Course Spotlight: Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional: The Why, the What, the How

Are you considering earning the Accredited Genealogist (AG) credential? Have you ever wanted to be able to demonstrate your research proficiency in a specific region? Do you want a chance to practice for the ICAPGen tests? Explore and prepare for the AG credentialing process in the new course Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional: The Why, the What, the How at SLIG 2022.

Prepare for and Experience the ICAPGen Testing Process

This preparatory course will give students the opportunity to prepare to take the ICAPGen test necessary to earn the AG credential. Students will learn about each level of the test and be equipped with useful tips for succeeding. Learning assignments will provide experience at each level of the testing process and rubrics for evaluating your own and peer work will be utilized in the course. Finally, students will be able to participate in a four-hour Level 3 practice test at the Family History Library.

Feedback and Experience

In addition to feedback gained from testing, students will participate in peer review of homework assignments during the week. These daily check-ins will allow students to gain valuable insights from others seeking accreditation. Each of the instructors in the course is an experienced AG professional who will cover topics such as elements of the four-generation project (citations, research logs, and writing); creating a research reference guide; research planning; and extraction, transcription, and abstraction. The week will end with a personalized meeting with an AG mentor from a student's chosen or similar region.

The full schedule for this course, faculty bios, and course details can be found here.

Join us for SLIG 2022

Held January 9-14, 2022, in Salt Lake City, the 27th annual Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy promises the in-depth, advanced educational opportunities SLIG has become known for. SLIG offers high-intermediate to advanced education and includes courses on methodology, standards, regional or ethnic group research, recordsets, and research tools like DNA. Visit our website to view a full selection of available courses.

Learn more about SLIG 2022. Registration opens on August 14th, 2021, at 10:00 am MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

"A Look at Genealogy's Past, Present, and Future" with David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS

SLIG 2020's General Keynote speaker has been announced!

David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS will be presenting "A look at Genealogy’s Past, Present, and Future." An entertaining look at the past we cannot change and the future we could never have predicted. Some of our past accomplishments sprinkled with pitfalls and a future fueled bright with hope. Where will the genealogy ride take us in the coming decades?

David is employed as the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. A professional genealogist since 1977, he is one of the rare few who have earned both credentials: Accredited Genealogist with ICAPGen in Ireland research and Certified Genealogist with the Board for Certification of Genealogists. He is the Irish course coordinator and instructor for the Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR) in Athens, Georgia. He is vice-president of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History and an instructor for the British Institute.

There are still seats available in some great courses. Go here to make your selection and join us for our 25th year in 2020!

Why do I need to research like a professional?

Professional genealogists must meet their clients' expectations. To do so, they have to be able to effectively address their clients' research problems. 

Success in answering research questions follows directly from the research techniques professionals use. 

By developing strong research methods, professional genealogists can solve even the most complex research problems and satisfy their clients. These research methods can be learned and applied by all genealogists, increasing the rate of success in solving any research problem.

This course is taught by credentialed, successful full-time professional genealogists. They have different perspectives and different experiences, yet we all apply the same research standards and methods. Throughout the course, student will be taught the different means of efficient project management to achieve reliable results. The course is framed by the Genealogical Proof Standard but focuses on practical skills.

Throughout the course, students will also complete short homework assignments on a project of their choosing, applying new skills to maximize the potential for successfully solving your own research problem.

Michael provides unique insights into the course through the accompanying video in the description of his course. Go here to see that, the schedule, and to register.

SLIG Night at the Family History Library (FHL)

Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 5:30 - 8:45 pm

Sponsored by ICAPGen and hosted by the Family History Library (FHL)

• Classes and labs
• Light refreshments
• Time to relax and research on your own or with friends

30-minute tours of the Family History Library will be offered at 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15.

Classes and labs will be held at 6:00 pm. Limited seating is available; pre-registration is required and will open on Saturday, September 15, 2018.

Schedule of Classes and Labs @ 6:00 pm

Lab: The FamilySearch Catalog: A Researcher's Best Friend - Diana Elder, AG

Classes:

• Perspectives on Accreditation - Julie Stoddard, AG; Lisa Stokes, AG; Mindy Taylor, AG
• Wild, Wild Research in the Mountain West - Dayna Jacobs, AG
• Intermediate Irish Research: Because There’s No Such Thing as Beginning Irish Research - Dan Poffenberger, AG
• Beginning Danish Research - Fritz Juengling, AG
• Methodology for Midwestern Families - Robert M. Call, AG
• Navigating U.S. Naturalization Records - Danielle Batson, AG
• Locating London Ancestors: Helps for Finding Your Ancestors in a Metropolis - Lindsey Bayless, AG

Lab and Class Descriptions

The FamilySearch Catalog: A Researcher's Best Friend

Where can you find the answer to your difficult research problem? It might be hidden in one of the billions of records held by the Family History Library, many digitized and available online. Learn about, then try your hand at various search strategies to locate records for your ancestor using the online FamilySearch Catalog.

Perspectives on Accreditation

Discover the benefits of becoming an Accredited Genealogist (AG) researcher. Learn what it takes to earn the AG credential and explore ways to prepare for accreditation.

Wild, Wild Research in the Mountain West

Whether it was the fertile farming land or the draw of the big cities, many of our ancestral families were compelled to migrate to the Midwestern United States. In this class we will take a look at key record types and strategies — methods beneficial to both nineteenth-century immigrants and families with colonial roots — used for discovering the family connections of your Midwestern ancestors.

Intermediate Irish Research: Because There’s No Such Thing as Beginning Irish Research

Tips for successful research in Ireland.

Beginning Danish Research

This class will introduce basic research of Denmark, including naming practices, record types, resources, and websites.

Methodology for Midwestern Families

Thousands of ancestral families have connections to the Midwest. They may have passed through to pioneer elsewhere, or worked to establish firm roots that have anchored their family for generations. In this class you will learn the necessary methodology and resources for conducting thorough and accurate Midwestern research.

Navigating U.S. Naturalization Records

Can’t find your ancestor’s naturalization record? This class will focus on what you need to know about the naturalization process, the records that were created, and most importantly, the best strategy to find your ancestor's naturalization records.

Locating London Ancestors: Helps for Finding Your Ancestors in a Metropolis

It is estimated that, prior to 1900, 20% of England’s population lived in London. Thousands passed through en route to Canada, America, and Australia etc. This class will look at background information, strategies and record collections to help you locate and learn more about your London ancestors. The same techniques work for other big cities in England.

SLIG 2018 Mid-Week Evening Events

Join us to research, learn, and network as you weave your Ancestral Tapestry through SLIG week.

The creation of a tapestry requires many skilled hands working together. Our mid-week events are sponsored by many organizations in an effort to provide a rich SLIG experience.



Ancestry ProGenealogists Networking Event

Tuesday, January 23rd, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Curious about Ancestry ProGenealogists? Take a short walk or ride the SLIG shuttle to their office for this open house with light refreshments.  

SLIG Night at the FHL

Wednesday, January 24th, 5:30 - 8:45 pm

Sponsored by ICAPGen and hosted by the Family History Library (FHL), this evening features classes and labs, light refreshments, and time to relax and research.

Limited seating available in classes and labs; registration required; shuttle available.

Class schedule


Research at the State Archives

Thursday, January 25th, 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Whether you have ancestors that hail from, passed through, or not, you won't want to miss this opportunity to get your hands on original records. The Research Room will be open with staff available and light refreshments served. Shuttle provided.

Archive information

Information for all events for SLIG 2018 from Sunday afternoon for new attendees to the final banquet for all is available online. SLIG 2018 Schedule of Events

Pre-registration for these and other events opens on Tuesday, November 14th. Log into your SLIG registration using your email and confirmation number to add your selections.


More later for more fun during SLIG week in 2018!

New Publication from ICAPGen

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) has outstanding coordinators and instructors each year sharing their knowledge and expertise with the students.

Most of those individuals are credentialed, denoted by either an AG (Accredited Genealogist) or CG (Certified Genealogist) behind their name. The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), one of two credentialing bodies, has recently released a new guide to help genealogists both consider the option of, and navigate through the credentialing process with their organization. The guide is titled "Guide to Applying for an AG Credential."

ICAPGen is based in Salt Lake City and jointly sponsors an evening event at SLIG in conjunction with the Family History Library.