Practical Genealogy: Locating and Using Historic Resources and Data to Grow Family Trees

This course is framed by applying current best practices for genealogical research.

We will: (1) focus on using contemporary online sources, as well as expanding an understanding of the various web-based services (free and fee based); (2) explore essential in-person research of printed and stored historic records; (3) outline how to plan research objectives, formulate a usable personalized record keeping system, and resolve differences in the historical record; (4) model how to maintain detailed records, locate and interpret vital records, examine and apply US Census archival data, and track family members through local and social records; (5) establish methodology to get and keep records organized; (6) identity how to plan and conduct research, document and maintain citations, and write research reports and record progress.

No experience or prior family search experience required. Students may bring a personal computer to use, if desired, as well as an electronic storage filing option (external hard drive, thumb drive, etc.), and it is recommended that all students have a current membership to an online family tree making system.

NOTE: Please be aware that this class will be held in-person at the Ivy Tech Bloomington Main Campus. We do plan to record each class meeting so that anyone who might need to miss a class or would like to review the material on their own will have access to the material that was covered. Recordings will not be used or shared in any way beyond that.