“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Family history is more than just names and dates—it’s a meticulous form of historical research. Whether you’re an amateur building your first family tree or a budding professional aiming for certification, continuing education is essential. This article will introduce a wide range of courses, tutorials, workshops, and guides that can take your genealogical skills to the next level.
1. Why Education Matters in Genealogy
Many people begin genealogy out of curiosity, but soon realize that accurate research requires knowledge of history, geography, law, linguistics, paleography, and data management. Here’s why formal learning can transform your success:
Avoid common research errors
Learn to cite sources properly
Understand context around historical events
Master use of archives, databases, and software
Break through brick walls using advanced strategies
Becoming a better genealogist means learning how to think like a detective—and that skill can be taught.
2. What to Look for in a Good Genealogy Course or Guide
Not all courses are created equal. Choose programs that are:
Evidence-based: They teach sound research methodology
Reputable: Offered by recognized institutions or professionals
Targeted: Focused on areas relevant to your goals (e.g., Irish ancestry, DNA analysis)
Up-to-date: Include current technologies and resources
Evaluate the level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
Also consider the format—video, written, interactive, in-person, or self-paced—and how you best learn.
3. Top Free Genealogy Learning Resources
You don’t need to spend money to improve. Here are outstanding free options:
📚 FamilySearch Learning Center
Over 1000 free video tutorials
Topics include record types, country-specific research, and tools
📘 National Archives (U.S. & U.K.)
Free research guides and video seminars
Covers census, immigration, military, land, and more
📺 YouTube Channels
Ancestry, RootsMagic, and Lisa Louise Cooke’s Genealogy Gems are high-quality
Watch practical how-tos and research breakdowns
📖 WikiTree and Cyndi’s List
Extensive link libraries and guides on thousands of topics
These resources are ideal for new learners or specific quick-help topics.
4. Paid Online Genealogy Courses Worth Considering
If you want more structure or in-depth knowledge, consider investing in a paid course.
🏛️ Boston University Genealogical Certificate Program
Comprehensive, 15-week online program
High academic rigor, professional reputation
🎓 National Institute for Genealogical Studies
Offers specialized certificate programs
Covers U.S., Canadian, Irish, English, and German research
🌍 Pharos Tutors (UK)
Focused on British Isles research
Includes paleography, parish records, emigration
💡 Legacy Family Tree Webinars
1500+ webinar recordings on everything from DNA to software
Annual membership includes handouts and access to recordings
5. University-Level Genealogy Education
Some universities now offer degree or certification tracks:
University of Strathclyde (Scotland) – Postgraduate certificate/diploma/masters in Genealogical Studies
BYU (Brigham Young University) – One of the few U.S. schools offering genealogy coursework
University of Dundee (Scotland) – Archives and Family History programs
While more academic and time-consuming, these options are excellent for future professionals.
6. Genealogy Conferences and Workshops
Learning isn’t just online. Conferences offer networking and expert-led training:
🌐 Popular Genealogy Conferences:
RootsTech (by FamilySearch) – The world’s largest family history event (free & virtual options)
NGS Family History Conference (USA)
Who Do You Think You Are? Live (UK) (archived content still useful)
Association of Professional Genealogists Webinars
Workshops often include hands-on activities, document handling, and on-site archival work.
7. Must-Read Guides and Textbooks
Books remain a fantastic way to deepen your expertise.
📚 Foundational Reads:
“Evidence Explained” by Elizabeth Shown Mills — The gold standard for citing sources
“The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy” by Val D. Greenwood
“Mastering Genealogical Proof” by Thomas W. Jones
🧠 Quick Reference Guides:
Genealogy at a Glance series (by various authors)
Laminated cheat-sheets on court records, census use, DNA basics, and more
Make sure to keep a personal library of guides you’ll reference again and again.
8. DNA Testing and Interpretation Courses
With genetic genealogy on the rise, consider DNA-focused learning:
🧬 Best Options:
DNA Painter and GEDmatch tutorials
Blaine Bettinger’s “The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy”
Online courses via Legacy Family Tree and Ancestry Academy
Understanding how to analyze autosomal, mtDNA, and Y-DNA results can help confirm lineages and break dead ends.
9. Building a Personal Genealogy Curriculum
You don’t need a degree to get started—but you do need a plan. Here’s how to structure your own curriculum:
🎓 Year 1:
Introductory courses (FamilySearch, YouTube, free webinars)
Build a reading habit with one major textbook
Focus on your own country of origin
🎓 Year 2:
Take a formal course (e.g., Legacy Webinar series or NGS course)
Begin understanding DNA tools
Attend your first conference (virtual or live)
🎓 Year 3+:
Specialize in ethnic or regional research (e.g., Irish, German, African American)
Explore writing/publishing your findings
Consider certification or mentoring others
Track your progress in a learning journal, just like your research one.
10. Final Advice: Learn, Apply, Repeat
Education doesn’t end when you finish a course. The best genealogists are lifelong learners. As records are digitized, laws change, and new techniques emerge, ongoing learning is essential.
🗂️ Keep Growing By:
Subscribing to genealogy magazines and journals
Joining online communities like r/Genealogy or Facebook groups
Teaching others (you learn more when you explain)
Staying humble—every family tree contains surprises
Conclusion: Education Is the Roots of Accuracy
Every family tree stands stronger when built on a foundation of solid research skills. Courses and guides are more than tools—they’re the sunlight and water your tree needs to grow. With a clear learning plan, you’ll gain the skills to honor your ancestors accurately and meaningfully.