DNA
Before You Test: DNA Basics You Need to Know
Avoid wasting time and money by learning how DNA is inherited, which type of DNA test to take, and exactly what you can expect to get as a result.
Using AncestryDNA Today
AncestryDNA continues to add new tools to help with matching other testers, categorizing the matches into groups, and discovering the right relationships. This presentation focuses on how to use the latest AncestryDNA tools (ThruLines, groups, etc.) to identify relatives near and distant.
Getting the Most from DNA Ethnicity Estimates
How to understand and use the ethnicity estimates provided by major DNA testing companies. Learn the science behind how they are created and their limitations.
Organizing
Organizing Your Genealogy Research Process
The research process includes goals, questions, sources, information, evidence, and conclusions. Learn to use task management software, research logs, and other tools to keep track.
Using Evernote for Capturing Notes and Ideas
Learn to use Evernote, a tool that allows genealogists to capture, organize, preserve, and synchronize (across multiple devices) small pieces of information, including ideas, notes (typed, handwritten, and audio), photos, online articles, web pages, and URLs.
Organizing Your Genealogy Files
Overwhelmed with too many paper documents and digital files? Learn to organize these so that you'll quickly find just the one you need.
Organizing Your Research Trip
Leaving home to do research will be most successful when you plan and prepare. Learn exactly what to do before, during, and after the trip.
Methodology
The Research Plan: Your Blueprint for Genealogical Success
Research processes only succeed when they begin with a well-written research plan. Learn to go from questions to what is known to relevant records.
Immigration and Naturalization: An Introduction
For those in the United States with European ancestry, this presentation explains how to search for and interpret our ancestors’ documents of immigration and naturalization.
Your Ancestor's FAN Club: Using Cluster Research to Get Past Brick Walls
Our ancestors were each surrounded by family, associates, and neighbors. By researching them, we discover additional records pointing to our own ancestors.
Where Is the Book with My Family in It?
Before beginning their own research, good researchers seek out the research already done by others. Find out how to do an exhaustive search for books, periodicals, and other published or unpublished printed research material that may save you time in your own research.
Not in the Census? Try Again!
Not everyone recorded in a census is easy to find on first inspection. Learn tips and techniques to locate those ancestors who require additional effort.
Archives and Special Collections: An Introduction
Archives and special collections may contain unique material about your ancestors. Learn to make the best use of what they offer online and in person.
Understanding Copyright and Plagiarism
Concerned about the legal and ethical issues surrounding genealogical materials? This presentation explains what copyright is, what is and isn’t protected by law, how to legally use others’ copyrighted work, and how to avoid committing plagiarism.
Online Research
Using FamilySearch.org to Find Genealogical Records
Over the past few years, FamilySearch.org has become one of the largest online repositories of genealogical records. Learn how to search and browse, how to save and share results, and how to get help with the available resources.
Front Page News (and Beyond): Finding Archived Newspapers
The stories of our ancestors' lives, from birth to death and everything in between, can be found in the pages of archived newspapers. Learn whether those stories are already somewhere online or on microform in a library.
Collaborative Trees: Making Them Work for You
Genealogists can work together using the FamilySearch Family Tree, WikiTree, and Geni. Learn the differences among them and the best practices for each.
Facebook as a Tool to Break Thru Brick Walls
Learn to use Facebook successfully to find living relatives or to share your questions, problems, and brick walls with other genealogists.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Genealogy
AI tools are being used by genealogy companies and have recently become available to genealogists. What are they and how can we use them appropriately?
