Genealogy Beyond the Basics: Proven Research Methods and Breakthrough Techniques

Move beyond the basics of genealogical research and apply proven methods to find answers faster and more efficiently. These are the same methods used by professionals to systematically break down "brick walls" and resolve convoluted problems in family history research. Prior to course completion, students will learn and begin applying the following core research methods: 1) Focusing research with clear objectives, 2) Prioritizing record sets and repositories for exploration, 3) Planning research for breakthroughs (not rabbit holes), 4) Crafting complete source citations to track work and findings, and 5) Using a research log as a "bookmark" for research status and to avoid duplicating effort. Along the way, we will explore a number of intermediate techniques, including: 1) Leveraging the "FAN club", 2) Analyzing and weighing evidence, 3) Conducting locality-based research, 4) Narrowing research by estimating dates, 5) Using unindexed records, and 6) Finding ancestors in the U.S. Census. The emphasis of this course will be on research in the United States, but many of the principles are applicable to genealogical research in other countries. Ages 18+