Welcome!
Thank you for registering for our Virtual Genealogical Skills Boot Camp, January 5-7 on Zoom!
Take your research skills to the next level! With the sheer number of online resources at your fingertips, it's easy to dive into your family history research without any formal training as a genealogist. This intensive three-day program will set you on the right path to getting the most out of your family history research and teach you how to tackle genealogical problems like a pro. Topics include: strategies for analyzing records, online research, breaking down genealogical brick walls, and more.
Live sessions will be broadcast through Zoom Video Conferencing. The zoom link (which will be used for all sessions) can be found below. Access to a personal device and internet connection is required to take full advantage of this program.
Please reach out to Education and Programming Manager, Kathleen Mackenzie, at kathleen.mackenzie@nehgs.org if you have any questions prior to or during the program.
Zoom Link to Join Live Sessions
To join the live presentations beginning on Thursday January 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. ET, click: https://zoom.us/j/92960959684. This same link will be used for all sessions throughout the program.
If you are unable to attend the live sessions, you will be able to watch recordings on this event page starting later the same day.
Schedule
Thursday, January 5: The Basics: Process, Records, Analysis with Ann Lawthers
| 10:00-11:00 a.m. | Welcome & Introductions |
| 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Genealogy 101 |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch break |
| 1:30-3:00 p.m. | Analyzing Sources |
| 3:00-3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15-4:45 p.m. | Analyzing Records |
| 4:45-5:00 p.m. | Extended Q&A and Discussion |
Friday, January 6: Breaking Down Genealogical Brick Walls with Lindsay Fulton
| 10:00-11:00 a.m. | Taking Action: How to Create a Research Plan |
| 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Family Ties: Using Extended Family to Circumnavigate a Brick Wall |
| 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Lunch break |
| 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Broadening Your Scope: Employing Ancestral Associates in your Research |
| 2:00-3:00 p.m. | Knowing the Neighbors: How Neighbors Can Help Solve Genealogical Mysteries |
| 3:00-3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15-4:15 p.m. | Bringing It All Together: Making Your Case and Drawing Conclusions |
| 4:15-5:00 p.m. | Extended Q&A and Discussion |
Saturday, January 7: Getting the Most Out of Online Research with Rhonda McClure
| 10:00-11:00 a.m. | General Best Practices for Researching Online & Using Google for Genealogy Research |
| 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Searching Databases on AmericanAncestors.org |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch break |
| 1:30-3:00 p.m. | Using Ancestry.com |
| 3:00-3:15 pm. | Break |
| 3:15-4:45 p.m. | Getting the Most from FamilySearch.org |
| 4:45-5:00 p.m. | Extended Q&A and Discussion |
Slides and Handouts
Day 1
The Basics
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Research Plan Template (with example)
Sample Land Abstraction Form
Sample Research Log - Land
Jones Proof Standard
Research Templates (blank)
Analyzing Sources
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
In-Class Assignment: Analyzing the Source
QuickLesson 10: Original Records, Image Copies, and Derivatives
QuickLesson 17: The Evidence Analysis Process Map
QuickLesson 26: Ancestry Citations
Genealogy Research Map
Analyzing Records
Handout
Slides - Part 1 (Large)
Slides - Part 2 (Large)
Slides - Part 1 (Worksheet)
Slides - Part 2 (Worksheet)
Document - Passenger List
Document - Published Genealogy
Document - Registration Card
Day 2
Taking Action: How to Create a Research Plan
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Family Ties: Using Extended Family to Circumnavigate a Brick Wall
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Broadening your Scope: Employing Ancestral Associates in your Research
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Knowing the Neighbors: How Neighbors Can Help Solve Genealogical Mysteries
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Making Your Case and Drawing Conclusions
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Activity Materials
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Activity 4
Activity 5
Fitch Research Summary
Template Research Log
Day 3
General Best Practices for Researching Online & Using Google for Genealogy Research
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Searching Databases on AmericanAncestors.org
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Using Ancestry.com
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Getting the Most from FamilySearch.org
Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Additional Resources Discussed During Sessions and Shared in Chat
Video Library of free webinars on AmericanAncestors.org
Free Research Guides on AmericanAncestors.org
Free Ask-a-Genealogist Chat Service
The Expansion of New England (Mentioned by Lindsay)
Bureau of Land Management Records (Shared in the chat by fellow participant Jeffrey)
Guide to Genealogical Software (Mentioned by Rhonda)
Webinar on Organizing and Preserving Your Family Papers (Mentioned by Kathleen)
Research Guide on Preserving Your Family Treasures (Mentioned by Kathleen)
Recordings
Day 1
The Basics
Analyzing Sources
Analyzing Records
Day 2
Taking Action: How to Create a Research Plan
Family Ties: Using Extended Family to Circumnavigate a Brick Wall
Broadening Your Scope: Employing Ancestral Associates in Your Research
Knowing the Neighbors: How Neighbors Can Help Solve Genealogical Mysteries
Bringing It All Together: Making Your Case and Drawing Conclusions
