History & genealogy
technique
Deciphering Cursive Handwriting (18th Century)
Learn the standardized letterforms and abbreviations required to accurately transcribe difficult 18th-century documents, moving beyond modern script assumptions.
Intermediate
history
Historical Period Analysis (The Enlightenment)
Conduct deep, focused analysis on the political, social, and cultural frameworks of the Enlightenment era to accurately interpret primary texts and movements.
Advanced
analysis
Mastering Census Record
Understand the nuances, biases, and data shifts across different US and UK censuses from 1790 to 1940 to build complete, reliable family profiles.
Beginner
fundamentals
The Fundamentals of Primary Source Verification
Establish provenance and credibility by mastering the techniques of cross-referencing primary, secondary, and tertiary source materials to validate claims.
Beginner
mindset
Avoiding Confirmation Bias in Historical Interpretation
Develop a reflective mindset focused on objective evidence review, preventing preconceived family stories from skewing the interpretation of complex sources.
Beginner
planning
Building a Successful Historical Research Plan
Learn systematic planning methods, objective setting, and logical execution steps for tackling large-scale, complex historical investigations efficiently.
Beginner
storytelling
Crafting Compelling Family Narratives
Learn narrative structure and historical context incorporation to transform dry genealogical data points into engaging, publishable family history stories.
Intermediate
visualization
Historical Visualization: Mapping Lineage Data
Use digital visualization tools to create dynamic, time-based maps and interactive charts that clearly illustrate multi-generational historical movement and settlement.
Intermediate
tools
Introduction to DNA Kinship Tools (GEDmatch & 23andMe)
Learn how to upload, manage, and interpret raw genetic data to identify unknown relatives and verify documented lineage, including using cluster analysis.
Intermediate
application
Leveraging Land and Property
Discover how to use land patents, deeds, tax records, and probate files to locate ancestors when common vital records are unavailable, often filling crucial gaps.
Advanced
resource
Military Records Research: Civil War to WWII
Learn which national and regional archives hold service, pension, and draft records and understand the specialized, often bureaucratic terminology within them.
Intermediate
theory
Paleography Essentials: Reading Medieval Scripts
Acquire basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills for interpreting early modern and medieval Latin and vernacular handwriting and abbreviations.
Advanced
craftsmanship
Photograph and Artifact Preservation Techniques
Learn the fundamentals of safe handling, archival storage, and high-resolution digital scanning methods to conserve fragile historical artifacts and documents.
Intermediate
documentation
The Art of Source Citation (Evidence Explained)
Implement standardized citation practices required for rigorous documentation, specifically focusing on the advanced methodology used by professional genealogists.
Intermediate
optimization
Utilizing Online Genealogical Databases Effectively
Optimize search queries and filter techniques when utilizing platforms like Ancestry, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage to overcome common research brick walls.
Beginner
composition
Writing a Comprehensive Research Report
Learn the required structure, objective voice, and rigorous evidence presentation needed to compose professional, thorough research reports for clients or family records.
Intermediate
depth
Deep Dive into Social History Context
Explore how integrating macro-historical events (wars, epidemics, industrialization) enriches and explains micro-level family decisions and movements.
Advanced
integration
Digital Archival Research and
Master advanced searching protocols across various national and university digital archives to efficiently integrate high volumes of digitized records into your workflow.
Intermediate
strategy
Finding Records in Church Archives
Develop effective strategies for identifying, accessing, and navigating the specialized record-keeping systems used by different historical denominations.
Intermediate
discipline
Genealogy Project Management & Tracking
Develop discipline in organizing research logs, to-do lists, and digital file structures to ensure maximum research efficiency and clear progress tracking.
Beginner
communication
Mastering Oral History Interview Techniques
Practice effective communication, question sequencing, and audio recording methods to gather reliable, deeply personal recollections from community elders.
Beginner
certification
Professional Genealogy Certification Prep
Review the standards and documentation requirements necessary for pursuing professional accreditation (e.g., BCG, AG) in rigorous genealogical research.
Advanced
gear
Conducting Ethical and Effective Oral History Interviews
Learn best practices for preparation, sensitive questioning techniques, legal release forms, and setting up quality recording equipment.
Intermediate
troubleshooting
Handling Conflicts in Data: Troubleshooting Inconsistencies
Develop a systematic process for identifying errors, weighting source reliability, and resolving contradictory information found across records.
Intermediate
aesthetics
Interpreting Material Culture and Historical Artifacts
Understand how non-textual sources, such as objects, architecture, and everyday items, provide context and insight into past lives and societies.
Intermediate
advanced
Mastering DNA Match Clustering (The Leeds Method)
Apply advanced clustering methods to organize and interpret complex autosomal DNA test results, leading to breakthroughs on unknown lines.
Advanced
refinement
Writing Effective Source Citations (Chicago Style)
Master the specifics of documenting various record types (vital records, census, probate) using standardized academic formatting for reliability.
Intermediate
technique
Researching Enslaved Ancestors and Freedom Seekers
Navigate difficult records, focusing on probate, tax, and plantation records, using specialized methodology to trace individuals often identified only by first name.
Advanced
history
Tracing Ancestral Migration Patterns
Utilize geological, political, and economic historical data to accurately map and contextualize the push and pull factors dictating your ancestors' movements.
Advanced
analysis
Introduction to Primary Source
Understand how to critically evaluate, contextualize, and determine the reliability of original documents, artifacts, and eye-witness accounts.
Beginner
fundamentals
Introduction to Palaeography (Medieval/Early Modern)
Fundamentals of reading and transcribing medieval and early modern handwritten documents in Latin or early vernaculars, focusing on letterforms and abbreviations.
Advanced
mindset
Privacy and Ethics in Modern Genealogical Publication
Navigate the complex ethical considerations surrounding the publication of findings, particularly concerning living relatives or painful family secrets.
Beginner
planning
Building a Research Plan with Trello and Airtable
Implement project management frameworks to organize genealogy tasks, manage sources, and track breakthroughs systematically and efficiently.
Intermediate
storytelling
Weaving Found Data into Personal Family Stories
Transform dry records and dates into rich, evocative biographical narratives that capture the emotion, context, and essence of a life lived.
Beginner
visualization
Digital History: Creating Interactive Timelines
Use specialized mapping and visualization software (like GIS or Palladio) to illustrate historical data geographically and temporally for dynamic presentations.
Advanced
tools
Efficient Use of Ancestry.com and MyHeritage
Navigate the features, proprietary databases, and advanced search filters of the leading genealogy platforms for rapid and targeted research.
Intermediate
application
Analyzing Demographic Shifts Using Census Data
Learn specific techniques for mining detailed population schedules to understand migration patterns, occupational trends, and neighborhood changes.
Advanced
resource
Navigating National Archives and Library of Congress
Understand the complex catalog systems, finding aids, request protocols, and specialized collections available in major governmental repositories.
Intermediate
theory
Historiography: Understanding Historical Interpretation
Explore the different philosophical approaches, biases, and methodologies historians use to construct and challenge narratives over time.
Intermediate
craftsmanship
Designing and Publishing a Professional Family History Book
Learn the craft of layout, image preparation, indexing, printing specifications, and binding techniques for self-publishing high-quality genealogy books.
Intermediate
documentation
Tracing Ancestors Through Land and Property Records
Use deeds, grants, tax records, and plat maps to locate physical boundaries and establish relationships across generations where vital records fail.
Advanced
optimization
Optimizing Search Queries for Deep Database Retrieval
Learn Boolean operators, wildcards, and advanced search syntax to pull elusive records from restrictive or poorly indexed online genealogy databases.
Intermediate
composition
Structuring a Compelling Historical Narrative
Develop composition strategies to transform raw research data and facts into engaging, coherent, and publishable historical accounts or family narratives.
Intermediate
technique
Breaking Through the 1850 Brick Wall
Specialized strategies for researching family lines before the advent of comprehensive US federal census data using non-traditional records.
Advanced
history
Researching Military Service Records (WWI & WWII)
Locate, request, and interpret service records, pension files, and unit histories for ancestors who served in major global conflicts.
Intermediate
analysis
Understanding and Using Probate and Court Records
Deconstruct wills, inventories, and guardianship documents to prove kinship, determine estate value, and establish relationships where vital records are missing.
Advanced
fundamentals
The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS)
Learn the five steps required to achieve documented, reliable, and reproducible conclusions that stand up to rigorous scrutiny.
Intermediate
technique
Deciphering Old Cursive Scripts
Learn specialized techniques for reading historical documents written in difficult 18th and 19th-century hands, overcoming challenges like faint ink and archaic spelling.
Intermediate