Introduction: Why Education Matters in Genealogy

Tracing your family tree may start with curiosity, but becoming an effective family historian requires more than intuition. It calls for research skills, knowledge of records, historical context, and a methodical approach. Fortunately, countless genealogy courses and guides—both free and paid—can help anyone, from beginners to experienced researchers, gain the tools and confidence needed for accurate, meaningful research.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of genealogical education, provide a comprehensive review of available learning resources, and offer a step-by-step guide to choosing the right course or guidebook based on your goals, experience, and ancestry.

1. The Importance of Learning Genealogy Properly

Genealogy isn’t just a hobby—it’s a discipline that combines elements of history, archival science, detective work, and sociology. Here’s why proper education matters:

✅ Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Many beginners accidentally attach the wrong person to their tree or assume unproven family connections. Education helps prevent common errors like:

• Mistaking people with similar names

• Misinterpreting historical documents

• Over-relying on unsourced public family trees

✅ Interpreting Historical Records

Understanding how to read, evaluate, and cross-reference sources like censuses, land deeds, and probate files is a learned skill.

✅ Expanding Your Research Toolbox

Learning exposes you to resources and strategies you might never discover on your own—especially for more obscure ancestors.

✅ Understanding Context

Knowing the history of an area, religious customs, naming traditions, and migrations gives depth to your family tree.

2. Types of Genealogy Education Available

You can learn genealogy in a variety of formats to fit your lifestyle, budget, and skill level:

🖥️ Online Courses

• Self-paced or live

• Often include videos, assignments, and quizzes

• Offered by genealogy companies, libraries, and universities

📚 Guidebooks and E-books

• In-depth reference material

• Can be general or topic-specific (e.g., German ancestry, African American genealogy, or reading Latin records)

🎓 Formal Certificates and Degrees

• Available through universities (e.g., Boston University’s Genealogical Research Certificate)

• Ideal for professionals or advanced hobbyists

🧾 Workshops and Webinars

• Great for learning specific skills in bite-sized sessions

• Often hosted by genealogy societies, libraries, or conferences

🤝 Mentorship and Peer Learning

• Many societies offer mentorship programs

• Genealogy Facebook groups, forums, or local meetups can help you troubleshoot in real-time

3. Top Free Online Courses and Guides

You don’t need a big budget to become skilled. Many excellent resources are 100% free:

FamilySearch Learning Center

• Over 600 free video courses

• Topics include: census records, geographic research, international resources, DNA

🔗 https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons

National Archives (U.S.) Genealogy Series

• Webinars on federal records like pensions, immigration, land grants

🔗 https://www.archives.gov/calendar/genealogy-series

BYU Family History Library Webinars

• Dozens of recorded sessions on research strategies, tools, and record analysis

🔗 https://fh.lib.byu.edu/classes-and-webinars/webinars/

Genealogy.com and Cyndi’s List

• Link directories to thousands of guides and how-tos

4. Paid Genealogy Courses Worth Considering

If you want structured learning or professional certification, these paid options are worth exploring:

Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate

• 15-week intensive program

• Taught by professionals, used by credentialed genealogists

🔗 https://genealogyonline.bu.edu

National Institute for Genealogical Studies (NIGS)

• Offers certificate programs in U.S., Canadian, Irish, and English records

• Self-paced

🔗 https://www.genealogicalstudies.com

Ancestry Academy

• Subscription-based video tutorials

• Topics include record types, regional research, and using Ancestry’s tools effectively

🔗 https://www.ancestry.com/academy

5. Choosing the Right Genealogy Guidebook

A good guidebook is often a genealogist’s best friend. Here’s how to choose the right one:

🧠 Tip: Look for updated editions to reflect changes in online research tools.

6. Building a Personal Genealogy Curriculum (Step-by-Step)

Not sure how to start? Here’s a simple plan to build your genealogy knowledge gradually:

Step 1: Learn the Basics

• Understand how to build a tree and cite sources

• Take a free beginner course on FamilySearch or BYU

Step 2: Choose a Line to Research

• Select one branch (e.g., maternal grandfather’s line)

• Focus learning on the region and time period involved

Step 3: Learn About Specific Records

• Take lessons or read guides on census, immigration, or military records relevant to that branch

Step 4: Apply What You Learn

• Practice by finding and analyzing 3–5 new documents for one ancestor

Step 5: Dive Deeper

• Study paleography, ethnic research (e.g., Jewish, Irish, African American), or DNA as needed

7. Continuing Education and Staying Updated

Genealogy is an ever-evolving field. New collections are digitized daily, and DNA analysis keeps advancing. Stay sharp by:

• Subscribing to newsletters (e.g., Family Tree Magazine, Legacy Tree)

• Following blogs (e.g., Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter)

• Attending virtual conferences like RootsTech (free and online)

8. Becoming a Local or Family Expert

Once you’ve mastered the basics and researched your own lines, consider:

• Volunteering to help others at a local library or online forum

• Writing your family history as a legacy project

• Teaching a genealogy class in your community

Educational resources not only improve your own skills—they empower you to preserve your family’s legacy and help others do the same.

Conclusion: Learn, Grow, Discover

Genealogy isn’t just about names and dates—it’s about developing skills, asking smart questions, and becoming a dedicated researcher. With the abundance of courses, webinars, books, and tools available today, there’s no reason not to invest in your own growth as a family historian.

Whether you want to build a basic tree, unlock the stories of immigrant ancestors, or become a certified genealogist, education is your key to success. Start learning today—and help history live on through your work.