SLIG 2024: Guided Research and Consultation

Do you want some guidance on your current genealogy research project? Do you want a week to focus just on your project questions but would like some expert advice on how to proceed. Try Craig Scott's Guided Research and Consultation course during SLIG 2023.

Guided Research and Consultation, coordinated by Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG, FUGA, provides you with your own personal research guide for an entire week. During the week, as you work on your own project, you will engage in virtual regular group meetings and one-on-one consultations. Assistance will be available as needed during specific research hours.

Although the group and one-on-one sessions take place virtually, and many students choose to research and participate from home, some students might choose to travel on their own to Salt Lake City for the week and research in person at the famous FamilySearch Library.

Watch this interview with course coordinator Craig Scott:

Guided Research and Consultation will meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: Advanced Genealogical Methods

Are you an intermediate-level genealogist, comfortable with research but ready to tackle more challenging and complex genealogical problems? Do you want to learn more advanced research skills? Maybe it's the right moment for you to take Advanced Genealogical Methods!

Advanced Genealogical Methods, coordinated by Paul K. Graham, AG, CG, CGL, addresses the advanced use of evidence derived from various genealogical sources and explores research techniques for populations for which the usual records are in short supply. You will learn how to assemble and use evidence, document your research, and develop proof summaries to reach accurate conclusions and create a credible record of your findings.

Faculty includes:

• Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
• Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
• Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
• Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG

This intense course is intended for high intermediate genealogists who have completed an intermediate-level course or have equivalent experience. Their research has led them to encounter relationships that cannot be documented only with direct evidence. Students are expected to have taken at least one DNA test.

Students are also encouraged to obtain and read Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones before the start of the course.

Advanced Genealogical Methods will meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: Beyond the Brick Walls: Strategies for Pre-1850 U.S. Research

Do you get stumped when you try to research an ancestor earlier than the 1850 U.S. census? Hate beating your head against that particular brick wall? Then take this course to learn how to avoid that research headache.

Beyond the Brick Wall: Strategies for Pre-1850 U.S. Research is designed to show you how to overcome the unique challenges of researching in the United States before 1850. Records from that earlier time often contain less information, are seldom indexed, and can be challenging to find. You will be introduced to pre-1850 record types and learn strategies for identifying relationships prior to 1850. You will gain hands-on practice in applying advanced research skills, record analysis, and evidence correlation.

Beyond the Brick Wall is coordinated and taught by

• Julia A Anderson, MA, AG
• Jacqueline Kanyuck, AG
• Lyn Rasmussen, CG
• Beth Taylor, CG

Watch this interview as the coordinators discuss this course:

Beyond the Brick Wall: Strategies for Pre-1850 U.S. Research will meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses web page for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: DNA Dreamers: Integrating DNA Evidence to Resolve Complex Cases

Back again by popular demand!

DNA Dreamers: Integrating DNA Evidence to Resolve Complex Cases, coordinated by Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG, is an advanced course designed to deconstruct and study researcher decisions, strategies, and methodologies employed in the correlation of documentary and genetic evidence to establish proven genealogical conclusions. Familiar genealogical skills will be dissected with a DNA twist. Besides working through faculty-provided case studies, several lucky volunteers will have the opportunity to present a real-life "stuck case" and participate in a "think-tank" around options for a next step.

Faculty includes:

• Catherine Desmarais, CG
• Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, FASG, FNGS, FUGA
• David K. Larsen, PhD, MSLIS
• Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA
• David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS
• Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
• Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG

This is an advanced level-course with prerequisites:

• Completion of a full-week institute course at any genealogical institute in each of these categories:
• Advanced Methodology, Advanced Genealogical Methods, or Mastering Genealogical Proof
• Beginning DNA, Introduction to Genetic Genealogy, or Practical Genetic Genealogy
• Establishing Genealogical Proof with DNA, Intermediate DNA, Chromosome Mapping, Advanced DNA, or SLIG Virtual DNA Practicum
• If a registrant does not meet the prerequisites, a work sample may be submitted for consideration that correlates genetic and documentary sources to establish a conclusion meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard.

DNA Dreamers: Integrating DNA Evidence to Resolve Complex Cases will meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses web page for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT,

SLIG 2024: The Fundamentals of Southern U.S. Research and Resources

Do you have ancestors who lived in the southern United States? You might want to consider taking The Fundamentals of Southern U.S. Research and Resources.

In The Fundamentals of Southern U.S. Research and Resources, coordinated by J. Mark Lowe, FUGA, you will start with basic methodologies and review the records and resources that lead to answers when researching ancestors in the southern United States. Highlights include transportation routes, manuscript collections, occupational resources, land, court and estate records (and the laws that created them) along with problem-solving techniques used by real Southern researchers.

Other instructors:

• Deborah A. Abbot, PhD
• Clint Alley
• Gail Jackson Miller, CG
• Ari Wilkins

The Fundamentals of Southern U.S. Research and Resources will meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: Genealogy Research in France: An Introduction

Research has led you back to ancestors living in France? You've had no experience with genealogical research in French records? Do you want to know what to do first and next? Then this course is for you.

Genealogy Research in France: An Introduction, coordinated by Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG, will teach you to trace your French ancestry through civil registration, church, census, military, and newspaper records. You will gain hands-on experience working with real cases and associated documents. Several case studies will be shared, highlighting methodological considerations of research in different areas of mainland France. Even if you don't know French, this course is for you!

Other instructors:

• Brandon Baird, AG
• Amberly Beck, AG
• Forrest R. Hansen, JD
• Aimee Marie
• Renaud Marie, AG
• Ariel Munger, BA, CG

Genealogy Research in France: An Introduction will meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: Researching Along the Northern Plains

The Great American Desert, Flyover Country, and Buffalo Commons are all terms used to describe the Northern Plains of the United States. they imply an empty country, with little of interest and few residents. Nothing could be further from the truth. This region--which embraces the entirety of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska, plus western Minnesota, western Iowa, and eastern Montana--is filled with intriguing people, rich and varied histories and cultures, and wide-ranging genealogical challenges and opportunities. Researching Along the Northern Plains will enable you to uncover genealogical gems about your ancestors who settled in or passed through the Northern Plains.

Researching Along the Northern Plains, coordinated by Gary Ball-Kilbourne, PhD, CG, will provide you with insights into researching the region as a whole as well as its distinctive states. Special attention will be given to Native Americans of the Northern Plains and key ethnic immigrant groups. Important brick-and-mortar repositories, online availability of sources, and helpful agencies will be discussed. Guidance for participants to develop their own locality guides will be provided. 

Other instructors:

• J. H. "Jay" Fonkert, CG
• Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG, CGL
• Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA
• Julie Miller, CG, CGL, FNGS
• Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR
• Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA
• Jeff Svare, AG

There is no nightly homework for this course. However, students will be asked to select one county or larger city within the Northern Plains region. Throughout the week, students will develop their own locality guide for the county or city they selected. During the last class session, students will be encouraged to share their guides and the insights gained from developing them.

Watch this video as coordinator Gary Ball-Kilbourne talks about Researching Along the Northern Plains:

Researching Along the Northern Plains will meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

WANTED: Hive Minders for SLIG 2024 and SLIG Spring Virtual 2024

Hive Minders make our virtual classrooms function smoothly, addressing challenges that arise. If you are comfortable with technology, consider applying to serve during one of the courses offered during SLIG 2024 or SLIG Spring Virtual 2024.

Hive Minder job responsibilities include:

• starting Zoom for each weekly session;
• managing closed captioning, breakout rooms, polls, and recordings;
• assisting faculty and students with light tech and announcements;
• taking attendance with the provided Airtable attendance tracker;
• keeping SLIG staff aware of classroom and student issues or concerns.

Hive Minders receive:

• a tuition waiver for the course for which they serve as Hive Minder;
• training to be a Hive Minder;
• a Hive Minder reference packet;
• assistance and support from SLIG's Virtual Coordinator, Tech Assistant, and Director for emergencies and questions.

Courses offered during SLIG 2024 may be viewed here. Courses offered during SLIG Spring Virtual 2024 may be viewed here.

To apply to be a Hive Minder during SLIG 2024 or SLIG Spring Virtual 2024, please complete the application at this Airtable link. The deadline for applying to be a Hive Minder for either event is June 30, 2023. All applicants will receive notification whether they have been selected before registration in July. Persons may apply to be a Hive Minder at either or both events.

Did we mention that Hive Minders receive a tuition waiver?

SLIG 2024: Guide to Treasures Found in Federal Records

Are you ready to go to the next level by digging deeper into federal records? What might you discover in compiled military service records, pension records, private and public military acts and laws, dog tags, and federal and state bounty land records among other places? Find out in Guide to Treasures Found in Federal Records!

In Guide to Treasures Found in Federal Records, coordinated by Michael L. Strauss, AG, you will learn about a variety of records maintained and held by the National Archives of the United States. You might not have been exposed to some of these records before! What might these federal records show you about the life and times of your ancestors?

Faculty includes:

• Michael Brophy, MBA
• Annette Burke Lyttle, MA
• Rich Venezia

Guide to Treasures Found in Federal Records is scheduled to meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG Fall Virtual 2023: Seats Are Going Fast! Have You Registered?

Seats are still available for SLIG Fall Virtual 2023. Grab yours while they last!

Seats are still available for:

• Intermediate Foundations (coordinated by Annette Burke Lyttle, MA)
• Introduction to Genetic Genealogy (coordinated by Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG)
• Intermediate Evidence Analysis Practicum (coordinated by Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA)
• Proving Your Pedigree with DNA (coordinated by Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG)
• Discovering Quaker Records--In the US and the British Isles (coordinated by Steven W. Morrison, MPA)
• Assemblage: Preparing, Writing, and Revising Proof Arguments (coordinated by Jan Joyce, DBA, CG, CGL, AG)
• Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum (coordinated by Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA)

You can register for any of these courses here.

We look forward to seeing you online at SLIG Fall Virtual 2023!

SLIG 2024: The Family History Law Library

Want to know one of the key differences between a good genealogist and a great one? Knowledge of and experience with court records! And who better to learn from than The Legal Genealogist herself, Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL, and the knowledgeable Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA.

The Family History Law Library will cover the basic legal concepts and legal research approaches appropriate for genealogists. Topics will include courts and their records, estate laws, legislative records, pensions, land law, and more. Elements of both English common law and Roman law will be introduced through classes on the legal concepts found in Irish, German, and French law that relate to research in those countries and their relevance to research in the United States.

Faculty includes:

• F. Warren Bittner, MS
• Forrest R. Hansen, JD
• David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS
• Marian L. Smith (retired from USCIS)

The Family History Law Library is scheduled to meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for prerequisites and more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: Advanced Research Tools: Land Records

"The major fortunes in America have been made in land," is a quote attributed to John D. Rockefeller. The major economy of the nation from the colonial period through the 1860s was agriculture. The acquisition of land was a promise of a better life and a major draw to immigrants from other nations.

In Advanced Research Tools: Land Records, coordinated by Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG, CG, you will explore land development, law, and acquisition across the nation's history. State and federal land records will be discussed as well as maps and land platting, Genealogically-rich, deed and other types of land records are full of relationships, community, and context for the savvy researcher.

Faculty includes:

• Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA
• Kimberly T. Powell
• Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
• Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
• Gerald H. "Jerry" Smith, CG

Watch this interview in which course coordinator Rebecca Whitman Koford talks about the course:

Advanced Research Tools: Land Records is scheduled to meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for prerequisites and more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: Exploring Their Life: The Social History of Your Family

Social history looks at the ordinary person. It's "history. . . with the people put back in." It examines family life, food, education, immigration, death, labor, and industry as experienced by "real people." For family historians, social history helps us understand our ancestor's life and adds historical context.

Exploring Their Life: The Social History of Your Family, coordinated by Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR, introduces social history systematically by modeling new research skills, introducing sources, and imparting historical backgrounds to events of interest to the genealogist. You will learn how to do comprehensive historical research, benefit from a focused look at historical topics, and learn how to present this information to your family. This course will be different from any social history course Gena Philibert-Ortega has offered before.

Faculty includes:

• Donna Cox Baker, PhD
• Dan Bouk, PhD
• Tammy A. Helps
• Jan Joyce, DBA, CG, CGL, AG
• Annette Burke Lyttle, MA
• Ari Wilkins

Exploring Their Life: The Social History of Your Family is scheduled to meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Course webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: Immigration from Colonial Times to 1890

Uncovering an ancestor's immigration story is a rich experience for many genealogists. However, challenges exist when tracing immigrants during the colonial period through 1890. In Immigration from Colonial Times to 1890, students will discover resources for identifying an individual's or family's immigration while exploring methods to contextualize and further understand their experience.

 

Immigration from Colonial Times to 1890, coordinated by D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA, explores various compiled and original source materials, including online and onsite resources. Case studies will provide methodologies for finding immigrant stories despite missing or inconsistent records. Other topics covered included forced immigration, colonial settlements, indentured servants, passenger lists, customs passenger lists, naturalization records, foreign passenger records, name variants, compiled databases, newspapers, and immigrant societies.

Faculty includes:

• Grant Din
• Debbie Gurtler, AG
• Janice Lovelace, PhD
• Annette Burke Lyttle, MA
• Rich Venezia

Immigration from Colonial Times to 1890 is scheduled to meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG 2024: Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features

You already know FamilySearch as the go-to website for researching your ancestors. But did you know that FamilySearch is also an organization with a proud 128-year history that constantly grows and keeps current with new opportunities? At FamilySearch, it's all about the individual and the experience you will have either in person or online.

Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features, coordinated by Lynn Turner, AG, will illustrate the array of different opportunities to use the resources of FamilySearch and to understand the foundations of each experience. Come explore the many features and products that FamilySearch has to offer.

Faculty includes:

• John K. Alexander, MA, MLIS
• Daniel Atwell, MLIS
• Brandon L. Baird, AG, MEd
• Danielle Batson, AG
• Charlotte Noelle Champenois, AG
• Tim Cross
• Rebekah Grow
• Debbie Gurtler, AG
• Sandra Joseph
• Amber Larsen, AG
• Caleigh McGraw Oldroyd
• Whitney Peterson
• David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS
• Lauren Wake, AG
• Darris G. Williams

FamilySearch: Technology and Features is scheduled to meet online January 22–26, 2024. All SLIG 2024 courses will be offered virtually this year.

See the SLIG 2024 Courses webpage for more information, including updates.

SLIG 2024 registration opens Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 am MDT.