Core Course Two – Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies

“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.

2026 Course Schedule (All times listed are Eastern Time)

Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Week 1
10:30 – 11:00 Introductions (Hoffman)
11:00 – 12:15 Research Methods I – An Effective Research Process (Hoffman)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Research Methods II – Analyzing, Correlating, and Citing Records with the GPS (Hoffman)
1:45 – 2:45 Lunch
2:45 – 4:00 Advanced Census Research – Pre-1850 Census and Non-population Schedules (Hoffman)
4:00 – 4:15 Break
4:15 – 5:30 Hands-On Writing Seminar (Hoffman)
Thursday, October 22, 2026 – Week 2
10:30 – 11:00 Homework Review (Hoffman)
11:00 – 12:15 Tax Records Tell the Story: Cluster and Neighborhood Research (Dyer)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Keys to Using Manuscript Collections (Powell)
1:45 – 2:45 Lunch
2:45 – 4:00 Researching in State and Local Land Records (Powell)
4:00 – 4:15 Break
4:15 – 5:30 Digging into Federal Land Records (McGhie)
Thursday, October 29, 2026 – Week 3
10:30 – 11:00 Homework Review (Hoffman)
11:00 – 12:15 Overview of US Immigration & Naturalization Records (McMillin)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Using DNA Test Results as Evidence (Stanbary)
1:45 – 2:45 Lunch
2:45 – 4:00 Research and Strategies in Military Records, Part 1 (Strauss)
4:00 – 4:15 Break
4:15 – 5:30 Research and Strategies in Military Records, Part 2 (Strauss)
Thursday, November 5, 2026 – Week 4
10:30 – 11:00 Homework Review (Hoffman)
11:00 – 12:15 With or Without a Will: The Probate Process (Russell)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Order in the Court: Using Court Records (Russell)
1:45 – 2:45 Lunch
2:45 – 4:00 Using Genealogical Evidence (Jones)
4:00 – 4:15 Break
4:15 – 5:30 Testing a Case Against the GPS (McGhie)
Thursday, November 12, 2026 – Week 5
10:30 – 11:45 Writing with AI (Dyer)
11:45 –12:00 Break
12:00 – 1:15 Religious Records: Denominations and Methodology (Hoffman)
1:15 – 1:30 Break
1:30 – 2:45 Genealogical Nuggets and Next Steps (Hoffman)