Skip to main content

Virtual Genealogical Skills Bootcamp Summer 2023

Welcome!

Thank you for registering for our Virtual Genealogical Skills Bootcamp, August 3-5 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 online 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 August 3, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. ET, click: https://zoom.us/j/91835315067

This same link will be used for all sessions throughout the program. Please note this program is being offered in a Zoom Meeting format, so you will have the opportunity to appear on camera and unmute to ask questions during our Q&A sessions. If preferred, you may also remain off camera and muted, and you will be able to ask questions using our meeting chat and Q&A panel.

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, August 3: The Basics: Process, Records, Analysis with Hallie Kirchner

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, August 4: Breaking Down Genealogical Brick Walls with Melanie McComb

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, August 5: 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

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)
Research Templates (blank) (word version)

Analyzing Sources

Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)

Group Discussion Questions
Group Discussion Questions - Answer Key
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 1 Chat Log

Day 2


Taking Action: How to Create a Research Plan

Handout
Slides (Large)
Slides (Worksheet)
Sample Annotated Research Log
Fan Club Spreadsheet

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)

Day 2 Chat 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)

Day 3 Chat Log

Meet Our Experts

Hallie Kirchner

Senior Genealogist
Areas of Expertise: 19th-century America, Germany, New York, New York City, Norway, Italy, westward migration, immigration history, and descendancy research.

Rhonda R. McClure

Senior Genealogist
Areas of expertise: Immigration and naturalization, late 19th and early 20th century urban research, missionaries.

Melanie McComb

Senior Genealogist
Areas of expertise: Irish genealogy, DNA, Atlantic Canada, Jewish genealogy, and military records.