Foundations 102: Laying the Foundation is the second section in the Foundations course. This section focuses on working with records that are critical groundwork to building your family history. It helps you fill in the details on each ancestor and verify the information with genealogical records. It also teaches you how to use a variety of records and online sources. A step-by-step process is provided for working with each different type of record. Each module has a quiz to test your knowledge and a practical assignment to apply the concepts to your own family research. As you work through these modules, you will improve your genealogical skills and expand your family history knowledge.
Foundations 102: Laying the Foundation teaches how to determine the type of sources, information, or evidence contained in genealogical records and introduces the concepts of evidence analysis. Most modules contain a case study to walk you through the step-by-step process with a real-life example. This section will help you to evaluate all the information found in census and vital records, use all aspects of FamilySearch.org, and get the most out of cemetery records and newspapers.
The course is divided into modules with multiple sections, which include reading and reference lists, web links, self-correcting quizzes, and a glossary. The course modules are as follows.
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 for one section at a time. NGS offers members a discount when they register for each course section, and an even greater discount is available for students who purchase the full course package. See pricing details on the course pages for Foundations 101, 102, and 103 or in the NGS Store.
Access your course anytime, anywhere using a computer or tablet with an internet connection. All course content-including lessons, examples, exercises, and quizzes-is cloud-based, requiring no software downloads or installations.
The course runs on Canvas, which requires an up-to-date web browser. Check your browser compatibility at https://guides.instructure.com/m/67952/1/720329-which-browsers-does-canvas-support.
Foundations in Family History is a course divided into three sections—Foundations 101, 102, and 103–intended to be taken in succession. The course was developed by a team of experienced educators, certified genealogists, and professional genealogists, along with a senior editor and e-learning systems specialist. These specialized genealogical educators have created an exciting new course that teaches all the essential concepts to develop excellent genealogical research skills. Students will gain confidence along with knowledge allowing them to optimize the growth of their family history. Students must begin with Foundations 101, followed by Foundations 102, and then Foundations 103. Each section may be purchased separately or as a discounted bundle.
The Foundations in Family History course offers flexible, self-paced online learning designed to fit your schedule. Whether you’re balancing work, volunteer commitments, or personal obligations, you can complete the coursework when it’s most convenient for you. You control your learning journey and set the pace that works best for your needs.
Your access to Foundations 102 begins on the date of enrollment and continues for six months. If you purchase the full Foundations in Family History course bundle, you have eighteen months from enrollment to complete all three sections.
Need more time? Paid extension options are available by contacting the NGS Course Administrator.
You’ll receive an automatic email with course details confirming your registration. Within three business days, the NGS Course Administrator will send your login credentials for the Canvas online learning platform.
All purchases of courses are final. No refunds or credits are available.
