SLIG Announces Upcoming Courses

One of our favorite parts of the banquet at SLIG – or in this care, the virtual wrap-up event – is the "Great Course Reveal." As always, we offer some favorites and introduce some surprises.

SLIG is pleased to announce the following program dates, formats, courses, and coordinators for the upcoming program year – fall 2022 through spring 2023. 

SLIG Virtual

September 8 - November 17, 2022

Entering its seventh year, SLIG Virtual was explicitly designed to give students time to dig deep into their studies throughout the week between sessions from the comfort of home and on their own schedule. Courses include a full SLIG curriculum with over twenty-five hours of instruction, delivered via Zoom for several hours each week. This program begins with an all-participant orientation on September 8th. 

• Intermediate Foundations; coordinated by Annette Lyttle, MA
• Proving Your Pedigree with DNA; Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
• Advanced Techniques for Mastering Online Searches and Uncovering Digital Records; D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS, FUGA
• Advanced Hispanic Research; Debbie Gurtler, AG
• Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum; Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA

Preliminary descriptions are available at SLIGVirtual.ugagenealogy.org. Full details and weekly outlines will be published in April. Registration opens May 14, 2022, at 12:00 noon MDT.

SLIG 2023

January 22 - 27, 2023 (Virtual this Year!)

SLIG previously announced that SLIG will be held virtually one more year to ensure the safety of our participants during the ongoing pandemic. So, grab your slippers and join us for a whole week of virtual education. You may choose from the following:

• Behind the Scenes at FamilySearch: Technology and Features; coordinated by David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FUGA, FIGRS
• Bridging the Gap: New England to the Midwestern, 1780-1850; D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS
• Advanced Techniques: Material Culture Research Techniques for Genealogy; Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR
• Metes & Bounds Land Platting; Gerald H. Smith, CG
• Corpus Juris: Advanced Legal Concepts for Genealogy; Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
• Advanced Research Techniques for German Genealogy; Michael D. Lacopo, DVM
• Capital Kin: Researching Ancestors Who Lived in Washington, D.C; Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG, CGL
• African American Genealogy Methods and Strategies; LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG, CGL, FASG
• Virginia from the Colonial Period to the Civil War: Her Record, Her People, Her Laws; Barbara Vines Little, CG, FVGS, FNGS, FUGA
• Introduction to Genetic Genealogy; Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG
• Meeting Standard Using DNA Evidence: Case Studies Illustrate Sound Research Strategies and Decision-Making; Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
• Applied Genealogical Methods Workshop: Hands-on Skillbuilding; Michael Hait, CG, AG
• Advanced Genealogical Methods; Paul K. Graham, AG, CG, CGL
• Evidence-Based Writing for Genealogists; Melissa Johnson, CG
• Guided Research and Consultation; Craig Roberts Scott, MA, CG, FUGA

Preliminary descriptions are available at SLIG.ugagenealogy.org. Full details and weekly outlines will be published by May. Registration opens July 16, 2022, at 10:00 am MDT.

SLIG Academy for Professionals 2023

February 9 - April 20, 2023 (Now Always Virtual)

Offering professional development courses for those employed in the industry or preparing to seek employment in the industry, this program is now in its fifth year. Originally designed to run in Salt Lake City the week following SLIG, the program moved to a virtual, multi-week format in 2021 due to the pandemic. 

And that is where it will stay due to strongly-expressed preferences of both faculty and students. The curriculum demands and the format allows for more in-depth study and project work between sessions.

The following courses will be offered in 2023:

• DNA Dreamers in Action: Writing Proof Arguments, coordinated by Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
• Fundamentals of Forensic Genealogy; Catherine B.W. Desmarais, CG
• The Art of Writing Client Reports; Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA
• Writing and Documenting for Peer Review; Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS, FUGA

Preliminary descriptions are available at SLIGAcademy.ugagenealogy.org. Full details and weekly outlines will be published by May. Registration opens July 16, 2022, at 2:00 pm MDT.

Mark Your Calendars

Make sure registration dates/times are on your calendar. Most courses will fill quickly (as often within seconds to minutes). Additional faculty, outlines, and registration procedures will be announced at a later date.

We hope to "see you" at SLIG this upcoming year!

SLIG.ugagenealogy.org

SLIG Announces Intermediate Foundations Scholarship Winners for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG is pleased to announce two recipients of the Intermediate Foundations Scholarship: Susan Garcia and Sarah Day.

The Intermediate Foundations scholarship was created to assist students seeking to attend SLIG's Virtual Intermediate Foundation course. This course addresses foundational methodology and record skills essential to participating in more advanced institute course offerings and for home or self-educated researchers who want to "fill in their gaps." Students who are awarded this scholarship receive a pre-reserved seat in the course and a full tuition waiver.

Susan Garcia grew up in Iowa in the same town as her paternal ancestors moved to in the 1840s. Her great-grandmother had a letter hanging on her wall that her dad wrote from the 1904 World's Fair, surrounded by pictures of her mother and grandfather. Susan's curiosity and questions about these pictures are what hooked her on genealogy.

Susan received her Master's degree in History from Oklahoma State University. She is currently "on the clock" to become a Certified Genealogist and hopes to submit her portfolio in December 2021.

She currently lives in Texas, and besides genealogy, enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and watching college football.

Sarah Day is a high school senior from South Jordan, Utah. She has been doing genealogy and family history work since she was 11. She is the app developer, blog manager, special projects manager, and experiment benefits team manager for the 21 Day Family Connections Experiment. She has become part of the Hidden Branch team who hopes to inspire more members of Gen-Z to embark on their own family history journey.

Sarah currently serves as a family history consultant in her ward for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sarah is an aspiring professional genealogist and hopes to work towards receiving the Accredited Genealogist Credential from ICAPGen. She has presented at RootsTech Connect in 2021.

Besides genealogy, Sarah loves to read, play games, do puzzles, and spend time with her family, friends, and dog. She is involved in many organizations at her high school including, NHS, HOSA, Orchestra, Academic Decathalon, Rotary Interact, and FBLA. She is currently going through a surgical technician program and hopes to work in the medical field one day.

Thank you to all who applied for this scholarship, and congratulations, Susan and Sarah!

Course Spotlight: Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum

Once upon a time, a handful of students dreamed of a course that would help them continue to build on the knowledge and skills gleaned by taking the Advanced Methodology course. It didn't exist. So they created it. 

Now in its sixth year, the Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum continues to challenge advanced researchers with five case studies, one per week. 

All New Cases. This year features all-new never before seen case studies by some returning and some new faces. Each week the case study instructor will present their case containing complex research problems that will test student's skills to research and analyze. Students will gain hands-on experience and new insights as they work to solve each case throughout the week and come together the following week to learn from each other's methods and hear the outcome.

Time to Solve the Case. This course is designed for advanced genealogists. Each participant will need sufficient skills, experience, and education to solve the weekly cases. Students should plan on dedicating between 10 and 20 hours each week to research the case and write conclusions and summaries.

Collaboration. Students will have more than just an opportunity to practice their skills independently. After each case, students and instructors gather to compare notes. These open forum discussions allow all to discuss methodologies, sources, encountered roadblocks, and to receive direction from the case study instructor.

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

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program on topics from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Course Spotlight: Researching New York: Resources and Strategies

Always wanted to study New York research with Karen Mauer Jones, but either didn't get into the class or couldn't attend in January? This amazing course is now being offered in the fall. Virtually. Over multiple weeks. Offering plenty of hands-on opportunities to apply what you learn.

Experience All of New York. New York requires a genealogist to be knowledgeable to find success from the big city to rural farmlands, diversity of ethnic backgrounds, and complicated history. This course is equipped to bring you the needed skills to tackle the complexities of researching in the state. Following paths from both urban and rural areas and exploring various records, this course shows a researcher how to research in all of New York.

History and Records. This class will include New York history related to research methods and outline record creation and preservation across the state. Gaining knowledge of locating and using a wide variety of record types will be a major emphasis of the course. Topics will include immigration/migration, laws and the legal system, military records, ethnic groups, land and property, urban research, transportation records, newspapers, probate, directories, censuses, and more.

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

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program on topics from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

Course Spotlight: Mother Russia: Research in the Countries of the Former Russian Empire and USSR

Wish to research, or help those who need to research, ancestral lines from what was known as the Russian Empire? It can seem a bit daunting. A different language, unique research methods, and multiple locations for record sets. The geographical context alone can seem overwhelming. So let the experts simplify and deliver. 

Mastering the Language. One of the daunting tasks of Russian research can be the language. This course is designed to help you gain experience and practice practical language skills for genealogists. Students will receive a packet of learning resources before the beginning of the course. This packet will contain all the tools and assignments you need to gain a baseline understanding of the Russian alphabet necessary for this course.

A module on Russian History, Geography, and Culture. Before beginning the course, students will also be given access to a 90-minute learning experience, including videos, reading, and handouts. This module will expose students to the important history, geography, and culture that will help them get the most out of the classroom instruction.

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

Join us for SLIG Virtual 2021

SLIG Virtual 2021 will be the 6th annual fall virtual program for SLIG. Six courses will run as part of this year's program. Topics range from methodology to DNA to research in New York, China, and Russia. Courses will run virtually via Zoom, each featuring nationally recognized experts in their field. Schedules vary. 

Learn more about SLIG Virtual 2021. Registration opens on June 19th, 2021, at 12:00 noon MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.

SLIG Announces New Coordinator for Virtual Intermediate Foundation Course

SLIG is pleased to announce that Annette Burke Lyttle will serve as the Virtual Intermediate Foundation Course coordinator beginning this fall. The course is a recurring staple of SLIG's fall virtual offerings every year. Developed explicitly for SLIG, this course is tailored to the student moving beyond beginner skills and taking their first steps into the in-depth world of institute-level education. 

The course operates on a once-a-week meeting schedule with opportunities to complete enriching learning assignments between class sessions. The course covers locating and utilizing intermediate record types, research standards, methodology, and best practices for developing researchers.

Annette has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in English and has taught writing and literature at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her vast experience in the classroom will be a strong asset for students in the course.

A professional genealogist since 2014, Annette specializes in Midwestern U.S., military, and Quaker research. She recently coordinated "From Sea to Shining Sea: Researching Our Ancestor's Migrations in America" at SLIG in January 2021. She was co-coordinator, along with Steven W. Morrison, of the "Exploring American Quaker Records" course at GRIP in 2020. She serves as an editorial assistant for the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and is a host of the Florida State Genealogical Society’s monthly webinar series. Her articles have been published in the Illinois Genealogical Society Quarterly and NGS Magazine. She owns Heritage Detective, LLC, offering services in genealogical research, writing, and education. 

SLIG Announces Intermediate Foundations Scholarship Winner for Fall 2020

Congratulations to Paula Hansen who has been chosen as the recipient of the Intermediate Foundations Virtual Course Scholarship held fall 2020.



                                         
Paula Hansen of Sandy, Utah
Paula has been doing genealogy research for about eight years. Self-taught through resources available online, local classes, and RootsTech, she has been helping others get started with their own family history for the past three years as a volunteer at a local family history center.  Sensing gaps in her knowledge, and wanting to become more proficient at her research, she expressed her concerns to her daughter, who suggested she attend SLIG. She writes: "I have been searching for a class that will give me the solid methodology and tools I lack to further my success in my efforts to connect my family, while at the same time helping me be more thorough in my research. I am confident this course will provide that as well as deepen my understanding of how to properly research my family lines and help others to do so as well.”

Thanks to all who applied for this scholarship.
Enjoy, Paula!

Chinese Genealogy Research with Kelly Summers, MS, AG-Don't Miss Out!

Some classes only come to SLIG every few years or so. This is the case with Chinese Genealogy Research. Don't miss the opportunity to learn virtually this fall from Kelly Summers, MS, AG who will help you to:

• Identify records that may contain genealogical information of a Chinese ancestor
• Conduct an Oral History Interview to obtain historical and genealogical information
• Locate and use appropriate collections to identify the correct Chinese surname character and ancestral village location
• Understand the history and organization of the Chinese genealogy (Jiapu)
• Recognize and extract key genealogical information found in the Chinese genealogy
• Document and Organize genealogical information using technology
• Understand the considerations for planning a trip to the Chinese ancestral village

For more information on the class please see the class page.

This course was offered at SLIG in 2020 and received rave reviews!

 “You don’t have to know a lot about Chinese genealogy to take this courseI was surprised by the range of skills in our class of 10. We had the gamut from professionals in genealogy to absolute newbies. We had fluent Chinese speakers and non-Chinese speakers. Credit goes to Kelly Summers, whose course design clearly took nothing for granted.We had an amazing group in Course 8 – we may have met as strangers but we left as friends.” -Linda Y.

“More Chinese genealogy toolsThe Chinese Ancestry tools I learned in this course were unbelievable. I so wish I could have taken this course about 10 years ago, but the next best time is now. For someone who doesn’t read or speak Chinese, we learned:How to read Chinese grave markersHow to interpret Chinese calendarsHow to read a jiapu (Chinese family tree), and how to distinguish the various styles of jiapuHow to plan a trip to your ancestral villageHow to locate a Chinese genealogy onlineThe key words to interpreting a Chinese family treeWhat records are available for Chinese Ancestry and where they are in the USA, Canada, Australia and the former Kingdom of HawaiiThe best apps to hurdle the Chinese language barrierHow to build a resources listand about 100 more things besides.There are pivotal times in life when you learn something that will change the way you think about things ever after. This course was challenging, brain-busting, and fatiguing and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll be talking a lot about what I learned in the coming months. Probably years.”-Linda Y.

“A HUGE SHOUT OUT to Kelly Renee Summers, her team of fabulous instructors, and my fellow students of Chinese Ancestry: Research Methods and Sources. What a wonderful group of people. It was a true honour to get to know all of you this week.⛩⛩⛩

This course exceeded all my expectations and then... kept on going. My head hurt at the end of every day, yet we were all raring for more the next morning. ⛩⛩⛩

Congratulations to everyone for putting this course together, and again congratulations for making the leap to Virtual! 🍾🍾🍾”-Linda Y.

“This is the best course I have taken in genealogy-ever! Thank you for pulling this amazing group together to teach us.”  – Melissa F.

“Loved every minute. Thank you!” – Linda L.
“Thank you for the excellent class! – Kim R.

So what are you waiting for?
Head on over and register before it's too late!

SLIG Virtual 2020-All-DNA Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum Registration Opens Saturday, July 11, 2020

The All-DNA Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum returns this year. If you took it last year, you know what wonderful learning opportunity this class is. Each week you will work through four complex cases.
These will be the same cases offered in the 2019 class. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
Class Coordinator Angela Packer-McGhie, CG and the following instructors will be presenting the weekly cases:

• Melissa A. Johnson, CG
• Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
• Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
• Paul Woodbury, MEd

Click here for more information and pre-requisites.

This course will be held via Zoom on
Thursdays, September 24–October 29
12:00–2:00 pm Mountain Time

Registration for SLIG Virtual 2020 opens on Saturday, July 11, 2020, 11:00 am MDT

SLIG Virtual 2020-In-Depth Swedish and Finnish Research Registration Opens Saturday, July 11, 2020

Do you have Swedish or Finnish Ancestors? SLIG Virtual 2020 has a class just for you!
Taught by Jeff Svare, In-Depth Swedish and Finnish Research will deep dive into the records available including DNA to build your knowledge and skills.
No prior Nordic course is required for this intermediate class.

Other instructors are:

• Geoffrey Fröberg Morris, AG
• Niclas Persson Tenhuinen of Torsby, Sweden 

This course will be held via Zoom on 

Wednesdays, September 16–November 18, 2020
11:00 am–2:15 pm MDT

Click here for more information and class requirements.

Registration Opens Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11:00 am MDT

SLIG Virtual 2020-Chinese Ancestry: Research Methods and Sources Registration Opens Saturday, July 11, 2020

Kelly Summers, MS, AG, is back this fall with Chinese Ancestry: Research Methods and Sources.
A repeat of her successful January 2020 SLIG course that gives instruction on the records and tools needed to research Chinese Ancestors. For those who took the class earlier in the year, a special discount is offered if you choose to take it again. Perfect for those with Chinese Ancestry and for researchers who would like to learn how to help those who do.


This course will be held via Zoom on
Wednesdays, September 9–November 18, 2020
6:00–9:15 pm Mountain Time

Click here for more information and requirements.


Registration opens Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11:00 am MDT

SLIG Virtual 2020-Intermediate Foundations-Registration Opens Saturday, July 11, 2020

Geared for those who are no longer beginners and are ready to move to the next step, Intermediate Foundations will teach you the skills you need to become confident as an intermediate researcher.

Taught by Sara A. Scribner, CG and a team of other instructors including:

• Angie Bush, MS
• Melinda Daffin Henningfield, CG
• Angela Packer McGhie, CG
• Nancy A. Peters, CG, CGL
• Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR
• Kimberly T. Powell
• Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
• Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
• Michael L. Strauss, AG
• Cari A. Taplin, CG

This 12-week class will be held on Thursdays, September 10–November 19
5:00–8:15 pm Mountain Time via Zoom.

Click here for more information including requirements and schedule.
Don't miss the opportunity to build your research skills from home!


Registration opens Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11:00 am, MDT

Test Your DNA Analysis Skills!

On Saturdays beginning on October 12th and running through November 23rd, students have the opportunity to tackle five complex cases, one each week. The five cases for the Virtual All-DNA Practicum will be brand new this year. This unique course tests a student's ability to plan, research, analyze, correlate, and solve complex genealogical research problems that use DNA.

There are currently still open seats in Session 3, which runs from 3:00 to 5:00 pm Mountain Time.

Virtual Practicum participants have a week to work on the case and then they gather together online on Saturday to discuss the case with fellow classmates and the case study author/instructor. They have a chance to compare strategies, methodologies, difficulties and results before the instructor demonstrates the case solution. This gives participants experience in working on a wide variety of genealogical problems.

This is an advanced course that will require analyzing and correlating a combination of documentary and DNA evidence. Students should have advanced skills researching in all types of genealogical records, and solving tough genealogical problems. 

Students should have a solid grasp of:

• DNA inheritance patterns
• The Genealogical Proof Standard

Students should have experience:

• Using DNA to solve genealogical problems (beyond recent unknown parentage)
• Using atDNA results at three testing companies
• Working with shared matches and genetic clusters
• Researching in a wide variety of genealogical records including deeds, probate, census, immigration, etc.
• Solving "brick wall" genealogical problems
• Using advanced documentary research skills such as analysis and correlation
• Resolving conflicts with evidence

To view more information on this course, including the prerequisites, go here.

How the SLIG Virtual Intermediate Foundations Course Kickstarted My In-Depth Learning

Are you trying to decide if Intermediate Foundations is the course for you? I'm sharing my experience with the course in hopes that it will help you know if you want to take it. 

Nicole Dyer

I took the SLIG Virtual Intermediate Foundations course earlier this year (Spring 2019). The virtual format of the Intermediate Foundations course worked perfectly with my schedule as a stay-at-home mother to young children. Every Tuesday, I blocked off three hours for the course and told my family that I would be busy learning from genealogy experts!

I signed up for Intermediate Foundations hoping to gain confidence that my skills as a professional genealogist were adequate. I had been taking clients for about a year and had done several peer study groups to learn the research process, but was mostly self-taught. I had also been to many genealogy workshops and conferences, but had never done an in-depth institute course. 

Just before I signed up for Intermediate Foundations, I made the decision to actively pursue a credential in genealogy. Becoming certified had been a distant goal for several years, but now I was ready to make it a reality. Attending a genealogy institute was recommended to those seeking a credential through the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG). I realized that to be sure I was prepared for the rigorous process of certification, I needed to gain additional learning through an institute. With young children at home, it is sometimes difficult to get away for an entire week. Weekend conferences are a bit easier. With many of the institutes being offered in the summer when my family is traveling, doing vacations and reunions, I couldn't see a convenient time to attend. I was thrilled when I found the online Intermediate Foundations course and signed up right away.

To prepare for the course, I reviewed the recommended books. The materials that are recommended for the course include Board for Certification of Genealogists Genealogy Standards, 2nd ed.; Val D. Greenwood The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy, Part Two; Thomas W. Jones, Mastering Genealogical Proof; and Elizabeth Shown Mills Evidence Explained. I already had Evidence Explained, which was very useful throughout the course as I worked on assignments. I purchased Val Greenwood's book, which I didn't use as much as I thought I would. The syllabus material from each instructor was lengthy and helpful and that is what I used the most as I worked on the homework.

The format of each session included two 75-minute lecture periods with a 15-minute break. At the beginning of the course, we received a welcome letter with instructions on how to access the sessions each week via Zoom Meetings. Webcams and noise-cancelling headphones were advised. I just used regular ear-buds, but found that I didn't need to wear them during the entire lecture, just during question and answer time. Zoom allows you to mute your microphone so feedback in from your speakers isn't a problem if you're muted. The sessions were recorded and I often went back and watched the lectures again.

Sara Scriber, CG, is the Intermediate Foundations course coordinator. She is an experienced instructor and knowledgeable about many subjects. I was lucky to meet her in person when I attended RootsTech. She truly cares about each student's learning experience. She worked hard to design this course in the best possible way and has made several updates and enhancements for the fall course. 

One of my favorite class sessions was about citations. Sara Scribner did a great job explaining each element of a citation and different ways to order the elements. She gave us some practice exercises to work on for a few minutes, then we came back together and she reviewed the answer. After the presentation, everyone who wanted to was able to ask questions. As this is a subject that many people are still learning, there were many questions. It was nice to be able to hear each others' questions and the answers Sara gave. 

The homework was given after each lecture. It was designed to take 2 1/2 hours to complete, so a total of 5 hours per week (since there are two lectures each Tuesday). I found that I could tailor the homework to my level. Some assignments were easy for me, and others were more difficult, based on my past experience. I did extra reading for the citations homework to study what I was interested in. The reading lists within the syllabus materials provide additional opportunities for learning. The Facebook group for the course was a fun way to connect with other students and get additional feedback and help as we worked on the homework. I enjoyed seeing others' questions and asking my own.

During the class on census research, I learned several new things. We talked about methods for extracting data from pre-1850 censuses and using non-population schedules to enhance our understanding of the locality and history. The census homework was about using the social statistics schedule, which I had never used before.

The military records lecture with Michael Strauss was very extensive. His syllabus materials were top-notch. We reviewed several types of records created due to military conflicts and how to access them. Angie Bush's DNA presentation, homework, and personalized feedback was incredibly helpful. My understanding and ability to use DNA evidence took a huge leap after learning from her. 

The lectures about land and tax records from Kimberly Powell were detailed and well organized. I was impressed with her knowledge and experience and learned much from her. She is clearly an expert in using these record sets. I appreciated Kimberly's homework assignment to find land and tax records about a certain problem and spent extra time studying the tax records to really understand how to use them in the future. It was a very valuable learning experience. Knowing that the instructors would be looking at my assignments and giving me feedback was motivational.

Cari Taplin's lecture and assignment about newspapers was interesting. She showed how various types of newspapers articles can be for genealogical evidence and where to find them. I enjoyed studying about constructing proof statements and proof summaries. As I did the assignment for that lecture, I realized that I had little experience with proof summaries and arguments and decided to devote additional time learning about that in the future. 

Since the course ended, I have continued my genealogy education in several ways. I joined the Certification Discussion group with Cari Taplin, CG, and Jill Morelli, CG, to learn about what is required for certification. After that ended, I invited several of my peers to join me in a study group about Mastering Genealogical Proof by Tom Jones. I feel that my genealogical toolbox has expanded significantly because I took Intermediate Foundations. My in-depth learning was kickstarted by the Intermediate Foundations course, and I'm grateful I was able to participate!

DNA Times Five!

On Saturdays beginning on October 12th and running through November 23rd, students have the opportunity to tackle five complex cases, one each week. The five cases for the Virtual All-DNA Practicum will be brand new this year. This unique course tests a student's ability to plan, research, analyze, correlate, and solve complex genealogical research problems that use DNA.

There are currently still open seats in Session 3, which runs from 3:00 to 5:00 pm Mountain Time.

Virtual Practicum participants have a week to work on the case and then they gather together online on Saturday to discuss the case with fellow classmates and the case study author/instructor. They have a chance to compare strategies, methodologies, difficulties and results before the instructor demonstrates the case solution. This gives participants experience in working on a wide variety of genealogical problems.

This is an advanced course that will require analyzing and correlating a combination of documentary and DNA evidence. Students should have advanced skills researching in all types of genealogical records, and solving tough genealogical problems. 

Students should have a solid grasp of:

• DNA inheritance patterns
• The Genealogical Proof Standard

Students should have experience:

• Using DNA to solve genealogical problems (beyond recent unknown parentage)
• Using atDNA results at three testing companies
• Working with shared matches and genetic clusters
• Researching in a wide variety of genealogical records including deeds, probate, census, immigration, etc.
• Solving "brick wall" genealogical problems
• Using advanced documentary research skills such as analysis and correlation
• Resolving conflicts with evidence

To view more information on this course, including the prerequisites, go here.

Solid Research Requires a Solid Foundation

Do you have one experience in genealogy and are now looking to enhance your research skills? If so, this course is for you!

In just six week starting Tuesday, September 10th and running for 11 weeks until November 19th, Sara Scribner, CG, and her team of instructors will expand their student's ability to find and analyze intermediate record types such as:

• Local and federal land
• Military
• Immigration
• Naturalization, and 
• Find the underlying laws

Students will also learn how to conduct research using best practices and following genealogical standards.

Because this course is offered virtually, students can enhance their research skills from home around their busy schedule but still receive an in-depth, institute-intense course, while building on their existing knowledge and experience.

Homework will allow students to practice new skills and to work in original records. Understanding will be enhanced by a homework review session in the week that follows, instructor presence in a closed Facebook group the week following their class session, a homework key, and written class homework summary comments.

Sara provides more details about her course in a short video by going here. Don't miss out on giving yourself a solid genealogical foundation! Register today!

SLIG Intermediate Foundations Scholarship Winner for Fall 2019

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy is pleased to announce that Carly Morgan of Murray, Utah was selected for the the SLIG Intermediate Foundations Scholarship for Fall 2019.

New this year, this scholarship reaches out to those who haven’t yet attended an institute that need to strengthen their research knowledge and skills at an intermediate level in order to prepare to attend future institutes.

The competition was strong and many candidates submitted worthy applications. The committee determined that Ms. Morgan's application exemplified the need to move her skills to an intermediate level.

Carly has engaged in genealogical research for the last ten years and writes about genealogy at Historicish.com. Her personal family research is focused on the Polish community in Chicago, the Chinese community in San Francisco, and her colonial roots in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. She is pursuing further education in genealogy to continue writing with a particular focus on family storytelling and digital genealogy.

Congratulations to Carly and we wish her success in the virtual Intermediate Foundations course!

Register on Saturday, June 15th for In-Depth Swedish and Finnish Research!

This course will discuss not only the most-frequently used records such as the church and census, but it will also include in-depth instruction into the probate and court, taxation, land and property, military, minorities, and DNA resources. Examples of the use of these records will provide an in-depth knowledge you have never had before!

Additional information will be shared about local organizations, National Archives online catalogs, as well as Scandinavian-American organizations and their record availability.

Learning will be enhanced through weekly homework assignments and private Facebook group discussions. Course instructors include:

• Elaine Hasleton, AG
• Jeff Svare, AG
• Geoffrey Fröberg Morris, AG
• Niclas Persson Tenhuinen of Torsby, Sweden (remote delivery)

This is a course for intermediate students, who should already have a solid understanding of church, tax, and probate records prior to taking this course.

This course will meet online using Zoom Meetings. Sessions will be recorded for personal review and available for up to 30 days following the end of the course. Students are responsible to provide their own equipment and adequate bandwidth to participate actively in the course. Webcams and noise-cancelling headphones are strongly advised. Additional technical information will be sent to registered participants via email.

For more information, go here.

Register on Saturday, June 15th for the All-DNA Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum!

New in Fall 2019, SLIG will offer the Virtual All-DNA Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum course! This unique course tests a student's ability to plan, research, analyze, correlate, and solve complex genealogical research problems that use DNA.

This SLIG course challenges students as they work through five complex cases, one each week from October 12th through November 23rd. The five cases for the Virtual All-DNA Practicum will be brand new this year. The case study instructors are: 

• Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD
• Melissa A. Johnson, CG
• Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
• Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG
• Paul Woodbury, MEd

Virtual Practicum participants have a week to work on the case and then they gather together online on Saturday to discuss the case with fellow classmates and the case study author/instructor. They have a chance to compare strategies, methodologies, difficulties and results before the instructor demonstrates the case solution. This gives participants experience in working on a wide variety of genealogical problems.

The cases that students will work on in this course all require analyzing and correlating a combination of documentary and DNA evidence. Students should have advanced skills researching in all types of genealogical records, and solving tough genealogical problems. 

This course if for advanced students and has prerequisites, so please check the website before registering to make sure you meet them.

This course will meet online using Zoom Meetings. Students are responsible to provide their own equipment and adequate bandwidth to participate actively in the course. Webcams and noise-cancelling headphones are strongly advised. Additional technical information will be sent to registered participants via email.

For more information, go here.

Registration Opens on June 15th for an Incredible 11 Weeks Starting in September!

Starting on September 10th and for 11 incredibly educational weeks, you will enhance your research skills from home around your busy schedule but still receive an in-depth, institute-intense course, and build on your existing knowledge and experience. 

The course will expand your ability to find and analyze intermediate record types such as local and federal land, military, immigration, and naturalization, and find the underlying laws. You will also learn how to conduct research using best practices and following genealogical standards.

Besides Sara Scribner, CG, who is the coordinator for this course, the instructor team that will be assisting her is an incredible list of knowledgeable genealogical experts in the field:

• Angie Bush, MS,
• Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG, CGL
• Angela Packer McGhie, CG
• Nancy A. Peters, CG, CGL
• Kimberly T. Powell
• Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL
• Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA
• Michael L. Strauss, AG
• Cari A. Taplin, CG

Homework will allow you to practice new skills and to work in original records. Understanding will be enhanced by a homework review session in the week that follows, instructor presence in a closed Facebook group the week following their class session, a homework key, and written class homework summary comments.

The course will meet online using Zoom Meetings. Sessions will be recorded for personal review and available for up to 30 days following the end of the course. 

For more information, go here.