New Course: Skill-Building: Nuts & Bolts of Reporting Research

Skill-Building: Nuts & Bolts of Reporting Research written by Forensic Genealogist Leslie Brinkley Lawson is a new course offered by The National Institute for Genealogical Studies starting January 12, 2015. A professional or serious minded genealogist needs to perfect core skills to help them achieve success whether they conduct research for clients, lecture, or write. These skills include source citation, transcription and writing. In the field of genealogy there are some texts that are considered the standard by which professionals are judged―these include Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers, and Librarians edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills, Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace by Elizabeth Shown Mills, Dr. Thomas Jones’ Mastering Genealogical Proof and the Board for Certification of Genealogists’ Genealogy Standards. These books help prepare the professional or serious minded genealogist for the day to day work of writing, analyzing and preparing information for themselves or the clients that they come in contact with. Books like Professional Genealogy “offers benchmarks by which they can advance their skills and place their businesses on sounder footing.” In this course students  will study portions of some of the above mentioned texts and complete assignments and exercises to better understand the key elements taught within its pages. Not a course for beginning researchers, please be aware this course is classified as “Intermediate Level” in the Professional Development Certificate Program. It has been developed for individuals who are at or working in the Intermediate to Advanced Levels in our other…

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U.S. Religious Records Part 2: Communities

By Shannon Combs Bennett, Student After U.S. Religious Records – Part 1  I jumped straight into U.S. Religious Records – Part 2 .  I thought it made sense to just go ahead and keep the momentum going by continuing with the topic.  It was a good idea since all of the information from Part 1 was still fresh in my mind.  If you can schedule  both courses  close together I would recommend it. The first section was a particularly informative overview of religious records, groups, communities, and history which occurred in America during the 19th and 20th centuries.  I always found the communal religious societies in the 19th century fascinating.  The Shakers, Oneida Community, Millerites/Adventists, Mormons and Community of Christ all developed during a time in American history that was filled with religious expression.  Many of these communities were unable to sustain themselves but others still exist today in flourishing communities.  (The Mormons and The Community of Christ are covered extensively in Module 3 of this course.) These communities formed during the first half of the 1800s when there was a religious fervor occurring across the former colonies.  The “Second Great Revival” in the Protestant religions swept over the country and made the atmosphere ripe for religious exploration and expression.  This atmosphere contributed to the formation of a variety of religious movements and communities (many of which didn’t actually have a religious focus) like the ones listed above.

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.  

Finishing Up My Writing Course

By Shannon Combs Bennett, Student Wow, what a course.  Not only is Writing for Genealogy: Articles, Blogs, Research Reports and so much more  great  for people who are considering putting their work out there for all to see, but its also very informative for those who want to stay private. It was full of information designed to take anyone’s writing to the next level. My mind is buzzing with ideas and projects. I feel like I need to write to the instructor and tell her that she is not helping with my to-do list. Thankfully I don’t actually have enough time in my day to do them all, but maybe one day. I was grateful for her clear instructions, ideas, and suggestions. At times I was literally smacking my forehead in disgust that I had not even thought to look at a particular resource. Once again, it just proves that no matter how long you do something there is always more to know. Of course, the list of resources for each module was extensive. I am still investigating and going through them all. The suggestions for helping with editing, finding writing groups, business advice, and more have proved beneficial to my future as a writer in this community.  Of course, some of the book suggestions are making my pocketbook, and husband, groan but that is why there are wish lists!

Celebrate 15 Years of Online Genealogy Education

[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…