Discovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy

Course Overview

Our family tree is full of nuts. Find out what yours looks like with help from a genealogist. Genealogy is a journey of self-discovery that teaches you about yourself and those who came before you. With Dr. Colletta’s 15 lectures, you’ll learn the skills and methodologies used by experts to solve genealogical mysteries, create compelling narratives, and uncover fascinating information from the past.

This course provides smart ways to find and utilize helpful online and print resources, including U.S. population censuses and the National Archives. You will also learn how to write engaging historical narratives that inform and entertain family members and others.

Video Lectures

01: Interviewing Kin and Mining Home Sources

Explore interviewing relatives and learn techniques to transform conversations into valuable genealogical information.

Duration: 31 min

02: Genealogy Online – Gems and Junk

Identify reliable online genealogy sources and understand the significance of U.S. population censuses for constructing your family tree.

Duration: 32 min

03: The Library – Shelves Full of Family History

Learn how to leverage library materials to gain insights into your ancestors’ lives through genealogies and historical records.

Duration: 33 min

04: Military Service and Homestead Records

Navigate military and homestead records to connect with your ancestors and uncover personal stories that link you to history.

Duration: 33 min

05: How to Build Historical Context

Use historical context to create engaging life stories, applying examined sources to enhance your understanding of events.

Duration: 33 min

06: Your Ancestors in Ship Passenger Lists

Make sense of passenger arrival records to reconstruct your ancestors’ journeys to North America, utilizing key resources.

Duration: 33 min

07: Your Ancestors in Naturalization Records

Examine the naturalization process and how to use related records to answer important questions about your immigrant ancestors.

Duration: 35 min

08: The Genealogical Proof Standard

Strengthen your genealogical skills with the Genealogical Proof Standard, exploring the evidence needed for proving relationships.

Duration: 30 min

09: Your Ancestors in the County Courthouse

Learn how to access and read courthouse records to uncover valuable genealogical information about your ancestors.

Duration: 30 min

10: Your Ancestors in State Records

Discover how to tap into state archives for rich genealogical data, including military and census records.

Duration: 29 min

11: How to Write Biography

Master the art of writing engaging and truthful narratives about your ancestors, focusing on key elements of storytelling.

Duration: 31 min

12: Dos and Don’ts of Writing History

Identify common pitfalls in writing about the past and learn how to craft engaging narratives that reflect historical contexts.

Duration: 30 min

13: Searching in Your Ancestors’ Backyards

Discover local resources essential for genealogy research, including cemeteries and historical societies.

Duration: 30 min

14: Assembling an Account of Your Discoveries

Organize your materials and create a compelling account of your family’s history, addressing critical questions.

Duration: 32 min

15: Extending Your Family Tree Overseas

Learn how to research records outside the U.S. and the challenges involved in accessing historical materials abroad.

Duration: 33 min