Registration is tomorrow for the first session!
So … you’re ready to fast-track your research and build your skills in 2015, right?
Then it’s time to put on your sneakers and pack a lunch. Because registration for the first week of 2015’s Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) opens at noon eastern time tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4th — and classes are going to fill up fast.
GRIP is going into its fourth season at LaRoche College in Pittsburgh. And there’s a stellar line-up of courses, selected by co-directors Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL, and Deborah Lichtner Deal, offering in-depth immersion for an entire week in a range of topics, one of which might be just what you’re looking for.
There are two sessions at GRIP in 2015, and tomorrow’s registration is only for the first week, June 28-July 3. Registration for the second week, July 19-24, opens in two weeks, on February 18th.
Here’s the course line-up for the first week of June 28th:
Writing Your Immigrant Families’ Stories: From Research to Publishing
John P. Colletta, Ph.D. and Michael Hait, CG
You’ve researched your lineage back to “the shores”: now what? It’s time to write your ancestors’ stories! Using immigrant ancestors as examples, this course will teach you
• how to discover the facts,
• narrate the stories,
• and publish an account of your ancestors.
Determining Kinship Reliably with the Genealogical Proof Standard
Thomas W. Jones, PhD., CG, CGL
Learn how to achieve genealogical proof by planning and executing focused research, citing the resulting sources, testing the evidence they contain, assembling evidence into a conclusion, and explaining it clearly. Jones has edited the National Genealogical Society Quarterly since 2002 where many proof arguments are published. The course scope and sequence follow the content of his book, Mastering Genealogical Proof.
Research in New York State: Resources and Strategies
Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS (formerly Green)
Land of the “Big Apple” and rural farms, New York is historic in its place in immigration and migration, and ethnic and religious survival. Learn how to access records and discover your ancestors who lived in the Empire State.
Problem Solving with Church Records
Rev. Dr. David McDonald, CG
The nature of Christian communities and churches through the centuries suggests that there is overlap in theological perspectives and outlook, with important similarities across denominational boundaries, and yet some very distinct differences within particular sects or traditions. Accordingly, traditions will be considered on a stand-alone basis and also in comparison with and in contrast to other bodies.
Advanced Research Tools: Land Records
Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL and Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL
Land genealogy is as important as people genealogy for overcoming family history research barriers. This course explores land distribution in the current United States by colonial powers, private land claims, federal land records at both the National Archives and the General Land Office, and local-level county or town deeds. Students will learn about the Public Land Survey System and the metes and bound system. Course content illustrates the use of land records to prove kinship. Use of software and Internet resources for finding land records, mapping, and deed platting is demonstrated.
Practical Genetic Genealogy
Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, CeCe Moore and Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
DNA test results can be confusing and their application to genealogy unclear. This course is designed to provide the in-depth knowledge needed by those who wish to analyze results and further research goals for themselves, their clients, or a surname project. These three recognized experts in the field of DNA analysis will provide opportunities for practical, hands-on experience in analysis and correlation of DNA test results utilizing the latest tools and techniques and will give recommendations for further research.
Here’s the course line-up for the week of July 19th:
Law School for Genealogists
Judy G. Russell, J.D., CG, CGL and Richard G. “Rick” Sayre, CG, CGL.
Understanding the laws that affected our ancestors is essential for kinship determination and successful research. This course explores laws concerning courts, estates, family law, immigration, legal research, military, and property laws. Judy Russell, aka “The Legal Genealogist,” has a blog by the same name in which she wittily explores timely issues and genealogical problems. Rick Sayre’s areas of expertise include federal records, military records, urban research methodology, technology and mapping tools for genealogists, immigration, the Ohio River Valley, and Western Pennsylvania.
Intermediate Genealogy: Tools for Digging Deeper
Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, FMGS, FUGA.
Stuart-Warren focuses on unusual resources, manuscripts, methodology, and analyzing records. She researches across the U.S. and brings her experience into the class room. She encourages students to bring their own family history problems for brainstorming and discussion. This gives a personal approach to the course which gives a solid foundation and fills in knowledge gaps.
Advanced Research Methods
Thomas W. Jones, PhD., CG, CGL
Participants will develop advanced genealogical research, analysis, correlation and compilation skills. Hands-on activities, using original records, will enhance this learning. Examples are drawn from American states and colonies and European countries. Before the course begins participants will complete two pre-course reading assignments. Four homework assignments, providing opportunities for advanced skill development, are optional.
Refresh, Rebuild and Recharge Your Genealogy Career
D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS.
The field of professional genealogy offers multiple opportunities to find career success. During the week we will examine the steps to building a career in professional genealogy, looking beyond client-based research to provide best practices for strategic planning, marketing, developing products, and related topics. Faculty includes those working in across various dynamics within the industry, including commercial entities, small-business owners, small-proprietors, non-profit and more. Sessions include lectures, workshops, discussions, and live interviews with working professionals. During the week each participant will draft a strategic plan to refresh, rebuild, and recharge his or her current (or developing) business. This course is designed for those considering a career in genealogy, as well as seasoned professionals looking for a “boost” in the current climate.
Pennsylvania: Research in the Keystone State
Sharon Cook MacInnes, Ph.D. and Michael D. Lacopo, D.V.M.
The course is designed for intermediate to advanced researchers who understand how the Genealogical Proof Standard forms the foundation for solid research but may not know much about Pennsylvania resources. The goal is to present a practical, in-depth, and fast-paced exploration of Pennsylvania record groups with a bit of fun and hands-on exercises.
Practical Genetic Genealogy
Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, Patti Hobbs, and Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
DNA test results can be confusing and their application to genealogy unclear. This course is designed to provide the in-depth knowledge needed by those who wish to analyze results and further research goals for themselves, their clients, or a surname project. These three recognized experts in the field of DNA analysis will provide opportunities for practical, hands-on experience in analysis and correlation of DNA test results utilizing the latest tools and techniques and will give recommendations for further research.
Because this line-up is so solid, class space is going to go fast. If you want in, you need to be ready to go when registration opens Wednesday at noon Eastern, 11 a.m. Central, 10 a.m. Mountain and 9 a.m. Pacific.
There are registration instructions on the website that you’re going to want to read through in advance so you can be ready to go when registration opens. But because a countdown timer has been installed on the registration page which will go automatically at the “zero hour” to the registration management system you won’t have to watch the clock, hit refresh, or otherwise fear that you will miss the “opening bell.”
Remember: tomorrow’s registration is only for the six courses to be offered in June. Registration for the six July courses will take place in two weeks, on February 18th.
Good luck getting into the course you want!
