Registration Open for 2014 British Institute

The International Society for British Genealogy and Family History announces the courses for the 14th annual British Institute, to be held 20-24 October in Salt Lake City at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel, located next door to the LDS Family History Library. In a press release they state:

Your opportunity to study with genealogy professionals

• Award-winning genealogist: Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
• Irish research expert: David E. Rencher, AG, CG, FIGRS, FUGA
• Well-known educator Paul Milner on fundamental research in Scottish records
• Strategies and skills for Welsh research with Darris Williams, AG
• Personal research consultations
• Access and instruction with British collections at the Family History Library
• Morning educational program followed by afternoon research sessions in the library

The Institute offer four tracks:

From Simple to Complex: Applying Genealogy’s Standard of Acceptability to British Research – Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS
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 Ancestors – David Rencher, AG, CG, FIGRS, FUGA
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 consultations are provided with the course coordinator to assist each participant with ways to extend their research.


Scottish Research: The Fundamentals and Beyond – Paul 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 Simple – Darris Williams, AG
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.

Registration Information

Online registration and hotel booking information is available at the ISBGFH’s website: http://www.isbgfh.org

If preferred, a mail-in registration form is provided. If you have any questions, please e-mail institute_director@isbgfh.org