“The intermediate course description “spoke” to me as a path of validation for personal self-study in genealogy. I felt the institute could elevate my knowledge beyond customary webinars/conferences offered virtually or in person. I also wanted an opportunity to network with other like minded researchers.”

“I would highly recommend this course. Well worth the cost. Everything was very organized. I can’t believe how much I learned in one week.”

Core Course Two –
Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies

About the Course

  • Maximum: 30 students
  • Virtual classrooms using Zoom
  • Lectures will be recorded and available to view for one month after the end of the course
  • All courses come with a digital syllabus
  • Students will receive a digital certificate upon course completion

Course Faculty

Description

Building on the basics taught in Course 1 (Methods and Sources in Practice), Course 2 is designed to help experienced genealogists expand their knowledge of genealogical sources and methodologies. The week begins with an in-depth study of the research process and analyzing, correlating and citing records to solve research problems. Experts provide instruction on land, military, immigration, probate, court, tax, and religious records. Class sessions highlight the use of DNA in genealogical research, an exploration of manuscript collections, and a genealogical writing workshop. Students participate in hands-on practical exercises in evaluating genealogical evidence and research. Students will have an effective working knowledge of the records needed to conduct reasonably exhaustive research and the methods needed to meet the Genealogical Proof Standard.

Prerequisites, textbooks, and other student information

Course prerequisites:

Completion of IGHR course one on “Methods and Sources in Practice” or equivalent experience and education in genealogy. This course is designed for students who have experience researching in a wide variety of genealogical records both online and onsite in libraries, courthouses, and archives.

Course requirements:

Students should have access to conduct online research as required to complete optional exercises provided outside of the classroom.

Required books:

None

Recommended books:

Board for Certification of Genealogists. Genealogy Standards. 2d ed. rev. Nashville, Tenn.: Ancestry.com, 2021.

Jones, Thomas W. Mastering Genealogical Proof. Arlington, Virginia: The National Genealogical Society, 2013.

Greenwood, Val D. The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy. 4th ed. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2017.

Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace. 3rd ed. rev. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2017.

2027 Course Schedule (All times listed are Eastern Time)

Wednesdays, Sept 22–Oct 27, 2027

Date Time Session Title Instructor
Sept. 22, 2027 10:30 – 11:00 Introductions McGhie
11:00 – 12:15 Research Methods I – An Effective Research Process McGhie
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Research Methods II – Analyzing, Correlating, and Citing Records with the GPS McGhie
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 Advanced Census Research Hoffman
Sept. 29, 2027 10:30 – 11:00 Homework Review McGhie
11:00 – 12:15 Researching in Federal Land Records McGhie
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Researching in State and Local Land Records Powell
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 US Immigration and Naturalization Records McMillin
Oct. 6, 2027 10:30 – 11:00 Homework Review McGhie
11:00 – 12:15 Keys to Using Manuscript Collections Powell
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Research and Strategies in Military Records, Part 1 Strauss
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 Research and Strategies in Military Records, Part 2 Strauss
Oct. 13, 2027 10:30 – 11:00 Homework Review McGhie
11:00 – 12:15 Testing a Case Against the GPS McGhie
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Using DNA Test Results as Evidence Stanbary
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 Hands-on Genealogical Writing Seminar McGhie
Oct. 20, 2027 10:30 – 11:00 Homework Review McGhie
11:00 – 12:15 With or Without a Will: The Probate Process Russell
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Order in the Court: Using Court Records Russell
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 Tax Records Tell the Story: Cluster and Neighborhood Research Dyer
Oct. 27, 2027 10:30 – 11:00 Homework Review McGhie
11:00 – 12:15 Religious Records: Denominations and Methodology Hoffman
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:45 – 2:00 Using Genealogical Evidence Jones
2:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 – 4:15 Golden Nuggets and Next Steps McGhie