Beyond the Library: Research in Original Source Repositories

Today's blog post in our SLIG 2012 series will focus on "Beyond the Library: Research in Original Source Repositories" with John Philip Colletta, Ph.D. John is a long-time SLIG coordinator and a fantastic instructor. Students of his are in for a real treat as they explore the many resources available in original source repositories.

---------------------

The materials in the Family History Library are so colossal and far-ranging that genealogists sometimes neglect to venture into the wider world of resources not available on microfilm. In fact, only a small portion of all historical records has been microfilmed, digitized or published in print. Most sources of value to genealogists exist only as a unique original lying in a public or private archives, county courthouse or manuscript collection. This course is designed to take the mystery and trepidation out of using these repositories of original historical sources. Classes describe what these repositories are and how they differ from one another; how to access the treasures in them that pertain to your ancestors; and how to use those materials to reconstruct your ancestors’ lives. The instructors are all professionals of honed expertise: John Philip Colletta, Ph.D. (10 classes), Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL (4 classes), Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL (2 classes), and Paula Stuart Warren, CG (2 classes). They demonstrate their lessons vividly using numerous examples and case studies; they share a variety of practical hints and helps gleaned during many years of practical experience; and they convey to course participants the thrill and satisfaction of handling and deciphering original antique documents. Course participants will attend an orientation session at the Utah State Archives Research Center conducted by the State Archivist of Utah, Patricia Smith-Mansfield. That will be followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art records repository adjacent to the Center. By the end of the course, participants will be better skilled at finding, understanding, and using historical sources pertaining to their ancestors.