This class for genealogical research is designed to meet the needs of those who are new to searching their family tree as well as a good refresher course for anyone who may have researched in the past. The main goal of this class will be to be to provide the genealogist with the tools necessary to make progress in their research. We will be learning the basics along with taking a deeper look into topics like organizing your research, understanding the records you find and how to best use them. How and where to find sources, and what to do when you find yourself stuck. Focus will be placed on learning to use verified information and setting your expectations for your journey through your family tree. We will be talking about common research traps to avoid and how to discern facts from the family folklore. A tour of a genealogy online platform (Ancestry.com) along with a brief overview of how DNA can help your research will be covered. If you are interested in beginning your family tree research or just want to get back into doing your genealogy, this course is for you.

Lisa Swigart has been involved in genealogical research for over 40 years. Having a deep interest in her family tree she expanded her research skills and began teaching classes on many different family research topics. The backbone of her theory of genealogy research is that the researcher needs to set their expectations to fit the current availability of records and that validating information will keep the researcher on track. Lisa has spent years learning methods that work well in genealogical research and tracks new trends in family tree discovery. Lisa has had many experiences helping others to find the information they needed to find their biological family or to extend a family line.  Staying curious and having a goal is the key to Lisa’s success in her quest to help others in their family history research.

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