Finding Your Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide to Genealogy

Your family history holds real memories just waiting to be recovered! Designed specifically for beginners, this gentle, step-by-step course takes the guesswork out of genealogy by showing you exactly where to look for clues, how to use accessible resources, and how to make sense of what you find.

This course is built around four core instructional pillars:

1. The Big 3 Sources: Focusing on high-reward, highly accessible record groups—Census Records, Vital Records (Birth, Marriage, Death), and Graveyards/Obituaries.

2. Live Search Walkthroughs: Utilizing step-by-step visual slide guides featuring clear callouts (e.g., Step 1: Type Last Name, Step 2: Filter by State, Step 3: Click View Image) to walk through real records together on screen.

3. Low-Tech "Home Base" Tools: Keeping technology hurdles low by using printed Ancestor Worksheets and Pedigree Charts filled out in pencil during class.

4. The Golden Rule: Always starting with yourself and working backward one single generation at a time to avoid common beginner traps.

Recommended Course Supplies
?    3-Ring Binder (1.5" or 2")
?    Package of clear plastic sheet protectors
?    5-Tab or 8-Tab color binder dividers
?    Standard pencils with erasers