Genealogy institutes don’t stop teaching when the class bell rings. SLIG 2019 is over and now the real homework begins. The Utah Genealogical Society has wrapped up another successful Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy season with two full weeks of genealogy education, and attendees have (mostly) returned home to unpack their luggage and their research.
But, it isn’t over yet! Don’t stash that course binder on a shelf or toss it in favor of archiving a space-saving digital version. The more institute courses I attend, the more I find myself reaching for those course notes and handouts as I work through my ongoing genealogy research.
Practice, Practice, Practice
I keep my latest course completion certificate posted near my desk as a reminder to review my notes and polish my newfound skills. Gerald Smith, CG, Course Coordinator for Metes & Bounds Land Platting reminded students repeatedly that we need to practice our new skills after we returned home. The practicum exercises were plentiful — too many to complete during the week, but perfect for ongoing reinforcement.
My years as an English teacher taught me that the best way to really learn something was to teach it. Fortunately, my husband loves working with maps and property lines as much as I do so he’s my new star pupil! We’ve been researching an 18th century property in New York, but have been frustrated with shifting property lines and parcel additions that were a challenge with hand platting. It’s challenging, in a good way.
One of the highlights of the Metes & Bounds course was learning to use Deed Mapper software. It’s a unique program with a database of user-submitted tract maps. The software runs on Windows, and on Macs via CrossOver or a Windows emulator, ad I had no trouble using the program on my older MacBook Air.
Our quirky platting puzzle is the perfect project for digging into land platting. We’ve got neighbors who change frequently, lots of measurements based on trees, iron spikes, meandering streams, and roads. And, we have a neighborhood story of a former resident who had a side business as an undertaker.
I can’t wait to get back to my course notes and really work with my newfound tools. I’m keeping the syllabus close at hand, in good company with other notes I use frequently. My extended learning program in Metes & Bounds is just getting started. How are you using your new SLIG skills?
Upcoming Genealogy Institutes
If you’re interested in taking an on-site in-depth genealogy course in 2019, check out upcoming programs and registration dates:
GRIP (Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh)– 23-28 June 2019 and 14-19 July 2019; Registration opens 20 Feb 2019.
IGHR (Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research) – 21-26 July 2019; Registration opens 2 March 2019.
GenFed (Genealogical Institute on Federal Records) – 29 July – 2 August 2019; Registration opens 23 Feb 2019.
And hold the date for
SLIG (Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy) – 12-17 Jan 2020
SLIG Academy for Professionals – 18-22 Jan 20
Thank you for your post. It’s a good reminder to review my notes and the syllabus for the class I took at SLIG.
You’re welcome, Lisa! I think we all can use that nudge now and then. It was good to see you again at SLIG.