Articles by Angela Breidenbach

Angela Breidenbach, PLCGS, is the Executive Director at the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. She's a multi-published author, speaker, and presenter. Find out more about her books at https://AngelaBreidenbach.com

We Have a Winner!: APG PMC

We Have a Winner!: APG PMC

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…

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Research Canadian Archives Like an Expert

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. 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…

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Join Genealogist Kirsty Gray in Canada!

Director of English Records Kirsty Gray is on a speaking tour of Canada. Don’t miss the chance to see her present on some great English research topics. November 1: The Ontario Genealogical Society, Toronto Branch Workshop “Industrial England.” Come hear Kirsty provide the keynote address on How the Industrial Revolution Changed the World. For more information, see the OGS website. November 2: At the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa she will be presenting two lectures, Searching for Names: Challenges, Pitfalls and the Downright Ridiculous and Solving Problems Through Family Reconstruction. To check out a calendar of Kirsty’s presentations, see her website.

Celebrating Family History Month in Queensland

  Over 100 people enjoyed  the Queensland Family History Society  Open Day on Saturday August 23rd, an annual event held during National Family History Month. This year’s theme was Your family tree – more than just names and dates. Guided tours through the Society’s Resource Centre, a presentation sharing members’ stories of their family, and advice from the Society’s  special interest groups (Scotland, Central Europe, Wales, English West Country, DNA Interest Group, Family History Writing Group, Family Tree Maker and The Master Genealogist) allowed participants to learn about resources, ask questions, and receive assistance. The National Institute for Genealogical Studies was also there with information about our programs such as the Australian and English Records certificates and over 200 courses. A free course from the National Institute was won by Merle Grinly. The Queensland Family History Society  was founded in 1979, “providing research resources in a pleasant, friendly environment and to providing suitable premises for members to spend time, both for educational purposes and as a meeting place to discuss shared interests.”  National Family History Month occurs in August of each year. For a schedule of events, see the official National Family History Month website. Special thanks to Brenda Wheeler, Rosemary Kopittke, and Charlotte Sale for their help in including The National Institute for Genealogical Studies in this event. Is your society holding an event? Why not invite The National Institute for Genealogical Studies? We’d love to support your event with door prizes or giveaways. To learn more, email us at…

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