Online Genealogy Research Courses

The internet opened up a whole new world of possibilities for genealogists. From mega data sites such as Ancestry.com to collaborative wikis to supercharged search engines such as Google, searching for your ancestors these days is likely going to lead you online.

Choose from the courses listed below to discover how to make the most of the internet in your research.

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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 →

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Become an Ancestry.com Power User

Ancestry.com is like a KitchenAid mixer: you know it has the capacity to make pasta, grind meat and juice a grapefruit, but you mostly just use it to beat cake batter. You might conduct basic Ancestry.com searches every day, but know little about the cool collections and databases available for browsing, exciting advanced search features, or the fun functions featured within Ancestry.com family trees. This course is certain to expand your knowledge of the world’s largest online resource for family history, so sign up and dig in. Learn More →

FREEFAMILYWEBSITE

How to Make a Free Family Website

Whether you’re recording your family’s history, trying to track down lost kin or looking for a central place to share family photos, a personal website is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Thankfully, a number of free website platforms are available online, and this course will teach you how to use them in just four weeks! By the end of the class you’ll be web-savvy and ready to jolt your genealogy into the 21st century. 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 →

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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 →

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Google Earth for Genealogists: Plot Your Ancestors’ Lives

Most of us never get to travel to all the places our ancestors lived, but you can follow in their footsteps—virtually. Google Earth, a free software program, lets you experience faraway locations from the comfort of your own home. In Google Earth for Genealogists, you’ll tap into the program’s robust features to bring depth and a new perspective to your family history research. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to save, share and organize information in Google Earth How to overlay historical maps How to plot your … Learn More →