How to Build Skills, Avoid Mistakes, and Advance Your Ancestral Research Through Structured Learning
Introduction: Why Education Matters in Genealogy
Genealogy is more than a hobby—it’s a discipline. While many start their family history journey with enthusiasm and curiosity, those who invest time in learning formal methods make faster progress, avoid common pitfalls, and uncover deeper insights.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining decades of work, courses, books, and structured guides can provide essential tools, from understanding DNA results to navigating foreign-language archives.
In this guide, we’ll explore a wide range of educational resources for family historians, from free online classes to university-level certifications.
1. The Case for Formal Learning in Genealogy
a. Common Beginner Mistakes
Without training, even enthusiastic researchers can:
Assume every record is accurate
Merge individuals with the same name
Miss crucial records due to poor search strategies
Fail to cite sources properly
A good course helps you understand methodology, not just data collection.
b. The Value of Guided Instruction
Guides and courses:
Introduce trusted resources
Teach correct procedures
Offer expert feedback
Build confidence in complex areas like foreign research or genetic genealogy
2. Free Online Courses for Beginners
Many excellent genealogy courses are available online for free, offering a no-risk introduction.
a. FamilySearch Learning Center
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/learning-center
Short videos on topics like using census records, immigrant research, or researching specific countries.
Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners.
b. National Archives (U.S. and U.K.)
Host video series, downloadable guides, and webinars on how to use archival records.
Great for learning how to access historical government documents.
c. YouTube Channels by Experts
Notable channels:
Ancestry’s official channel
Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems
The Genealogy TV Channel
While quality varies, many offer trustworthy advice on tools, techniques, and strategies.
3. Paid Certificate Programs and Online Schools
If you’re serious about genealogy or want to become a professional, consider formal training through reputable institutions.
a. Boston University: Certificate in Genealogical Research
Rigorous, 15-week online program.
Teaches research methodology, evidence evaluation, and report writing.
Highly respected among professional genealogists.
b. National Institute for Genealogical Studies (NIGS)
Offers over 200 courses from beginner to advanced.
Includes country-specific records, DNA analysis, and lineage societies.
Can be taken à la carte or as part of a certificate path.
c. Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)
Week-long, in-depth intensives for intermediate and advanced researchers.
Taught by nationally known experts.
Held annually in Salt Lake City with virtual options.
d. Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)
Offers week-long tracks on topics like African American research, Southern U.S. records, and advanced methodology.
4. Self-Guided Study Through Books and Publications
a. Must-Read Books
“The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy” by Val D. Greenwood
Teaches how to approach U.S. records systematically.
“Evidence Explained” by Elizabeth Shown Mills
The gold standard for citing genealogical sources and evaluating evidence.
“Genealogy Standards” by the Board for Certification of Genealogists
Outlines best practices and professional ethics.
b. Magazines and Journals
Family Tree Magazine
American Ancestors (from NEHGS)
National Genealogical Society Quarterly
These contain case studies, tips, and updates on new resources and tools.
5. Country-Specific Guides
a. Why These Matter
Every country has different record-keeping practices. Knowing how a particular nation registers births, marriages, land, and religious affiliation is critical.
b. Examples
The German Research Guide by James M. Beidler
Tracing Your Irish Ancestors by John Grenham
The Source: A Guidebook to American Genealogy by Loretto Szucs
c. Language and Paleography Courses
If you’re researching in non-English records (Latin, German, Polish, Spanish), look for:
Old handwriting courses (especially Gothic script)
Language primers for reading church registers or civil records
6. DNA Education Resources
As DNA testing becomes more common, understanding how to interpret results correctly is essential.
a. Recommended Courses
DNA Basics by AncestryDNA or MyHeritage
Genetic Genealogy Certificate from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies
Courses by Blaine Bettinger, known as “The Genetic Genealogist”
b. Books
“The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy” by Blaine Bettinger
“Your DNA Guide” by Diahan Southard
These resources teach how to use autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA results to solve genealogical puzzles.
7. Joining Genealogy Societies with Education Benefits
a. National Genealogical Society (NGS)
Offers online learning paths, webinars, and a monthly magazine.
b. New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS)
Hosts courses, research help, and an extensive digital library.
c. State and Regional Societies
Often overlooked, these provide:
Local record guides
Workshops and conferences
Access to archives not available online
8. Local and Regional Classes and Workshops
a. Public Libraries
Many libraries host genealogy clubs or sponsor workshops, often taught by local experts.
b. Community Colleges and Adult Education Centers
Check course catalogs for genealogy, history, or writing classes. These often offer more interactive experiences than online courses.
c. Historical and Lineage Societies
Groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) or Sons of Norway offer workshops and research help, especially if you’re applying for membership.
9. Developing a Personalized Learning Plan
Not every resource is right for every person. Assess your goals:
Beginner: Start with free resources and beginner videos.
Intermediate: Take a few structured courses on methodology and country-specific research.
Advanced: Pursue certification, publish articles, or present research.
Track Your Learning:
Keep a log of courses completed
Save notes, handouts, and recommended sources
Apply what you’ve learned to a real project
10. Building a Research Toolkit from What You Learn
As you progress, create a custom research toolkit that includes:
A list of trusted websites and archives
Research checklists for each ancestor
Templates for source citations and timelines
A spreadsheet to track DNA matches
Transcription guides and glossaries for old languages
Conclusion: Learning Is a Lifelong Journey in Genealogy
Family history is never truly “finished.” Each new clue leads to another question, another record, and another possibility. The best genealogists are lifelong learners, constantly refining their skills and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through research.
Whether you learn in a formal classroom or on your own through books and practice, your investment in education will pay off in deeper insights, stronger evidence, and more meaningful family stories. And remember—each generation you uncover becomes part of a greater human story, one that deserves to be told with care, clarity, and truth.