Online Genealogy Courses

There are many ways to learn "how to do" genealogical research; such as taking seminars, heading to a local LDS Family History Center, asking other genealogists, joining a genealogical society, reading a book on the subject, or simply talking to librarian. Whatever you do, you need to start with yourself and your siblings and then start to work backwards with your parents, aunts, and uncles; then your grandparents, etc.

Doing genealogical research is a fairly easy task.  However as time passes and as you learn and as your skills increase you may want to become a better researcher and learn about additional resources and how to use them.  I am at that conjuncture in my research.  I am looking to further my skills and find new avenues for my research.  

In early November I will be taking my first online genealogy course from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies.  The course that I am taking is Electronic Resources: Using the Internet.  The syllabus states this course will cover all aspects of using the Internet for family history research, beginning with some of the fundamentals of using the Internet and then moving onto all the many categories of websites that contain potentially useful genealogical information.   

Their courses are relatively inexpensive at $89/course.  Courses last for six to seven weeks.  This is my first venture into online genealogy courses.  The National Institute has a complete curriculum in American, Canadian, German, English, Irish. Scottish, and Australian records.  They also offer certificates in the same fields.  Check out their web page at National Institute for Genealogical Studies for all other details.

As I mentioned this will be my first online course.  I will post a review of my thoughts on their course.  If I decide to take other courses I will review them also.  If anyone has any experience with online courses from the National Institute or any other organization I would like to hear your opinions about them.  Thank you in advance.

October Genealogical Conference in Albany

An upcoming genealogical conference is coming to Albany next week.  Details are pasted below.

Thursday-Saturday, October 24-26, 2013
The NYG&B is returning to Albany! Join the New York experts, the people who know New York research best, for three days of research and genealogical camaraderie.

Program fee of $170 for members/ $210 for non-members includes:

• Welcome reception
• Orientations to the NY State Archives and the NY State Library
• A private consultation with a genealogical professional
• Three days of assisted research
• Wine and cheese party
• Gala dinner on October 24 with a talk
• Brainstorming and networking with fellow genealogy researchers at social events
• Reduced rates at Hilton Albany (formerly the Crowne Plaza Albany)

JOIN US: The program fee, including a dinner, reception, and all other arrangements, is $170 for members, $210 for non-members. Guests for dinner $35.
You may register online at www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org; or email education@nygbs.org; or by telephone 212-755-8532, ext. 211.

ACCOMMODATIONS: We have arranged a special room rate at the Hotel Albany of $110 per night, single or double. Please call the hotel directly at 518-462-6611 and mention group code 1GENE (the NYG&B program) to get this rate.

When: 

Thursday, October 24, 2013 - 9:00am to Saturday, October 26, 2013 - 5:00pm

Sponsor: 

The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society

Oktoberfest Dinner

Although this is short notice, locally, a German themed dinner will be held at the German-American Club of Albany this Saturday night, October 12th with live music.  Details of the upcoming come from their web page.

Oktoberfest 

On Saturday October 12, 2013 enjoy an evening of German dinner and drink at our Oktoberfest.  Live music by Herb Liebenhagen.  Doors open at 5:00 PM.  Dinner served at 6:00 PM.  Dinner choices are Wurst Salad, Sauerbraten or Fried Chicken with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage or Mixed Vegetables and dessert. Cost $20/person.  German Lagers, Pilsners, Bocks, and Hefeweizens will be available.  Walk-ins are welcome for music and dancing at $6 per person.  For reservations, please call 518.439.5932.  All of our events are open to the public!

The German-American Club is located at 32 Cherry Street (off Fuller Road) in Albany/Colonie.  Their web site is http://www.GermanAmericanClubofAlbany.com

Cemetery Conservator & Preservationist

Recently in my travels I met Joe Ferrannini from Grave Stone Matters.  He is working on conserving a cemetery in East Greenbush.  I saw his sign on the roadside and I stopped and introduced myself. Aside from being a very friendly guy who truly enjoys his work, he is extremely professional and knowledgeable on all things regarding conserving and preserving grave stones.  Since I have been involved in a few small cemetery projects of my own, I decided to ask an expert if I was using the appropriate methods. Fortunately I was.  Joe was very willing to answer all of my questions.  And I had a lot of them.

The above picture of Joe Ferrannini at work was found online from the Saratogian Newspaper from July 2013.

As Fall fades into Winter, my cemetery jaunts and projects will lessen until Spring rolls in next year.  I will continue to try to preserve the grave sites of my ancestors as my abilities allow.  However if a project is too large for me to handle and I do not have the skills and materials to accomplish my task, I will contact and hire Joe.

Contact information for Joe Ferrannini at Grave Stone Matters, 518.424.9562

Some links about Grave Stone Matters can be found at
From the Troy Record
From the Saratogian
From the Eastwick Press