Free Online Classes
- The FamilySearch FHL in Salt Lake City is making its popular classes available online for free. All of the classes can be accessed via Family History Library Classes and Webinars.
- UK National Archives (TNA), Podcast Series http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/category/family-history/
- US National Archives, Know Your Records http://www.youtube.com/user/usnationalarchives
- Legacy Family Tree Webinars http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/webinars.asp
Other Online Educational Courses
- Pharos Teaching & Tutoring Ltd – online courses in British and US genealogy.
- National Institute of Genealogical Studies – online certificate courses for British, Canadian, and U.S.A. research.
- Post Graduate certificate course in Genealogical Studies, Strathclyde University (Scotland)
FreeAccess to Pay-to-View Genealogical Websites
At the Public Library
It is possible to use Ancestry.com at our public libraries free of charge; however, time is very limited using the Library’s computers. Taking a wireless laptop to the library overcomes the time constraints. Remember to ask for the library’s web site address/password before logging in. There may be other free wireless internet sites available and your personal information could be at risk.
In Qualicum Beach at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
(please see “Family History Center Resources” under “Resources” in the menu at the top of this page).
Other Opportunities to Update your Knowledge
Genealogy Magazines
Genealogy magazines are a great resource for step-by-step instructions on how to research and use the records we need to do our family history research.
Please see “Our Library” for the list of magazines that are available for you to borrow from our QBFHS library.
Your Family History is available through the Parksville branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library system. In the UK this magazine is called Your Family Tree. You will find all but the current issue filed under “Y” for Your Family History. Issue 192 is the last and final issue of this magazine which is now discontinued.
The oldest and respected Family Tree magazine has replaced Practical Family History at the Qualicum Beach public library. You will find the magazines filed alphabetically in magazine boxes with the most current issue filed alphabetically in the magazine racks at the end of the magazine shelves.
Planning a Successful Family History Research Trip
A good genealogist prepares carefully before he or she embarks on a research trip. You will want to see the records you are not able to borrow or otherwise access from home. You will want to visit the area where your ancestor lived, interview the locals and, if you can find them, family members. Try to get a feel for what life was like when your ancestor lived in the area to put his or her story in its proper context. Planning carefully includes following several steps. Please click here to download the complete article written by Donna Fraser.
Writing a Family History
There are several ways that a family history can be produced – from handwritten or word processed pages or by adding notes and pictures into a genealogy software program or a combination of these methods. It is possible to add video clips and sound to your computerized family history Adding pedigree charts, family group records, church, civil and census information, photographs, newspaper cuttings and other items into a narrative in some way will help to produce a nicely finished document that can be treasured and become a family heirloom. Please click here to download the complete article written by Douglas Dicken.