2014 British Institute (2014)

2014 British Institute (2014)

20 – 24 October 2014 

Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah

 
Learn from experts
  • The Institute strives to further your education about the records and the locations that are important to your genealogical research. Classes are intentionally small in order for the participants to experience individual instruction.
  • All classes are held in a Salt Lake City hotel near the Family History Library in the morning with research at the Family History Library in the afternoons. Instructors are available all afternoon.
  • On Sunday evening there will be an informal get-together to receive name tags and syllabus materials. On Monday evening, there will be a welcome dinner and the opportunity to meet and get to know the attendees and instructors. Dinner is included in the registration fee; meals are available for spouses and guests for an additional fee.

The following courses will be offered in 2014:

Click on a course title to get a more detailed description of the content of that course

  • From Simple to Complex: Applying Genealogy’s Standard of Acceptability to British Research Tom Jones

    Through hands-on activities, lectures, and discussions, participants will learn how to use widely accepted standards to measure their genealogical work’s accuracy and to assess others’ genealogical conclusions. In the process they also will learn about genealogical research planning, its implementation, genealogical reasoning, and the preparation of credible genealogical products. 

  • Researching Your Irish AncestorsDavid Rencher

    This course is designed to help the student of Irish genealogical research, whether beginning or advanced. Strategies for establishing a sound beginning and building on that foundation using proven research techniques will be coupled with an understanding of what records sources are available online, on microfilm and in Ireland. Individual half-hour consultations are provided with the course coordinator to assist each participant with ways to extend their research. 

  • Scottish Research:  The Fundamentals and BeyondPaul Milner

    Scottish laws, regulations and records are different from the rest of the British Isles, yet with enough similarities to create confusion for the unwary.  This course will address the fundamentals of all the major record groups, examining how to search the indexes, exploring what is and is not available online. Case studies will highlight the research and record evaluation processes to determine next steps. Individual consultations are available to assist each participant with their personal research. 

  • Welsh Family History Made SimpleDarris Williams

    Welsh family history is different from other localities in some significant ways. Those differences are not impossible roadblocks. Understanding the peculiarities is a good first step to success. Record knowledge is important but not the key. Understanding how to search, evaluate evidence and collate information will resolve many difficult research situations. This course will provide examples of problems, aw well as strategies and skills for learning more about your ancestors.

Course Fees
  • $415  —  ISBGFH Member
  • $440  —  Non-Member
  • $385 —   British Institute Alumnus (ISBGFH Members only)
  • $495 —   All registrations after early registration ends (15 September)
Instructors for the 2014 British Institute
  • Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CGSM, CGLSM, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
    Photo of Tom Jones

    Thomas has been pursuing his family’s history for a half century. Co-editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly since 2002, a trustee of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, and professor emeritus at Gallaudet University, he is an award-winning genealogical researcher, author, editor, and educator specializing in complex genealogical problems and advanced genealogical education.

  • David E. Rencher, AG®, CG, FIGRS, FUGA
    Photo of David Rencher

    David is employed by the Family History Department in Salt Lake City as the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. He is both an accredited genealogist in Ireland research and a certified genealogist. After graduation from Brigham Young University in 1980 with a B.A. in Family and Local History, he was a reference consultant for five years in the British Reference area of the Family History Library. He is a past-president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) 1997-2000. He is vice-president of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History.

  • Paul Milner
    Photo of Paul Milner

    Paul is a native of northern England, with ancestors from Scotland, England and Ireland. He has lectured extensively on British Isles research in Australia, Canada, England and the U.S. since 1993. He regularly makes research trips to the Family History Library, plus national and local research repositories around the British Isles. He is an established author with how-to books about Scottish and English research. He currently reviews books for the Federation of Genealogical Societies FORUM and the newsletter of the British Interest Group of Wisconsin and Illinois (BIGWILL). He writes a blog at www.milnergenealogy.com about British Isles research resources.

  • Darris Williams, AG
    Photo of Darris Williams

    Darris is a great grandson of a Welsh emigrant from South Wales. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Family and Community History at Brigham Young University. Before graduation he started working at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City on the British Reference team. Darris is one of only two people to pass the Wales accreditation test given by the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. He travels to Wales frequently to research in local archives, libraries and graveyards. Darris continues to search for new ways to use old and hidden sources to learn more about the lives of our ancestors.

Click here to begin registration
 

Questions can be e-mailed to the Institute Director.