Melissa, that funeral collection was interesting. I'm always interested in seeing how different databases display info. It helps me think about different ways I might search for funeral records and also that I can't approach their existence with a negative frame of mind. I really don't know where or what I might find if I don't try.

Reminder for July American Virtual Meeting with Gena Philibert-Ortega on Tuesday, July 28th – 9 AM EDT. MEETING LOCATION: https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/

August Virtual Meeting

American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Tuesday, August 11th – 6 PM Eastern; 5 PM Central; 4 PM Mountain; 3 PM Pacific; 11 PM in London, England; Wednesday, August 12th – 8 AM in Sydney, Australia
MEETING LOCATION: https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/

These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first and last name, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

September Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR. 
Saturday, September 19th – 9 AM Eastern; 8 AM Central; 7 AM Mountain; 6 AM Pacific; 2 PM in London, England; 11 PM in Sydney, Australia 
MEETING LOCATION: https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/

These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

October Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Tuesday, October 20th – 10 AM Eastern; 9 AM Central; 8 AM Mountain; 7 AM Pacific; 3 PM in London, England; Wednesday, October 21st – 1 AM in Sydney, Australia   
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/

These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

November Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Tuesday, November 17th – 6:30 PM Eastern; 5:30 PM Central; 4:30 PM Mountain; 3:30 PM Pacific; 11:30 PM in London, England; Wednesday, November 18th – 10:30 AM in Sydney, Australia 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/

These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

December Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Saturday, December 12th – 12 Noon EST; 11 AM CST; 9 AM PST; 5 PM in London, England; Sunday, December 13th – 4 AM in Sydney, Australia   
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

Hello - I've been taking two courses this fall/winter - Social Media Tools for the Wise Genealogist and Google for the Wise Genealogist.  I would like to be a professional genealogist and I like having a social media presence.  Some of the secondary sources that I have started looking at are genealogical society journals.  I am a member of quite a few genealogy societies and I appreciate it when they have pdf copies of their society journals dating back many years.  It's taking me quite a while to actually review all of them (I may never finish!) but I have learned some interesting things I will be following up on.

I think those are great starter courses, Sara. "Google for" was the class I took to test the waters of the Institute. I'm pretty much a geek so I figured if this course could teach me something I didn't know about research then I'd be impressed. Well, I was very impressed. Not so much in "how to search" but how to think about searching with a mindset I hadn't previously adopted, and the tips on how to understand the genealogical importance of the results are outstanding.

I think your practice of reading those old newsletters and journals is time well spent for several reasons. One good use of them is to read through a groups  newsletters to see their specific areas of interest over time and then to create programs on those topics.

Have fun in your studies!

January Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Wednesday, January 13th at 2 PM EST
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Wednesday, February 17th at 7 PM EST 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

March Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Sunday, March 14th at 7 PM EDT 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

Is there a post somewhere of the recommended order of courses, both for prerequisite purposes for the compulsory courses, and guidance with the elective courses? I know we don't HAVE to do it any particular way, but it would help plan to see something that says "think about doing x and y before taking z class".

I do know that when I tried to sign up for "Skills: Transcribing, Abstracting & Extracting" the page mentioned you should have taken Met 1 and Met 2 first. However, I'm referring to some kind of master list or flowchart. Or even just a list of which electives are Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced level courses, without having to click through every course offered. 

Also, I was reading the posts in the NIGS FB group and someone further along than I mentioned it's better to take Analysis & Skills Courses at the end of the level. That's the kind of stuff I would like to know about.

Thanks!

I'm going to ask in First Timer FAQs as well.

Hi Bev. It is suggested to take the Basic compulsory courses (Meth 1&2; Using Internet; and Transcribing) and then start the country-themed courses: Census & Vital Records (basic for all research). Land & Religious Records cover more in-depth concepts. It's good to have the others completed first. AS1 should be after the main courses as it covers material from the basic courses. Look at it as an overview of the Basic Level to prepare you for starting the Intermediate courses. It can be opened before the others are completed, but don't open it too soon. 

April Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Wednesday, April 21st at 2:30 PM EDT 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

May Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Wednesday, May 26th at 6:30 PM EDT
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

NOTE: It is recommended that attendees make sure their Adobe Connect app is up-to-date before the session.

June Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Sunday, June 13th at 6:30 PM EDT
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”
NOTE: It is recommended that attendees make sure their Adobe Connect app is up-to-date before the session.

July Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Thursday, July 29th at 10:30 AM EDT
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

NOTE: It is recommended that attendees make sure their Adobe Connect app is up-to-date before the session.

August Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Wednesday, August 25th at 6 PM EDT             
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

September Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Friday, September 17th at 11 AM EDT
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

October Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Thursday, October 14th at 10:30 AM EDT
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

Introduction - I'm an author and genealogist. I was self taught in genealogy 30 years before earning my certificate from Boston University in January 2019. Since then I've attended conferences in person and online. finished 3/4 of the American Studies course from NGS, am a current peer in the ProGen Study Group (#54) and have added the American Records Course package here.  I plan to be certified through BCG.

My passion is writing and look forward to writing and publishing genealogy books and biographies for clients and family.

My website (which still needs work), is www.familytiesresearch.com.

Nice to meet you all,

Missy Cantlin Bell

Welcome Missy!

Welcome, Missy! 

Welcome, Miss!  I am 3/4 through the Beyond the Basics course from NGS. I will eventually do a ProGen Study Group.

Hi Missy. Glad to hear you have a solid plan for your future. Looking forward to ProGen in the next year or so. Have decided I probably won't go for BCG or ICAPGen but certainly would have if I were younger. Best wishes in your goals!

November Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Wednesday, November 24th at 6:30 PM EST 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

December Virtual Meeting
American Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Sunday, December 12th at 2 PM EST 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

Congratulations to Our Recent American Records Graduates
The National Institute for Genealogical Studies students who have completed their American RecordsCertificate Programs between June 2019 and October 2021. See Blog post for names of grads: http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/2021/12/our-recent-american-rec...

January Virtual Meeting
AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN START TIME! 
Wednesday, January 13th at 10 AM EST
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

February Virtual Meeting
AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR on Wednesday, February 23rd at 8 PM EST 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

Reminder for our FREE American Records Virtual Meetings for Feb 23rd. Plan to join the discussion! Blog: http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/2022/02/virtual-meetings-23-feb...

March Virtual Meeting
AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Saturday, March 19th at 2:30 PM EDT
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

April Virtual Meeting
AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Friday, April 22nd at 11:30 AM Eastern
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

Research A-Z ~ United States

American Records courses, packages and certificates offered by The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Blog Post: http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/2022/04/research-a-z-united-sta...

May Virtual Meeting
AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Monday, May 16th at 9 PM EDT 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

Congratulations to Our Recent Graduates of the American Records Certificate in Genealogical Studies 40-course program. Details for Graduation 2022 coming soon. Blog post: http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/2022/05/congratulations-to-our-...

Reminder for May Virtual Meeting

AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Monday, May 16th at 9 PM EDT
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/

MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day in the United States. As family historians, we need to dig deeper to learn the history behind it. Why does it merit a federal holiday and how does it relate to your family? Blog: http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/2022/05/memorial-day/

June Virtual Meeting
AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Sunday, June 12th at 4 PM EDT
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
MEETING LOCATION: 
https://genealogicalstudies.adobeconnect.com/american/
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. NO USER NAME or PASSWORD REQUIRED. Please type in your first name and surname initial, along with your geographic location; then click “Enter as a Guest”

The holidays are coming! Are you researching American Colonial or Revolutionary War Ancestors? This group of Colonial period courses begin on July 4th. Register today! Blog post: http://blog.genealogicalstudies.com/2022/06/american-colonial-courses/

My name is Angela DeForest and I am working on genealogy primarily in New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania areas. I have a brick wall in NY around 1790 that is driving me batty. I have an ancestor who married in 1790, had a child around 1792, and then his wife died about 1793-1794. Everything I have found is about his second wife, and, of course, I descend through the only child of his first wife

Hi Angela. What are the names you have associated with the first wife? Any details at all? Maybe someone here is looking at the same line.

Husband is Matthew Farrington. Wife is Abigail Mead. The son was Keeler Farrington. Her parents were Ethan Mead and Elizabeth Keeler. She may have had a twin sister named Hannah Mead. Matthew's second wife was Alice or Ellis White.

My best guess is Westchester or Dutchess county.

**NEW** July Virtual Meeting ~ US Colonial & Mayflower Records virtual meeting with Shannon Combs-Bennett MSc, QG, PLCGS on Tuesday, July 19th at 6:30 PM Eastern. For those interested in Colonial American research. Related courses: Research: Mayflower Ancestors; Research: U.S. Colonial New England Ancestors; Research: United Empire Loyalist Ancestors; and US: Military Records.Virtual Meeting Schedule: https://www.genealogicalstudies.com/eng/chats.asp  
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend. Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 

July Virtual Meeting ~ AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR on Tuesday, July 19th at 11 AM EDT 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
Virtual Meeting Schedule: https://www.genealogicalstudies.com/eng/chats.asp 
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend.

August Virtual Meeting ~ AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR 
Wednesday, August 17th at 8:30 PM EDT 
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
Virtual Meeting Schedule: https://www.genealogicalstudies.com/eng/chats.asp   
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend.

September Virtual Meeting ~ 
AMERICAN Records courses with Gena Philibert-Ortega MA, MAR
Sunday, September 18th at 4 PM Eastern
Time Zone Convertor: https://www.thetimezoneconverter.com/ 
Virtual Meeting Schedule: https://www.genealogicalstudies.com/eng/chats.asp
These sessions are FREE and you do not have to be a current or past student to attend.