John Philip Colletta's Webinar on "The Germanic French"

Nothing beats the institute experience of spending a week with genealogy friends and genealogical experts, like John Philip Colletta. 

However, while waiting to attend the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) in January 2017, you can still have the opportunity to hear from own genealogy experts as they present at other venues.

SLIG Coordinator, John Philip Colletta, who will be coordinating Course 7, "Settlers in the New World and Immigrants to New Nation: Researching Ancestors from Overseas," is presenting a free Legacy Family Tree webinar on "The Germanic French: Researching Alsatian and Lorrainian Families" on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 2 PM EDT. To register: http://familytreewebinars.com/webinar_details.php?webinar_id=359

As noted on the website, this webinar "explains how a significant population of German-speakers came to reside in France and explores the peculiarities of researching ancestors of Alsace, Lorraine, and Elsass-Lothringen."

John is a knowledgeable and entertaining speaker and his events provide an opportunity to elevate your genealogical education! 

If you have not registered for SLIG yet and are interested in learning more about John's course or the other offerings, go to slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Don't miss Paula's upcoming speaking events including one on her 2017 SLIG course!

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy's (SLIG's) own coordinator and instructor, Paula Stuart-Warren, is one busy genealogy professional! She will be on the road providing her knowledge and expertise at the upcoming events listed below.

Of particular interest is the free webinar that she will be doing on Thursday, August 18th at 7:00 PM MDT. She will be discussing her SLIG course, entitled "Taking Your Research to the Next Level." If have not registered for SLIG yet and are considering jumping into the institute experience, Paula's course is a great way to do that. This webinar will provide information on the course and will provide you with the opportunity to get your questions answered. Go to slig.ugagenealogy.org for more information. You can register for the free webinar here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4420662741849027587.

Paula's 2016 Speaking Calendar 

July 17-22, 2016
Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

August 5-6, 2016
Celtic Connections Conference. Hosted by The Irish Genealogical Society International (IGSI) & The Irish Ancestral Research Association (TIARA)

Minneapolis, Minnesota

August 11, 2016, Free Class
Hudson Area Public Library, Hudson, Wisconsin10:30-11:30 Railroad Records and Railroad History: Methods for Tracking

August 18, 2016, Free Webinar
On the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and Course 1: Taking Your Research to the Next Level that I coordinate.

August 31-September 3, 2016
Federation of Genealogical Societies National Conference and 40th Anniversary
Hosted by the Illinois State Genealogical Society
Springfield, Illinois

September 18-25, 2016
3d Annual Heritage Books Genealogy Conference & Cruise with 5 speakers
Royal Caribbean cruise ship Liberty of the Seas from Galveston, Texas to Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; Limon, Costa Rica; and back to Galveston

October 8, 2016
Minnesota Genealogical Society class at the Minnesota Historical Society
More than Pensions: 19th & 20th Century Military Records

October 11, 2016, Free Webinar
“Midwestern Gems:Back Issues of Genealogical, Historical and Sociological Journals”
Illinois State Genealogical Society

October 15, 2016
Rapid City Society for Genealogical Research 50th Anniversary Seminar
Rapid City, South Dakota

October 22, 2016
San Mateo County Genealogical Society Seminar
San Mateo, California

October 29, 2016
Minneapolis Central Library’s Family History Fair
Minneapolis, Minnesota

SLIG 2017: Opportunity to study the Immigrant Experience Expanded

We are pleased to announce that we have been able to expand the number of seats available in Course 7: Settlers in the New World and Immigrants to a New Nation: Research Ancestors from Overseas.

This amazing new course will explore the immigration saga, which Dr. Colletta describes as one that "tends to be the most dramatic and momentous chapter of American family history." The course will explore sources and methods for reconstructing the lives of ancestors who came from foreign lands, from the 1590s through the twentieth centuries.

More importantly, the course will weave together a picture of the immigrant experience – leaving home, crossing the ocean, finding a place to settle and put down roots.  Students will learn how to locate the biographical details that personalize their ancestor's immigrant experience as well as how to prepare to trace family lines in the Old Country.

Peg Ivanyo, SLIG Director, indicates her first SLIG experience in 2012 was under the tutelage of Dr. Colletta in his Archives course.  She writes: "Learning from this man is an absolutely amazing experience.  Not only do you gain a knowledge of the sources, background, and methodology required on the topic of study, but he weaves together with documented evidence the stories that bring ancestors to life. I couldn't resist asking John, the 'immigration king' in my book, to put together this course for SLIG. I'm thrilled to be able to expand the number of seats to accommodate more students for its debut."

Coordinated by John Philip Colletta, PhD, FUGA; D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS also instructing; joined by Deborah S. Gurtler, AG.

To obtain a seat in this course, please add yourself to the waiting list.  The registrar will then contact you to facilitate registration.

Newest First Family Recipents

SLIG 2017 Highlights: Standards, Standards, Standards

Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, CG, has designed an amazing class to help with report writing.

It's designed to help you evaluate research work samples to so can you gain insight to consistently produce work that meets the Genealogical Proof Standard.

This class will help to raise your work to new heights.

Registration opens July 9 at 9 am MDT. Classes fill quickly so be sure and register early.

SLIG 2017 Lodging Information

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) is pleased to announce that the price for the hotel rooms for 2017 will remain at $134.00 per room, the same as last year. 

Students will again make their reservations through SLIG/UGA, so that they can be submitted a a group. The first-night's deposit will be due at the time of reservation, along with a $5 one-time, non-refundable service fee. 

Reservations will open on July 9th as a separate action from course registration, so students can reserve their course first and then determine their hotel accommodations.

We are delighted to once again be hosting SLIG at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center. The property features comfortable meeting space, large networking areas, and four-star comfort. They offer spacious lodging rooms with stunning views, a compact refrigerator, work desk, and a safe large enough to fit a laptop. Those who book inside the SLIG block will receive complimentary wifi internet in their rooms and self-serve parking.

Additional information and a list of all amenities may be accessed at Hilton.com.  All rooms are non-smoking.

We hope you will join us for another outstanding institute in January 2017! For more details, see "SLIG > Lodging."

Winner of the Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship for SLIG 2017 Announced

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is pleased to announce Paula Furick as the winner of the Jimmy B. Parker Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy scholarship for 2017. The competition was strong and many candidates submitted worthy applications. The committee determined that Ms. Furick's application exemplified the culture of giving back to the community as demonstrated by Jimmy B.Parker.

Ms. Furick actively volunteers for a wide range of organizations engaged in advancing genealogical research. Her volunteer work includes providing services at several societies as well as a local library supporting their educational programs and assisting members with their genealogical research.

Ms. Furick will be attending the course entitled “Advanced Genealogical Methods.” She plans to use the knowledge she gains to continue her volunteer work and expand her teaching skills in the genealogical community.

SLIG Registration - a Note from the Director

New genealogists ask me how important it is to register early.  In the words of many famous genealogists, "it depends."  With limited seating to assure quality instruction time, one can imagine that some courses fill in a matter of minutes. 

If you are new to SLIG, please take a serious look at which course you are most interested in and strongly consider coming to the registration table right at the beginning - just in case.

Registration is simple:  enter your information, select your course, finish and pay.  No special event choices to slow you down.  Just grab your seat and go.

Please do write down the email address you used to register and your 'very long' confirmation number.  We will ask you to return in a month or two to make those special events selections.

Tips and Tricks:

• Please read the description and prerequisites carefully.  Some will have homework each night; others have requirements that must be met prior to attending.  

• Review the course outlines.  This day by day outline is the best way to determine if the course is for you, telling you exactly what you will learn in each of the 20 class periods that week. 

• Consider the Complexity and Focus:  Courses are numbered and grouped by level of difficulty and topic as follows:  

• Intermediate U.S. Research and Technology – courses 1 & 2.  Been researching for years, but not sure you have a solid foundation? Consider an intermediate level course on either research or technology to give you a sure footing to move your skills forward. 

• Regional and International Research – courses 3 through 5.  These geographically-based courses assume an intermediate skill level sufficient to begin building a knowledge-base in a specific area.

• Special topics – courses 6 through 9. Levels vary; some require a knowledge of basic principles; others expect a much higher level of skill.

• Advanced Methodology – course 10.  For high-intermediate researchers only.  Expect a high level of discussion in class and challenging homework.

• Advanced Hands-on Courses – courses 11 through 13.  Requirements vary – read the prerequisites and required reading lists carefully; none are for the early intermediate researcher.  

• Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum – course 14.  Completed "Advanced Methodology"? Ready to put your skills to the test?  These case studies challenge you to solve them. Most time spent researching; two hours per day in class.

• Have a second choice ready:  Did I mention that some courses fill quickly?  Get on the waiting list right away, and register for the next course of choice. 

Director's Note:  this lengthy blog post was inspired by a newbie to the SLIG registration process.  I hope y'all (former Texan in me) found it helpful.

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One Great Course - Two Different Formats

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) strives to offer quality educational courses that elevate the skills of its students. One of its courses, the Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum, is only offered through SLIG.

This year will be the first year that this unique course is offered both on-site and in a virtual format.

Angela Packer McGhie, the course coordinator, has created this hands-on experience, which is an opportunity for advanced genealogists to challenge themselves and put their research skills into practice. Participants work on five complex genealogical research problems. The objective is to give students experience in conducting research on complex problems, analyzing and correlating information, and reaching conclusions.

Both formats offer participants practice using indirect evidence, broadening research to include the FAN club, resolving conflicts, and organizing evidence into a written summary. The research problems are varied, offering students the challenge of stretching their mind and skills in directions that their research may not normally take them. Participants will work individually on the each of the cases and then gather to discuss their progress with fellow classmates and the instructor. They will compare sources, strategies and methodologies, discuss difficulties encountered, and receive guidance from the case study author. This course is designed for advanced genealogists who have sufficient experience and education to work on complex genealogical problems.

The virtual format offers the ability to participate in this course from the comfort of your own home while still being able to interact with fellow classmates and the instructor in a virtual environment. Additionally, there are no travel, food or lodging costs and working students do not need to take time from their job to participate.

The on-site format provides students to interact with other advanced genealogists in person, not just just those in their class. One of the best benefits is the opportunity to research at the Family History Library, which is within walking distance from the institute. The week-long course also provides the benefit of dedicated time to focus on the case studies without the distractions of daily life. While the virtual course will showcase cases previously presented in the course, the on-site course offers brand new cases every year and the 2017 course will feature new geographic areas, new methodologies, and new ethnicities not covered in previous practicum courses.

Participating in either format, or in both, provide an excellent opportunity to elevate your genealogical education to new heights! And one you can only get through SLIG.

Only One Week Until SLIG Registration Opens!

The final count down to registration has begun. Only one week until you can register for your class this year at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy.

There are some great choices and we have covered them in depth here on the blog but you can also find out more information by visiting our website.

Be sure and visit us on Facebook for up to the minute announcements.  And for those of you who have attended before (or after you are registered for this year) be sure and check out our group for current and past attendees, you can find us here. Registration opens at 9 a.m. MDT, and classes fill quickly. If you are unable to register for the class you want (I always have at least two choices in mind when I log on) be sure and add your name to the waiting list.  We were able to accommodate  everyone last year.

SLIG 2017 Highlight: You be the Judge!

At some point, don't we all want to be a judge dispensing with justice as seen on so many television shows like Judge Judy? However, in this course, "You be the Judge: A Practicum Using Standards to Evaluate Genealogical Work," students will engage in a supervised practical application of Genealogy Standards.  Each day students will evaluate genealogical work samples of unknown quality to determine whether the samples meet, partially meet, or do not meet standards. From these exercises students will gain insight into the mindset and the habits involved in consistently producing work that meets standards. Students will develop evaluation strategies to identify weaknesses in their writing or in the writing of others.  Students will begin to develop the evaluation skills needed to assess the quality of their work and the work of others. This is a forum for discussions of each standard and for substantive genealogy questions. The rubrics concept (what they are) and the application of rubrics (how they are used) will be introduced on the final day of the course. This is a good course for students who aspire to become certified as it will familiarize them with the standards and the rubrics concept. Prerequisites: The class will move quickly and assume that attendees are familiar with Genealogy Standards, Evidence Explained, and Numbering Your Genealogy. Required Texts: Genealogy Standards (2014) Evidence Explained, 3rd edition Numbering Your Genealogy: Basic Systems, Complex Families, and International Kin (Special Publication of the National Genealogical Society) Rubrics for Evaluating New Applications for BCG Certification (free download from the BCG website) SLIG Registration opens on Saturday, July 9th at 9:00 AM MDT. Go to http://ugagenealogy.org/aem.php?lv=p&epg=118 to learn more about this course as well as the thirteen other courses available in 2017.