaking this course on Australian newspapers and biographies you will find lots of additional material on your families as we make our way through the modules. Shauna says, “In writing this course and undertaking the assignments, I even added to my own family knowledge which was a bonus for me.”

There is so much in this course including ethnic and specialty  newspapers, online resources, and history. This course is a must for everyone interested in newspapers or trying to find their Australian family.

This course begins in November 2014. To learn more about this course see our website .