Methodology Part 1: Getting Started

Ref: IGS-01

Supplied by National Institute for Genealogical Studies.

This introductory course will tackle the common questions: "Why trace our ancestors?", "How far back can I go?" and "How do I proceed after I've talked to my family?"

Participants will immediately start filling in their ancestral chart. The course takes a look at the mementoes and documents found in our own homes which hold so much information but which are often overlooked. This will be followed with a general review of the public sources available.

The course concludes with a look at the frustrating and confusing situations you may encounter as you undertake your research. Please note that for students seeking the Certificate, this course is a prerequisite for the remaining courses.

Course Content

Module 1
Introduction: What Genealogy Means; Why Would You Want to Trace Your Ancestors; How Far Back Can You Go
What to Do Before You Start Your Research: But a Couple of Don'ts First; Construct a Miniature Tree; Who’s Genealogy Do You Want to Trace?
Recording Your Information: Pedigree Chart; Coding System; Abbreviations

Module 2
The Family Group Record
How To Begin The Research Stage: What Resources Does Your Family Have? Vital Records, Personal Records, Legal Records, School Records, Religious Records, Government Records, Health Records, Family Bible, Family Photo Album.
Finding Living Relatives-A resource not to be missed: Skills Required, Being inquisitive, Being not too afraid to call, Persistence, How to Find Them? Key Available Records; Internet; Traditional Genealogy Records; Serendipities; Conclusions

Module 3
Researching: Objectives; Procedures; Sources We Use; Types of Information; Evaluation and Analysis

Module 4
Confusing Situations: Meaning of Words; Surnames; Changes in Boundaries; Changes in the Calendars

Module 5 & 6 (Remember, research in various countries make use of various records and research aids!)
What Outside Sources To Contact: Genealogical & Historical Associations; Public Archives; Public & Provincial Libraries; Private Libraries & Associations; The Family History Centres of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Churches & Religious Records; Cemeteries Where Family Members are Buried.
Various Records to Use: Births, Marriages & Deaths; Census Records; Directories; Passenger Lists; Passport Records; Probate Records; Court Records; Land Records; Military Records; Draft Records; Burial Records; Quarantine Records; Newspapers.
Other Tools: Guides, Finding Aids & Inventories of the Holdings; Indexes of Various Data; Periodicals, Genealogical Association's Newsletters, Magazines.
Transcription of Documents
A Basic Genealogical Research Plan
Useful Forms.

This usually retails at £60.00 and is being offered for a limited time at the bargain price of just £30.00.

£30.00