Description:

Unlock the full power of technology to enhance your genealogical research. This comprehensive online workshop provides ready-to-implement strategies for integrating technology into genealogical research, equipping participants to efficiently organize and work with family research documents and data, analyze DNA results, and produce and share compelling family histories. This is a survey course — you won’t be told there’s one “right” tool for each task. Instead, each session presents a range of options (for example, five different family tree software platforms, or multiple DNA analysis tools) so you can evaluate the trade-offs and choose what fits your own workflow, budget, and research style. Instructors share their hands-on experience with these tools, saving participants the time it would otherwise take to research and test them all independently. Designed for intermediate to advanced genealogists, the course emphasizes practical, real-world application of genealogical software, project management systems, digital research tools, image management and analysis, DNA tools, and publishing tools. Make your family history research more effective and efficient through the use of technology. Note: While this course incorporates AI in a few sessions, it is not an AI-focused course. Family tree management, organization systems, DNA analysis, digitization and writing tools remain the core focus. A separate course explores AI for genealogy in much greater depth. This workshop is designed to complement, not duplicate, that content.

Course Objectives

• Evaluate and select genealogical software — Compare major family tree programs and online tree platforms to choose the tools that best fit your own research workflow.
• Build an efficient digital research system — Apply productivity techniques, project management tools, and organizational systems to manage ongoing genealogy projects and reduce duplicated effort.
• Manage and enhance digital images — Apply scanning best practices, metadata standards, and photo restoration and analysis tools to preserve and extract information from historical photographs and documents.
• Apply DNA analysis tools to research questions — Use testing-company features and third-party DNA tools to effectively work with and analyze matches, and incorporate DNA evidence into genealogical conclusions.
• Produce and share a polished family history — Use writing, citation management, and publishing tools to prepare a family history for sharing or self-publication.

Student Prerequisites:

Who Should Attend:

• Intermediate to advanced genealogists
• Researchers who are confident computer users
• Those ready to integrate multiple tools into their genealogy workflow

Students should have solid, confident computer skills — this is not a course for beginners. Participants should be comfortable installing software, managing files and folders, using cloud tools, and navigating online platforms independently.

Students need a laptop or desktop computer capable of accessing the internet, online genealogy websites, and cloud-based services. A second monitor, PC, or tablet is strongly recommended, since students will be following along with live demonstrations while working hands-on in real time. A stable internet connection, Zoom access, and a headset or microphone are required. Homework consists of short, optional practice exercises.

Students should also come with an existing family tree (in any software or online platform) and, at least one completed DNA test with accessible results, since several sessions involve working hands-on with your own data.

This course surveys many tools; you are not expected to own or install everything covered. Most tools are demonstrated by instructors, and hands-on time focuses on the options you choose to explore further. Many tools discussed have free tiers or trials, while others require a paid subscription or license; cost considerations are discussed as part of each session.

Prior to the start of the course, registered students will receive a pre-program survey to assess familiarity with the tools and techniques covered, so instructors can calibrate pacing and depth to the group. Students will also be asked to sign up for and/or download specific tools in advance so they’re ready to participate in hands-on sessions from Day 1. Full details, including the survey and a setup checklist, will be sent after registration.

Recordings:

Sessions will be recorded and available through July 9, 2027.

NOTE: All times are listed in Eastern Time.
Live Sessions may be subject to schedule adjustments by your course coordinator.