Get Started Researching your Family Tree

Got the genealogy bug? These courses are designed for folks just starting to trace their ancestry, as well as for people who need a refresher course in research methods.

Choose from the courses listed below to learn how to start tracing your family tree.

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Become a FamilySearch.org Power User

If Ancestry.com is genealogy’s class president, then FamilySearch.org is the popular big-man-on-campus. The free genealogy website from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints first launched in 1999. With its recent revamp, the site has added features including photos and interactive fan charts to its already rich repository of family records and searchable family trees. This course is certain to expand your knowledge of this awesome online resource for family history, so sign up today. Learn More →

First Steps

First Steps: Online Family Trees

Technology today puts the family tree at your fingertips–whether at home, in the library, or anywhere else you have access via smartphone or tablet. But convenience is only one reason to explore online family trees. They are a great way to organize, share and report your research. Searching the trees of others who may be working on your brick-wall ancestors can show you the way to bust down that, as well as open up new avenues of research. Learn More →

First Steps

First Steps: African-American Genealogy

Those with African ancestry and roots in America face some unique challenges in documenting and telling their family story. Key steps in African-American research include taking a thorough and critical look at resources from elders, from the family home and from public records. This course will address capturing and using oral history, exploring public records, and researching the African-American community. Learn More →

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Google for Genealogy

Gain a googolplex of knowledge in this comprehensive course on the popular search engine. Whether you’re just beginning to learn the vast capabilities of Google search, or are an experienced web-junkie looking to leverage tools like Google Reader and the Google News Archive, this 4-week class on Google for Genealogy is right up your alley. Learn More →

First Steps

First Steps: Finding Family History Books About Your Ancestors

YOU’LL LOVE THIS IF: You have experience searching records, but know little about how to find your ancestors in published genealogies You’re curious about what types of published genealogies exist and where to find them You want to know how to evaluate the reliability of information you find You want to take advantage of using library catalogs and online databases in your family research People have been doing genealogy for centuries—and their efforts have produced a plethora of “pre-researched” family trees you can use as … Learn More →

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First Steps: Using Death Records

Our First Steps series of courses is designed to help beginning genealogists develop a solid foundation of research skills. In this course, you’ll learn the basics on how to find, analyze and cite death records for your US ancestors. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to find and analyze official death certificates How to find other death records when official death certificates are unavailable How to find and use death indexes How to cite death records Tuition: $99.99 ($89.99 for VIP) Course Length: 4 Weeks Instructor: Lisa … Learn More →

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First Steps: Using Marriage and Divorce Records

Our First Steps series of courses is designed to help beginning genealogists develop a solid foundation of research skills. In this course, you’ll learn the basics on how to find, analyze and cite marriage and divorce records for your US ancestors. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to find and analyze marriage certificates How to find other records of marriages when official marriage certificates are unavailable How to find and use divorce records How to cite marriage and divorce records Tuition: $39.99 ($35.99 for VIP) Course Length: … Learn More →

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First Steps: Using Birth Records

Our First Steps series of courses is designed to help beginning genealogists develop a solid foundation of research skills. In this course, you’ll learn the basics on how to find, analyze and cite birth records for your US ancestors. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to find and analyze official birth certificates, including delayed, stillbirth and amended birth certificates How to find other birth records when official birth certificates are unavailable How to find and use birth indexes How to cite birth records Tuition: $39.99 ($35.99 for … Learn More →

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Computer Boot Camp for Genealogists: Become a Power User in 4 Weeks

Wonder what the second button on your mouse is for? Haven’t discovered the joys of Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V? Constantly asking your nephew to help you with your computer? Our Computer Boot Camp will help you work more independently and save time, online and offline. This class is geared toward absolute beginners as well as researchers who need a refresher on their computer skills. Learn more and sign up for the class here Learn More →

First Steps

Discover Your Family Tree: Genealogy for the Absolute Beginner

When you’re a family history newbie, the prospect of diving into your roots research can seem overwhelming. This course, the first in our First Steps series, will start you on the fun and rewarding journey of discovering your roots. Learn how to begin, where to look for information to extend your family tree, what to do with what you find and how to put it all together. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to fill out a family tree chart How to record and organize information Where … Learn More →