Bringing Your Ancestors to Life: Beyond Names and Dates

In this course you will learn how to effectively research your family history in order to create a strong and authentic historic narrative for your ancestors. I am going to put you to work during this course to show you how to identify and focus on the right research avenues to make your story palpable and engaging for your readers. Many examples will be provided including two scenes from currently published works that 'got it wrong' and one that 'got it right'. You will be surprised how your work will rise above the dross with just a little extra effort in your historical research

Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Move Beyond Basic Genealogy – Expand beyond names, dates, and places to uncover the deeper stories behind your ancestors.
• Utilize Historical Records Effectively – Identify and interpret various records such as censuses, wills, immigration documents, land deeds, military service records, pensions, newspaper articles, obituaries, and court cases.
• Incorporate Social History – Research and integrate social history to better understand the everyday lives, struggles, and environments of your ancestors.
• Evaluate Historical Context – Determine which historical events and societal factors were relevant to your ancestors and how these may have shaped their lives.
• Locate and Access Resources – Learn where to find digitized and physical historical records, including online databases, libraries, archives, and courthouses.
• Analyze and Synthesize Information – Connect individual facts and social history to build a well-rounded, authentic picture of your ancestor’s life.
• Craft a Compelling Narrative – Blend research findings into a flowing, engaging story that brings family history to life for future generations.
• Enhance Research Skills – Develop strategies for overcoming common genealogical research challenges, such as missing records, name changes, or gaps in documentation.
• Preserve and Share Family Stories – Learn methods for documenting, organizing, and presenting family history in an accessible and meaningful way, whether through writing, digital formats, or oral storytelling.

This course will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to transform family history research into rich, engaging stories that make your ancestors truly come alive.

Modules Include:

1. Introduction to Storytelling in Genealogy
2. Researching Beyond the Basics
3. Understanding Social History
4. Placing Your Ancestors in Historical Context
5. Overcoming Genealogical Research Challenges
6. Crafting a Compelling Narrative
7. Preserving and Sharing Your Family Story

Relevant countries: Worldwide

What to expect:

Each lesson includes exercises, activities, and a quiz. You will be able to download all information from this course so you will have access to the lessons for life. You have the opportunity to interact with other students enrolled in this course and always have the opportunity to interact with the teacher of this course. A certificate of completion will be issued after you have completed the course.

Length: 7 Modules over 7 weeks of study

$87.50