You should either be registered for Religion 261 or simply wanting to learn how to do family history on your own. These lessons will guide you through the general research process for doing your own family history. You will follow step-by step guides of what to research and how to use various family history computer programs. This course will follow an Internet track, but will also tell about resources available in family history centers. If these lessons are used to their fullest potential, you should end this course with an intermediate knowledge of how to do family history research.

How to begin:

Proceed through each lesson, reading and following the directions. Use the navigation bar on the left to jump to different parts of the lessons or assignments. When you are learning about a program or website, open it if possible. You will benefit the most by using the programs alongside the lessons. Most of the resources should be available on the internet. You may need to visit a family history center, depending on the expectations of your class or what you would like to research.

In order to use these lessons to the fullest potential:

1. We will assume that you have done little or no family history and want to learn how to do so.
2. We will assume that you have a general knowledge of computers and using the internet. If not, click here.
3. You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is a free, quick download. Click here to download it.
4. You may have to go to a family history center. To find the family history center nearest you, click here.

Lessons and Corresponding Assignments:

As you read through each lesson, practice using the corresponding programs. For example, when you are told to enter something into PAF, do so. Or when you are told about a particular Internet site, go look at it and search it. Many of the resources you will learn about will be available on the Internet. MOST RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND IN JFSB 1031C, where there will also be lab assistants to answer your specific questions as you go through the lessons. Feel free to do your lessons in the lab. You may also use the BYU Family History Library in 2250 HBLL.

Assignments: There are assignments at the end of each lesson which your teacher may or may not use. Check your class syllabus to see which assignments you will be required to complete.

These workshops are taught in 1031C JFSB by lab assistants beginning January 20, 2009. If you would like to attend please see other side to check for workshop times.