Intermediate Genealogy Classes

Posted by eileen on February 14, 2012

As a family historian, do you have stacks of paper from library research trips, letters, emails, family stories, documents, photographs, Internet downloads, and images from a digital camera? Do you search Ancestry.com, yet not find expected results? How do you know when you’ve searched “enough?”

Three new genealogy classes take on these familiar situations Saturday afternoons, 1 to 3 PM, March 3, 17 and 31. They are File Organization, Tips for Searching Ancestry.com and What is a “Reasonably Exhaustive Search?” You may attend any or all classes. Each class is $10, payable at the door. Please call 630-868-7520 to register for the March 17 class.

March 3 – File Organization
Information gathered from a multitude of sources–paper from library research trips, letters, emails, family stories, documents, photos, Internet downloads, images from digital cameras, and images scanned to computer–is most useful and easily found again when it’s organized in an orderly and logical way.

This class will demonstrate various ways to organize a collection, reduce piles of paper, and put information in a format that can be used as a foundation for a family history book or CD/DVD. Class meets in the large meeting room in the lower level.

March 17 – Tips for Successful Searches using Ancestry
Learn how to search Ancestry’s 6 billion records more effectively. This class offers online instruction using Ancestry’s Learning Center and hands-on experience. Guided instruction with a group leader is used with a handout.

Class meets in the computer lab on the second floor. Ten computers are available. Class limited to sixteen. Stations can be shared or bring a personal laptop.

March 31 – What is a “Reasonably Exhaustive Search?” 
How do you know when you’ve searched enough? Genealogy lecturer, Michael Hait, explains direct, indirect and negative evidence in a webinar format. A reasonably exhaustive search is demonstrated using an actual case study.

Handouts and a moderated discussion with a group leader will follow the webinar. Class meets in the large meeting room in the lower level.