These tutorials, research tools and forms are free for individual use. You can proceed at your own pace and study the tutorials in whatever order you choose. If you are a beginner, we do recommend that you complete the "Getting Started" Package first. It will provide you with all the basic information you need to get off to a good start.
Genealogy Groups are invited to use the free materials for your educational programs. Please use the materials as developed and give credit to this website. If you have suggestions for topics not found here, please let us know.
Genealogy Tutorial offers the following tutorials and research tools for free. There are 15 free tutorials, 21 free genealogy forms and a package of 6 free research helps that will help you get started in finding your family history.
Genealogy Basics Tutorials
Getting Started
This set of tutorials covers the basic information that any beginning family researcher needs to know to get started. You will learn how to complete basic genealogy forms, the ethics and etiquette in the genealogical community, how to organize your research and your documents and how to keep track of what you have found and where you have found it.
| Tutorial 1 | Where Do I Begin |
| Tutorial 2 | What Do I Do Next |
| Tutorial 3 | Ethics and Etiquette |
| Tutorial 4 | Maintaining Control of Your Research |
| Tutorial 5 | Proper Documentation |
| Charts: blank & examples | (1) Ancestor Chart; (2) Family Group Sheet; (3) Research Notes; (4) Interview; (5) Individual Chronology; (6) Research Log; (7) Correspondence Log |
Beginning Research Techniques
This set of tutorials covers three critical techniques of genealogy research: proven research techniques that will improve your chances of success; different methods for collecting information; the dos and dont's of using message boards and e-mail; when and how to write for information and assistance and how to use social networking sites to find other researchers. You will also learn how to use various repositories such as libraries, state archives, county courthouses and family members, including how to plan for a research trip to any repository. The last critical skill covered in research techniques is how to analyze what you have found to guide you to your next discovery.
| Tutorial 6: Research Techniques | (1) Research Process; (2) Research Plan; (3) Research Project; (4) Research Guides |
| Tutorial 7: Data Collection Techniques | (1) Collecting Data; (2) Correspondence (3) Repositories; (4) Research Trip |
| Tutoral 8: Analysis Techniques | (1) Chronology; (2) Cluster Research |
These research techniques include using an effective research process, creating a research plan, developing and maintaing a research project and developing research guides. By using each of these techniques, you will stay focused on your goal, keep your research organized and have all the information you have collected about the ancestor you are researching right at your fingertips.
Free Forms
Basic Forms includes 6 basic forms that all genealogists should use. Includes examples for each form.
Census Forms includes one form for each census year 1790-1930 and a Census History form.
Free Research Tools
Free Research Helps includes 6 quick reference charts that will facilitate your research.
Sample Research Notebook includes examples of how to build a research project notebook, as described in Tutorial 6.3. "Research Project."