Genealogy 101 Class Syllabus
Instructor: LaTonya Lawson Jones
Website: latonyalawsonjones.com
Duration: 8 Weeks (One session per week)
Format: Online (Live sessions + downloadable resources)
Class Level: Beginner-Friendly
Course Overview
This course is designed to help beginners learn the fundamentals of genealogy and confidently begin their journey of uncovering family history. By the end of the class, you will have the tools to build your family tree, conduct meaningful research, overcome obstacles, and preserve your family’s legacy for generations.
Course Objectives
- Understand the basics of genealogy and its importance.
- Learn how to gather, organize, and document family history.
- Gain practical skills in using research tools and resources.
- Identify strategies to break through “brick walls” in research.
- Develop confidence in sharing and preserving your discoveries.
Course Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to Genealogy
Topics:
- What is genealogy and why is it important?
- Setting personal research goals.
- Gathering and organizing family information (oral histories, documents, photos).
- Overview of key tools: pedigree charts, family group sheets, and research logs.
Activities:
- Icebreaker: Share one known fact about a grandparent or older ancestor.
- Write a 1-paragraph summary of your goals for learning genealogy.
Resources Provided:
- Printable charts and templates.
- Interview tips for family history conversations.
Week 2: Exploring Records and Sources
Topics:
- Primary vs. secondary sources.
- Introduction to vital records (birth, marriage, death).
- Understanding and using census records.
Activities:
- Use a case study to analyze a sample census record.
- Group activity: Identify key information gaps from a provided research log.
- Homework: Locate a birth certificate for one family member and share key details.
Resources Provided:
- List of free and paid genealogy databases.
- Guide to reading and analyzing historical documents.
Week 3: Digging Deeper with Online Tools
Topics:
- Navigating popular genealogy websites (Ancestry, FamilySearch, etc.).
- Using search strategies to find hard-to-locate ancestors.
- Exploring newspaper archives and other digital collections.
Activities:
- In-class demonstration of a search using FamilySearch.
- Homework: Download and complete a digital family group sheet using online records.
- Create a list of five questions to guide your next online search.
Resources Provided:
- Online research checklist.
- Links to free online archives and tools.
Week 4: African American Genealogy
Topics:
- Challenges and strategies for researching African American ancestors.
- Understanding records related to slavery and emancipation.
- Utilizing Freedmen’s Bureau records and other key resources.
Activities:
- Group analysis: Review and interpret a historical document tied to emancipation.
- Create a short timeline for a fictional or real African American ancestor.
- Reflect on the importance of reclaiming histories in a journal entry.
Resources Provided:
- Guide to African American genealogy.
- List of recommended books and websites.
Week 5: Breaking Down Brick Walls
Topics:
- Tackling common genealogy challenges.
- Strategies for finding elusive ancestors.
- Collaborating with other researchers and using online forums.
Activities:
- Breakout groups: Brainstorm solutions for a shared case study challenge.
- Homework: Research one unresolved mystery in your own family tree.
- Identify and list three genealogy forums or communities to join.
Resources Provided:
- Troubleshooting checklist for genealogy research.
- Tips for collaboration and joining genealogy communities.
Week 6: DNA Testing and Genealogy
Topics:
- Introduction to DNA testing for family research.
- Types of tests (autosomal, Y-DNA, mtDNA) and what they reveal.
- Using DNA results to confirm family connections.
Activities:
- Review a sample DNA test result to identify key matches.
- Homework: Write a research question that could be solved with DNA evidence.
- Practice creating a relationship chart using hypothetical DNA results.
Resources Provided:
- Guide to interpreting DNA results.
- Recommended testing companies and tools.
Week 7: Organizing and Preserving Your Research
Topics:
- Digitizing and organizing family records.
- Best practices for maintaining research logs and documentation.
- Preserving family photos and heirlooms.
Activities:
- Hands-on activity: Organize a set of fictional or provided research records.
- Homework: Create a digital folder structure for your own family research.
- Start a basic timeline scrapbook or design a photo preservation plan.
Resources Provided:
- Tools for organizing digital files.
- Preservation tips for physical documents and photos.
Week 8: Sharing and Celebrating Your Discoveries
Topics:
- Creating written and visual family history projects.
- Ethical considerations in sharing family stories.
- Tips for presenting research to family or community groups.
Activities:
- Present your family history project idea in class.
- Share one exciting or surprising discovery you’ve made during the course.
- Begin drafting a family story or design a visual family tree.
Resources Provided:
- Storytelling templates for family history.
- Tools for creating presentations and books.
Additional Features
- Q&A Time: Each session will include 15 minutes for live Q&A. Participants can also join the Weekly Thursday Night Live Genealogy Q&A
- Class Discussion Forum: Connect with other students, share discoveries, and ask questions.
- Bonus Resources: Access to LaTonya’s curated list of genealogy tools and websites.
Requirements
- A computer or device with internet access.
- Basic computer skills (navigating websites, saving files, etc.).
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering your roots!
Enrollment Details
Cost: FREE
Sign-Up Link: latonyalawsonjones.com
Questions? Email me at latonya@latonyalawsonjones.com
Let’s uncover your family’s legacy together!