Welcome!
Thank you for registering for our Virtual Genealogical Skills Bootcamp, January 18-20 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, January 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, click: https://zoom.us/j/96493387440.
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, January 18: 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, January 19: 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 20: Getting the Most Out of Online Research with Rhonda R. 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
Genealogy 101
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)
Day 2: Breaking Down Brick Walls: Strategies for Success
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: Getting the Most Out of Online Research
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)
