Congratulations to Claudia Sudweeks, Winner of the UGA Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship

 

Claudia Gibb Sudweeks is the research manager for a small genealogy company. She loves the challenge of using records around the world, from a variety of cultures. She is finishing her AG credential in the US Mid-Atlantic region and has earned her certificate with the GenProof 83 group. Formerly the secretary for the Utah Genealogical Association, Claudia is now a member of the UGA board, serving as the NGS delegate. She is also the president of her local community historical society in Highland, Utah. Claudia grew up in the Washington, D.C. area, where she learned to love history and historic preservation. She has loved genealogy as long as she can remember and is grateful for school assignments and family trips to reunions, cemeteries, and libraries, which amplified her interest. Claudia took genealogy classes in college and has helped others with family history in the 30+ years since, professionally taking clients since 2013. She and her husband, Sterling, also ran a small video biography company. They have six children, plus four gained by children's marriages, and several bonus children who have lived with them over the years. They also have seven wonderful grandchildren, plus some extras.

About the UGA Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship

Named in honor of Jimmy B. Parker, whose legacy of service to the genealogical community covered more than 50 years, this full-tuition scholarship is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to genealogical excellence and community involvement. The scholarship originated in 2012. As the scholarship recipient, Claudia will receive full tuition to one Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy 2025 or SLIG Spring Virtual 2025 course. Congratulations, Claudia!

Congratulations to Bonnie Wade Mucia, Winner of the Laura G. Prestcott SLIG Scholarship

 

The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy wishes to congratulate Bonnie Wade Mucia, winner of this year's Laura G. Prestcott Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Scholarship. Bonnie Wade Mucia is the owner of Keeper of the Past Genealogy, LLC, and a professional genealogist focusing on New England research, particularly during the colonial period. She serves as Director of the Mayflower Families Silver Books Project for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, concentrating on Mayflower passengers' descendants. An experienced speaker and lecturer, Bonnie is a member of the Genealogical Speakers Guild. She has published articles in respected genealogical journals, including the New England Historic Genealogical Society's Mayflower Descendant,Rhode Island Roots Journal of the Rhode Island Genealogical Society, The Maine Genealogist, The Nova Scotia Genealogist and others. Besides attending several genealogy institutes such as SLIG, IGHR, GRIP, she is an alumna of the GenProof 91, ProGen 34, and a graduate of the Boston University Genealogical Certificate OL23 program. Bonnie is actively pursuing her Accreditation with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), specializing in the New England Region. Originally from Rhode Island, Bonnie lives with her husband, Joseph, in South Carolina.

About the Laura G. Prescott Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Scholarship

Laura G. Prescott’s bright smile, gracious friendship, and positive attitude, and many contributions as a teacher, writer, researcher, mentor, society leader, APG president, and director of Ancestry Academy made a significant mark on the genealogical community. In recognition of her friendship to all, her professional accomplishments, and her passion for genealogical education, the genealogical community established the Laura G. Prescott SLIG Scholarship. Thanks to the many people who donated to the fund, the scholarship awards full tuition for one candidate to attend the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy or one of its affiliated programs (SLIG Fall Virtual or SLIG Spring Virtual). Congratulations, Bonnie!

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025: BCG Certification: Understanding and Meeting Standards

Join Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA and Karen Stanbary, LCSW, AM, CG, CGG in their course during SLIG Spring Virtual 2025.

In this hands-on course, students review and practice the Board for Certification of Genealogists’ requirements for credentialing. They study the Genealogical Proof Standard and Genealogy Standards to create and evaluate genealogical work using established rubrics.

Rubrics for Evaluating New Applications for BCG Certification provide the organizing framework for class discussions, hands-on activities, and at-home practice. In-class exercises build foundational skills in transcribing records, planning efficient research, analyzing records, correlating information, reporting on research results, and writing about evidence. Weekly homework assignments provide the opportunity for students to apply the skills to their own research. Students will be asked to identify and celebrate their small wins on their paths to submitting a successful portfolio.

We will dive deep into the skills necessary to achieve certification:

• Crafting a meaningful research question
• Conducting reasonably exhaustive research
• Evaluating sources as containers of information
• Developing and refining efficient and dynamic research plans
• Mining and reporting evidence
• Documenting sources
• Transcribing and abstracting information
• Correlating information
• Writing about evidence with logic and inference
• Assembling evidence and conclusions
• Parentage proofs including DNA
• Resolving conflicts
• Reporting of findings in a formal Research Report
• Writing clear proof arguments detailing evidence and reasoning to support conclusions
• Accurately reconstructing families within a Narrative Lineage
• Writing a detailed and documented life story including meaningful historical context

This course is not sponsored by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. The opinions expressed by the faculty are entirely their own. The BCG Application Guide and Genealogy Standards represent the authority in all matters relating to credentialing. Please refer to the Board for Certification of Genealogists website for more information.

This course will be held on Thursdays, 8:00 am–3:30 pm MT, 13 February through 27 March 2025.

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other Spring Virtual 2025 courses opens at 2:00 pm MDT on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here. 

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025: Becoming an Accredited Genealogist Professional: The Why, the What, the How

Join Lisa Stokes, AG in her course during SLIG Spring Virtual 2025.

Earning the Accredited Genealogist credential with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) provides opportunities to demonstrate your research proficiency in a chosen region. Benefits include strengthened research skills, confidence in performing client work, and respect in the genealogy community.

This interactive, hands-on course will cover the requirements for each ICAPGen accreditation step and give valuable information needed for successful testing. Homework assignments will provide essential skill-building activities. Peer review using ICAPGen rubrics will provide vital feedback to students. A four-hour practice project and a personalized meeting with an AG mentor, knowledgeable in the chosen region of accreditation, will cap off the course. Discover your accreditation readiness as you learn more about the testing process and receive peer and mentor feedback on your work.

Other Instructors

• Alice Childs, AG
• Jana Greenhalgh, AG
• Jenny Hansen, AG
• Torhild Shirley, AG
• Mindy Taylor, AG

This course will be held on Thursdays, 8:30 am–4:30 pm MDT, 27 March through 24 April 2025.

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other Spring Virtual 2025 courses opens at 2:00 pm MDT on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here. 

SLIG 2025: Italian Genealogical Research, Methodologies, and Sources

Join Suzanne Russo Adams, MA, AG in her course during SLIG 2025.

“Open my heart and you will see

Graved inside of it, 'Italy'.”

         – Robert Browning, English playwright and poet

Italy is a land loved by many for its rich history and culture. Although the physical land covering modern day Italy has centuries old history, Italy is a young country made up of many states brought together by the Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. This course is designed to help students understand how some of that rich history has shaped the sources and methodologies to research record sources in Italy - civil registration, Catholic parish records, military, and census. Students will learn to recognize, locate, research, and analyze key documents to trace Italian family histories. Topics will also include methodologies used to research in big cities, DNA, Latin, handwriting, notarial records, and emigration. Students will have optional homework assignments to solidify learning.

Other Instructors

• Joel Cole, PMP
• Paola Manfredi, BA
• Ruth Lapioli Merriman, BA, MLS, AG Emeritus
• Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG

Italian Genealogical Research, Methodologies, and Sources will be held virtually during SLIG week January 27 - 31, 2025.

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other SLIG 2024 courses opens at 10:00 a.m. MDT on June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here. 

SLIG 2025: Organizing, Preserving, and Disaster-Proofing Your Family Archive

 Join Annette Burke Lyttle, MA, CG in her course during SLIG 2025.

We all have family archives, whether we think of them that way or not, and as family historians, we often end up as the “keepers of the stuff.” We have papers, digital files, photos, and family keepsakes that need organizing and preserving. We also need ways to collaborate with family members who have items that can be included in our archive and ways to share our family treasures with others. We need a plan for what will happen to it all when we’re gone. Our team of expert instructors will help us think like archivists and give us practical advice on how to organize, preserve, safely store, and share our family archives. We aim for this to be an engaging and interactive course, and students will each have the opportunity for a one-on-one consultation with a faculty member.

Other Instructors

• Melissa Barker
• Laura Kovarik, MUP
• Nancy E. Loe, MA, MLS
• Carol Roberts
• Maureen Taylor

Organizing, Preserving, and Disaster-Proofing Your Family Archive will be held virtually during SLIG week January 27 - 31, 2025.

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other SLIG 2024 courses opens at 10:00 a.m. MDT on June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here. 

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025: Tracing French-Canadian Ancestors and Telling Their Stories

Join David S. Ouimette, CG, CGL in his course during SLIG Spring Virtual 2025.

In this course, you will learn how to trace your French-Canadian family history back to your pioneer ancestors and their origins in France. You do not need to know French to have amazing success discovering your French-Canada ancestry. The rich historical records from the colony of New France to modern-day Quebec are the envy of the genealogical world, and the most valuable records are already digitized, indexed, and available online. You will find your ancestors' stories in Catholic parish registers, notarial acts, census population schedules, and other lesser-known records. You will envision your French-Canadian ancestors in their everyday life within the social, religious, economic, political, and cultural contexts of their time. You might even discover that you have a fur trader, Daughter of the King, or First Nations ancestor in your family tree. Come join us to accelerate the discovery of your French-Canadian heritage!

Other Instructors

• Margaret R. Fortier, CG
• Judy Nimer Muhn, EdM, FSA-Scot

This course will be held on Thursdays, 10:00 am–2:00 pm MT, 13 February through 24 April 2025

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other Spring Virtual 2025 courses opens at 2:00 pm MDT on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here. 

Prepare Today for Successful SLIG And Spring Virtual Registration this Saturday

 

Registration for SLIG 2025 will open on June 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. MDT. Registration for SLIG Spring Virtual 2025 will open on June 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. MDT. If you don’t already have an account with our registration system, please create one ASAP by clicking the link below. Access our registration guide here.

Access the SLIG Registration Page Here

Is Your UGA Membership Up-to-Date? Please ensure your UGA membership is up-to-date to receive the UGA discount when you register. This needs to be completed before noon Eastern Time on Friday, June 21.

Purchase or Renew Your UGA Membership Here

Course Offerings

Read Full Descriptions for SLIG 2025 Courses Here

Read Full Descriptions for SLIG Spring Virtual 2025 Courses Here

Tips to Ensure Registration Goes Smoothly

Create or log in to your SLIG registration account ASAP—this is different from your UGA account. Please confirm that your information is still current (name, address, phone number, email address, etc.) and update as necessary. Review these SLIG policies you must agree to when registering: Code of Ethics and Conduct Privacy Registration and Cancellation Does your desired course have pre-requisites? Do you meet them? Learn about prerequisites in the course descriptions linked above. Have a second choice in mind in case your first choice fills up quickly.

Waitlist Information

Because SLIG is such a premier opportunity, some courses can fill quickly. If, after logging into your registration account, you discover that the course is full, there are two options.     Option 1: If you do not plan to register for another course, please select the waitlist option for the course.   Option 2: SLIG has so many excellent courses that it is unlikely you will only have one you want to attend. We encourage you to still enroll in another course. Please then email the registrar to be put on the waitlist for the filled course. If a seat becomes available, you can choose to switch courses.

Interested in Taking More Than One Spring Virtual Course?

On registration day, you may register for only one SLIG Course and one Spring Virtual course. Please email the registrar to request the opportunity to enroll in an additional Spring Virtual Course. The registrar will then review those requests on a case-by-case basis. If your desired second course sells out, please put yourself on the waitlist right away in case your request is approved.

We look forward to seeing you in our courses during the 2024-25 program year!

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025: Bring ‘Em Back to Life: Writing Our Ancestors’ Stories

Join Annette Burke Lyttle, MA, CG in her course during SLIG Spring Virtual 2025.

The goal of this course is to help researchers understand how to tell the stories of their ancestors, to equip them with skills and techniques that will give them confidence as writers, to help them avoid pitfalls, and to help them understand how best to share their stories, depending on their goals. Writing these stories can seem like a daunting task, but with instruction and coaching, researchers can learn to be not just guardians of the family history, but tellers of those family stories. Our hands-on learning approach, along with homework on their own writing projects, will allow students to immediately practice the concepts being taught in the course. They will also end up with a completed writing project and a plan for how best to share it. The course will finish with a lecture on how to get help and support for their writing projects going forward.

Other Instructors

• Jenifer Kahn Bakkala
• Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR
• Kimberly T. Powell
• Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL

This course will be held on Wednesdays, 3:00 –7:00 pm MT, 12 February through 23 April 2025.

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other Spring Virtual 2025 courses opens at 2:00 pm MDT on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here. 

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025: The Art of Writing a Research Report

Join Debra A. Hoffman, PLCGS in her course during SLIG Spring Virtual 2025.

Want to effectively capture your research whether writing for yourself or a client? Writing effective research reports can be a challenge. This course will provide instruction and hands-on experience creating an efficient and effective report. A team of professional genealogists will share their expertise in technical writing, evidence analysis, incorporating visual elements, organizing material, time-saving strategies, and documentation. Examples of a variety of reporting formats covering simple to complex research problems from a variety of professional perspectives will be shared and available to review during the course. Participants will learn both by evaluating provided reports and writing a research report during the week. Students should have a laptop to work on practice exercises in class and complete writing assignments.

Other Instructors

• Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CG
• Diana Elder, AG
• Eva Holmes, CG. AG
• Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGG, FASG, FNGS, FUGA
• Angela Parker McGhie, CG, FUGA
• Nancy A. Peters, CG, CGL
• Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG, CGG
• Cari Taplin, CG
• Paul Woodbury, MEd, AG

This course will be held on Wednesdays, 8:30 am–4:00 pm MT, 19 February through 26 March 2025

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other Spring Virtual 2025 courses opens at 2:00 pm MDT on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here. 

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025: A Century of Change: The Emigrant-Immigrant-Migrant Experience in the U.S., 1825–1925

Join Pamela J. Vittorio, MA, PLCGS in her course during SLIG Spring Virtual 2025.

In the century from 1825 to 1925, our ancestors experienced innovations that had a profound effect on every aspect of their lives. This course explores the emigrant-immigrant-migrant experience during the transportation, industrial, and technological revolutions. Dig into your ancestors’ socio-historical backgrounds and develop a better understanding of the push-pull that brought them to North American shores. Determine how they arranged transatlantic passage, used various transportation methods in the U.S., purchased land, built a house, found work, became a U.S. citizen and a part of their community.

In this course, we will consider the factors that affect a person’s identity, such as language(s), educational background, communication methods, occupations, forms of socialization and entertainment, religious affiliations, and social mobility. In the social history/culture sessions, we discuss family traditions and cultural mores that may or may not be woven into the threads of the American tapestry. We will examine and interpret information from our most frequently-used records (e.g., census, BMDs, immigration records) and correlate them with other less-used record types, such as advertisements, city or farm directories, diaries, journals, business ledgers and receipts, and transportation records—to enrich our ancestors’ stories and place them alongside the people with whom they interacted in their day-to-day lives.

The session lectures and discussions cycle through topics on people and identity, social history and culture, and investigation of a wide variety of record types from which we can extract and weave information into our ancestors’ stories. Every fourth session culminates in tips and techniques for writing a family narrative or case study, and receiving feedback.

Other Instructors

• Jenifer Kahn Bakkala
• Alec Ferretti
• Annette Burke Lyttle, MA, CG

This course will be held on  Mondays, 5:00–9:00 pm MT, 10 February through 14 April 2025.

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other Spring Virtual 2025 courses opens at 2:00 pm MDT on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here. 

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025: Researching Women from 1860 to 1950

Join Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR in her course during SLIG Spring Virtual 2025.

There’s no doubt that researching female ancestors can be difficult. The records genealogist’s use doesn’t always include women by name. Women’s marital name changes coupled with the fact that women’s historical legal rights precluded them from activities that leave a record trail, make finding her story seem impossible.

As we consider our female ancestors, we must enhance our approach from strictly genealogical research to research that includes historical and social history sources and context. By expanding our research to include other methodologies and sources, we can learn more about our female ancestors.

In this course, we will explore women's historical experiences to understand better their lives and the records left behind. Conducting exhaustive research and writing techniques will also be discussed. This course will focus on the 1860-1950 years in the United States so we can narrow our scope and start telling the stories of our most recent female ancestors. Our focus will be recreating women’s communities, finding records, and writing her story so we can share it with family members.

Other Instructors

• KB Barcomb
• Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
• Carly Morgan
• Sunny Jane Morton
• Amber Oldenburg
• Marian Pierre-Louis

This course will be held on Thursdays, 10:00 am–2:00 pm MT, 20 February through 1 May 2025.

View the complete course schedule here.

Registration for this course and other Spring Virtual 2025 courses opens at 2:00 pm MDT on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To prepare for registration, create or login to view your account here.