Genealogy Courses

NGS Genealogy Education – Online Learning for Every Stage of Your Journey

Transform your family history research with NGS’s trusted online genealogy education programs. Our comprehensive selection of cloud-based courses and online workshops allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule. Whether you’re just beginning or advancing toward professional-level research, NGS provides the structured guidance and proven expertise to help you succeed.

 

Photo of blocks that spell family for the Family History Foundations genealogy course

Foundations in Family History course

Build your family tree with confidence! Master essential research skills and records in this step-by-step American genealogy course, perfect for beginners and intermediate researchers. Bundle and save $40—plus an additional $65 as an NGS member!

Advanced Skills in Genealogy certificate course banner

Advanced Skills in Genealogy course 

Elevate your genealogical research to professional standards with this comprehensive, institute-level program. Designed for intermediate to advanced researchers, this standards-based, mentor-guided course develops advanced genealogy problem-solving skills through:

  • mastery of sixteen essential U.S. record groups and source types
  • advanced methodology in evidence analysis and correlation
  • structured assignments leading to a course completion certificate
Photo of a deed book spine for the Continuing Genealogy Studies courses banner

Continuing Genealogical Studies (CGS) 

Master specific research skills with twelve focused courses in essential genealogical topics and records:

 

  • Using DNA Test Results
  • Guide to Documentation & Source Citation
  • Federal Land Records
  • Revolutionary War
  • War of 1812 Records
  • Civil War
  • African American Roots
  • Transcribing, Extracting, and Abstracting Documents
  • Reading Old Handwriting
  • Effective Use of Deeds
  • World War I
  • 17th and 18th Century German Ancestors
National Genealogical Society Tech Toolbox workshop series banner

Tech Toolbox – Coming Early 2025!

From artificial intelligence to interactive maps, digital tools are transforming how genealogists work, making research more efficient and results more engaging. NGS is excited to introduce our new Tech Tools Workshop Series, helping you build essential digital skills for modern family history research.

Have you ever wished you had tools to help you:

  • harness AI to streamline your research and writing?
  • organize and analyze family data effectively using Excel?
  • create interactive maps that bring your ancestors’ stories to life?
  • transform old documents and photos into searchable digital assets?
  • collaborate and share your discoveries in engaging new ways?

Empower your research with a well-stocked tech “toolbox.” Whether you’re a hobby genealogist or a professional researcher, this workshop series will equip you with practical digital skills to enhance your family history journey. No prior tech experience needed.

Each month, a different Toolmaster will demonstrate practical applications of both free and subscription-based digital tools, with a special focus on emerging AI technologies.

NGS Education. Build Your Skills. Build Your Family History.