Winner of the Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship for SLIG 2016 Announced

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is pleased to announce Janice Sellers as the winner of the Jimmy B. Parker Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy scholarship for 2016. The competition was strong and many candidates submitted worthy applications. The committee determined that Miss Seller's application exemplified the culture of giving back to the community as demonstrated by Jimmy B.Parker.

Miss Sellers volunteers for a wide range of organizations engaged in advancing genealogical research, communication, transcription, and general sharing. Her volunteer work includes services at libraries, teaching classes in the San Francisco area and throughout the country, editing genealogical journals, participating on boards of genealogical groups, as well as researching and transcribing information for several organizations.
 

Miss Sellers will be attending the course entitled “Research in the South.” 

SLIG Registration for 2016 Opens Tomorrow!

In less than 23 hours, SLIG Registration for 2016 begins! Invite your friends and register June 20th at 9:00 am MST at www.infouga.org !

Have you chosen your preferred course?

With thirteen tracks to chose from, there is a topic to suit everyone.

• Methodology courses covering advanced topics, legal concepts, evidence analysis, problem-solving and writing a quality family narrative.
• Records-based courses covering land and church records.
• Technology courses covering beginning to advanced DNA analysis.
• Location-based courses covering research in New York, the South, and the United States.

For more details, go to http://infouga.org/cpage.php?pt=376.

Don't miss it on the best genealogical education opportunity for 2016!

Class Highlight: Solving Problems Like a Professional with Michael Hait

Whether you are researching your own family or helping clients, everyone needs to approach genealogical problems like a professional.

This course will discuss the genealogical proof standard, focusing on processes used by successful professional genealogists. The course will teach means of efficient project management to achieve reliable results.

The required textbook is the Board for Certification of Genealogists, Genealogy Standards (2014). As part of the course, there will be a multi-part assignment will allow students to apply what they have learned to a problem of their own. Skills tested will include analyzing a research problem and past research, creating a research plan, identifying and obtaining records, and analyzing records for evidentiary value.

Michael is a proficient lecturer who "has a great grasp of his subject matter and teaches in an accessible yet highly instructional way."

Michael Hait, CG, is a full-time professional genealogical researcher, writer, and lecturer. He has written case studies for several genealogical journals including the Maryland Genealogical Society Journal, the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, and the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. In 2012 Michael won 1st prize in the National Genealogical Society Family History Writing Competition for his article “In the Shadow of Rebellions,” exploring descendants of an enslaved woman living in 19th-century Maryland. Michael currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Board for Certification of Genealogists (2013–2016), and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists (2012–2013).

If you have questions about whether this course is right for you, email us at info@ugagenealogy.org.

Class Highlight: U.S. Early Church Records with Rev. Dr. David McDonald

Genealogists learn that there are more than one set of records, and multiple different approaches, to conduct effective research. The course will examine both theological underpinnings and the records created by churches, ministers, and denominations that can affect and impact on the genealogical work. Denominational “genealogy,” leading lights, naming patterns, cultural and behavioral impacts, in addition to church records as resources will be considered in this week-long learning experience. With the world’s largest collection of records within walking distance of the track, we will examine the utility of the records available, their use as substitutes for civil registration and vital records, and effective interweaving of the records into written narratives of a family’s record. Also examines churches “across the pond” in their European settings, and evaluates influences that helped shape denominational thinking and record-keeping processes.

We will consider the theological influences impacting on the particular denominations, along with religious practices and cultural attitudes which may prevail amongst various groups and bodies. Homework will be featured three evenings.

Rev. Dr. McDonald has over 35 years research experience and has been lecturing over 30 years. He has been Board-certified since 2004, was a trustee and past president of BCG, served NGS as a former director, and edited the WSGS Newsletter. He is also an Ordained Protestant minister.

He has a wide range of specialties including: the Midwest; migration patterns across the US; religious records and denominations; fraternal organizations and records; English research; methodology & analysis; land records, local & federal; presidential genealogy; New England; lineage societies; record transcription & analysis; genealogical credentials and educational opportunities.

If you have questions about whether this course is right for you, email us at info@ugagenealogy.org.

Class Highlight: Researching New York: Resources and Strategies with Karen Mauer Jones

Are you stuck in New York? Research in New York is complicated by its urban-rural extremes and its 400-year, multi-ethnic history.

This course tackles those complexities, arming the researcher with the knowledge needed for success in this difficult state. This course will cover New York’s history as it impacts the researcher, and examine in detail the records that have been created and preserved.

Broad topics include immigration/migration, laws and the legal system, military records, ethnic groups, vital records, land and property, urban research, turnpikes/canals/railroads, local government/institutional records, probate, newspapers, directories, censuses, and more.

Former class participant Vickie Young said "having done little research outside of Kings County, and none prior to 1830, I found the course informative in providing a good overview of the history and available records for researching in the State of New York."

Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS, of Cooperstown, New York, is an editor, author, lecturer, and professional genealogist, specializing in upstate New York, and currently employed as editor of The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. She was named a fellow of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society in November 2012.

She holds an MA in museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies (State University of New York, Oneonta) and a BS (honors) in history (State University of New York, Oneonta). She has served on the Education Committee of the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society since 2011.

The owner of Frontier Press, a genealogical and historical bookstore, she is the author of articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and the New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, as well as the two-volume set of The Kentucky Gazette: Genealogical and Historical Abstracts, 1787-1820, the two-volume set of Pioneer Ohio Newspapers: Genealogical and Historical Abstracts, 1793-1818 (winner of the 1989 Salmon P. Chase Award, Council of Ohio Genealogists), and The Maryland Gazette: Genealogical and Historical Abstracts, 1727-1761 (winner of the 1991 Norris Harris Award, Maryland Historical Society).

Have questions about whether this course is right for you? Email us at info@ugagenealogy.org.

Class Highlight: Advanced Research Tool, Land Records with Pamela & Richard Sayre

"Location, location, location!" A byline for genealogists and real estate agents alike. Advanced Research Tool: Land Records, taught by the expert Sayres, is an important class all serious genealogists need to take. Land genealogy is just as important as people genealogy for overcoming research barriers. This course explores land distribution across the United States via colonial powers, private land claims, federal land records from homesteads to military bounty lands, at the National Archives down to local county or town deeds.

Students will learn about the Public Land Survey System, and the "metes and bounds" system. Course discussions will focus on land law, and how to use land records to prove kinship. A hands-on computer lab will teach you the resources for finding land records, mapping, and deed platting.

Former class participant Monique Riley said, "I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Federal land entry papers. We were taught about the different types of case files and what information they can contain.  Using the information in tract books and the BLM website, we were shown how to obtain these important files from NARA." 

Have questions about Advanced Research Tool: Land Records, and if it's right for you?
Email us at info@ugagenealogy.org.

For more about Pamela and Richard Sayre, visit www.sayreandsayre.com.

Class Highlight: Problem Solving with Luana Darby

Are you tired of hitting your head against a "brick wall?" End the headache, and bring your research conundrums, quandaries, and questions to Problem Solving with Luana Darby! Her years of family history experience, combined with the collective knowledge of the other attendees, is a phenomenal opportunity to solve your riddle and learn lots along the way. A mentored week at the Family History Library? Yes, please!

Students will develop methodology, analysis, and research skills while focusing on your own project. After being divided into small groups by geographic regions or countries, daily two hour meetings are your chance to review research progress with two professional consultants and other group participants.

 After taking Problem Solving, Jennifer Dondero said, "Reporting back to the group each day helped me be accountable (cite every source!) and think outside MY box. I wish every research trip could work this way."

Student involvement in problem solving requires commitment and advance preparation. It is divided into two parts:

Pre-Institute: Choose project focus, ancestor, time period, geographical area, and research questions. Project submission can include timeline, pertinent pedigree and family group sheets, research logs, maps, and a short research summary, detailing what is known information and a discussion of sources used in previous research. Assigned consultants will return an initial analysis of the student's proposed research on Sunday at Institute. To assure more cohesive groups, focus areas will be pre-selected. Fee shown includes regular tuition plus a consultant fee.

Institute: Under guidance from professional consultants, student's will use a group collaborative approach to discuss research progress each day, utilizing the combined knowledge and experience of the group to solve problems.

Please note that shuttles do not run during the regular part of the day and student may be on their own for transportation to the FHL for research.  It is a two-block (Salt Lake City block) walk.

Have questions about Problem Solving, and if it's the right class for you? Email us at info@ugagenealogy.org.

For more about Luana Darby, visit www.lineagesbyluana.com.

Class Highlight: Intermediate to Advanced DNA Analysis Techniques for Genealogical Research with Angie Bush

If you have previously taken a Genetic Genealogy course and are hungry for more, welcome to DNA for Family Historians 2.0! Intermediate to Advanced DNA Analysis Techniques for Genealogical Research with Angie Bush is intended for the genealogist who has a thorough understanding of genetic genealogy basics and has experience applying DNA testing to family history research. This is the next step in genetic genealogy education, with a focus on preparing professionals and others to work on genetic genealogy cases and strengthen the skills of those who are already doing so.

This course will examine the methods used by expert genetic genealogists to thoroughly and accurately analyze DNA testing results to advance knowledge of an individual’s genealogy. Instruction will include complex case studies that incorporate multiple types of DNA testing results, analyzed in conjunction with documentary evidence, as well as cases where DNA test results are the primary resource, such as in unknown parentage cases.

Coursework will include analyzing and comparing DNA testing data from all of the companies offering products to the genealogy community with explanations and demonstrations of the most valuable features and tools for the genetic genealogist working with large amounts of data. Through active participation in and completion of this course, the genealogist will gain essential skills for integrating DNA testing with traditional genealogy research on an advanced level.

Professional Genetic Genealogist Wendy Wilson Spooner said, "My experience in the Advanced DNA course last January at SLIG, was all I had hoped for and could not have been more informative! I was sitting in the forest (camping) last July with my laptop, when registration for the course opened. Need I say how thrilled I was to get in to this highly desired course?

CeCe Moore, Blaine Bettinger and Angie Bush outdid themselves once again. Their instruction style, methodology of working with DNA results, and case study presentations, were professional and inspiring. The syllabus I received for the course is invaluable and has become my 'DNA Bible.' I highly recommend this course to anyone who has taken the beginning/intermediate course, and many thanks to all who worked to make the class available - especially the instructors."

Have questions about Intermediate to Advanced DNA Analysis Techniques for Genealogical Research, and if it's the right class for you? Email us at info@ugagenealogy.org.

For more about Angie Bush, visit www.genesandtrees.com.

Class Highlight: Intermediate U.S. Records and Research with Paula Stuart-Warren

Do you feel like you've got a good handle on the basics, and want to super charge your U.S. research skills? Join the gregarious Paula Stuart-Warren for the second installment of her two part course, intermediate United States records and research, which she has been teaching for 18 years. Don't worry, these classes don't need to be taken in order! (And part one will be taught in 2017.)

This in-depth class focuses on 19th through 21st century resources: their content, origin, location,  interpretation, and the corresponding methodologies. Informative and interactive class-room hours delve into significant records and strategies that take you beyond basic research tools both online and off. On-site Family History Library support and a computer lab from course instructors provide one-on-one assistance and guidance with your own research.

Part II topics include research planning, vital records strategies and substitutes, special census schedules, 20 & 21 century research resources, military records beyond pensions, locating family manuscripts, and school records.

Part I in 2017 will cover hands-on dissecting a document and a class project, researching women, courthouse records, legal savvy, source citations, land records, passenger arrival records, passports, WPA, National Archives, and genealogical and historical periodicals.

Make sure you are brushed up on the use of key online family history websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry, have reviewed at least two basic genealogy guidebooks, and have had some previous class room learning  related to family history.

Intermediate U.S. Research class participant Sara Bird said, "This was my first year going to SLIG, and I didn't know what I didn't know! I've been doing genealogy for about 16 years, but in the last few years I've really gotten serious about genealogy, and I've become frustrated in the lack of knowledge that I've had. I was searching for a way to learn more, and find more records, so when my good friend told me about SLIG, it was the perfect fit! I feel now like my brick wall is now climbable, and I can find those elusive ancestors that have felt so hard to find before."

Have questions about Intermediate U.S. Records and Research, and if it's the right class for you? Email us at info@ugagenealogy.org.

For more about Paula Stuart-Warren, visit genealogybypaula.com.