Introducing: Foundations in Family History

Foundations Course Overview

NGS developed this new course to take genealogists step-by-step through the fundamental concepts of researching family history. The Foundations in Family History course is ideal for the DNA test taker who wants to create a family tree to connect with matches; the genealogy enthusiast who wants to take their family history knowledge to the next level; or the librarian or archivist who wants to learn more to be able to assist their patrons. It will also be attractive to the self-taught family historian who wants to fill any gaps in their knowledge and introduce them to records they are not familiar with. It was developed to give each family historian a solid foundation in the research skills needed to find and evaluate records for their family and to build their family tree—generation by generation.

NGS has led the way in eLearning in the field of genealogy. Students of every level and ability can choose the best time to study and learn from home, completing courses when and where it works for them. Our online courses, built in the cloud using a learning management system called Canvas, are self-paced and have no set time or date for attendance. They are geared toward individuals who have varied schedules that may include their work, volunteer pursuits, or family obligations. You prioritize your time management and your learning.

The Foundations in Family History course consists of three sections that cover different types of genealogical topics and research skills. The course work is designed to be progressive with each of the eighteen learning modules building on each other to optimally develop skills.

Course Structure

Within each of the course’s three sections are modules providing instruction, reading, examples, web links, videos, self-correcting quizzes, bibliographies, glossaries, and written graded assignments.

The sections include:
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Foundations 101: Drawing up the Family Blueprint covers basic genealogical principles such as using home sources, organizing names and dates into genealogical charts, and developing a research plan. Learn more

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Foundations 102: Laying the Foundation details using various genealogical records and research techniques. The student will also develop skills in gathering, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating genealogical information. Learn more

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Foundations 103: Framing in Your Family will help you continue to expand your experience working with a variety of genealogical records, discuss researching in repositories, introduce DNA basics, and writing up research and techniques to share your research. Learn more

Enrollment in the Foundations in Family History course requires students to start with Foundations 101, which is a prerequisite to enrollment in Foundations 102, which is a prerequisite to Foundations 103.

The Foundations in Family History course has been developed in three sections so students can progress through more challenging topics in succession to help them build knowledge and skills one step at a time. The Foundations 101, 102, and 103 format also allows students the convenience of purchasing one section at a time if they choose. NGS offers members a discount on each course section, and an even greater discount if students purchase the full course option. See pricing details on the following course pages for Foundations 101, 102, and 103 or in the NGS Store