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Genealogical Education Part I
promoted education via online and home study courses. Part II of this
series focuses on the national genealogical conferences and institutes.
National conferences are generally three- to four-day events with an
average attendance of 800–1,500 genealogists. The two largest national
conferences are hosted by the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and
the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS). The conferences are in
different cities each year, with the NGS Conference in the Spring and
FGS Conference in the fall. Local societies co-sponsor these conferences
and make local arrangements. Details about their 2000 conferences are
in the calendar below, followed by dates and places for 2001-2002.
Institutes differ from conferences or seminars, in that students commit
to a specific week-long course of study. The class size ranges from 15-30
students, allowing more personalized instruction. The four major institutes
in the United States are listed below, arranged chronologically by founding
date.
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National Institute
on Genealogical Research
The National Institute on Genealogical Research held in Washington,
D.C., was founded in 1950 and incorporated in 1989. Its Board of Trustees
consist of representatives of the American Society of Genealogists,
the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Board for Certification
of Genealogists, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the National
Genealogical Society, and the Institute's Alumni Association. The
National Archives, a non-voting member of the corporation, provides
strong support. The Institute's program takes an in-depth look at
federal records of genealogical value located primarily in the Washington
D.C. area.
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Samford
Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research
The Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research was founded in 1964
at Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama. The Board for Certification
of Genealogists co-sponsors the Institute which offers seven courses
ranging from beginning genealogy to more specialized topics. The British
portion of the Institute offers a course on British family history
each June, followed by a July Study Tour to the British Isles.
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Genealogical Institute
of Mid-America
The Genealogical Institute of America began in 1993. GIMA is a four-day
program of intensive study at the University of Illinois Springfield.
Plans are underway for the 2000 curriculum.
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Salt Lake Institute
of Genealogy
The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy was begun in 1996. The week-long
seminar offers students hands-on learning experience at the Family
History Library.
In addition to the national genealogical conferences and institutes,
there are hundreds of regional and local seminars/workshops. Your local
genealogical society or library will have a calendar of events for your
area. Also check out the following calendars on the Internet:
Take every opportunity possible to attend a local, state, regional, or
national conference and/or institute. Your research skills will improve
and your family history will be rich with ancestral information. If you
cannot attend the conferences, audio tapes can be purchased at Repeat
Performance.
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