HINT: The Green Text in the information items on this page are all hotlinks. Click them to go to that area!
Howard the Genie Can Help You Learn
Hello, Friend! I’m Howard the Genie (as in Genealogist!). Let me help you find what you’re looking for.
It looks like you might be new to genealogy. We all are, or were, at one time or another. But then we started to figure things out, find tools and sites to help us out, and we all became much better genies! Some of us had mentors who guided us. And, I can tell you, we have all been grateful for their guidance, their tips, their helpfulness. And now it's our turn to help out folks just starting out in genealogy, or give a boost to genies who want to "up their game" a little.
Over time, we have collected a number of tools, devices and aids to help you in your genealogical research. Some things were more helpful than others. What we are doing here is offering you a selection, not only of items, tools, and "assistive devices", but of techniques, learning methods, and maybe a little "speediness", too. So, try these things out. See what works for you. And drop me a line if you'd like (howard@hcgsmd.org) and let me know how you are doing!
It's Your Choice!
We have multiple choices for you. This first one is our "speedy familiarization" route. When we meet people at events like the monthly Genealogy Help Desk at the Library, we often hear from new folks - and folks who just happen to be passing by, "I don't know anything about genealogy, but I might like to learn. How do I get started in Genealogy?" It's really a good overview without all the details. That will come in time, so just get the lay of the land. You can read it on your own or at your leisure. Absorb it as you like. Download all three documents and enjoy them at your leisure!
The next one is more "class" or "presentation" like. It is a little more structured, has more details. For instance, the first overview does not talk about the "Genealogical Proof Standard". This one will. Still available for you to absorb at your leisure - and to begin collecting the tools and aids you need to become a better genie!
One of the options here will offer you a more thorough, multi-session learning experience - I hate to say "class", even though it is one, because the experience is so much more enjoyable!
Now, if none of these resources is exactly what you are looking for, you may consider one of the paid courses that we know about. Some, like the course from the National Genealogical Society are very fine courses and very highly regarded, but they are not free! Just sayin'!
For the record, the Learning Choices are in Columnar Format - when you make a choice, proceed down the column (not across - that wouldn't make much sense.) Each column is a separate tool. Enjoy the ride!
RESOURCES FOR STARTING GENEALOGY
1st Choice
Welcome & Getting Started
The "How do I even get started?" set of information. Download all three documents. They are progressive, so read them in order!
2nd Choice
Genealogy At Your Speed
So, you you'd like to "have a go" at learning this genealogy stuff, eh? Well, good on ya, Mate! We think it's a great idea. The first document here is the "Learning Guide". It lists the goals, the 12 sections, and has a page at the end for keeping score, as it were - just how comfortable you are with each section.
Move at your own pace. If you are not comfortable with a section, go back and revisit it. Trust me! It's a good idea!. When you are done, you should be confident of your ability to proceed!
3rd Choice
The Classroom Presentation
Events & Meetings - Expert Presentations
- Events & Meetings - Most of the Howard County Genealogical Society Meetings begin with Presentations by expert genealogists on the full gamut of genealogical topics. Our dues pay for these events. And every time, every participant leaves having learned something new! These Presentations are worth it, helping to "raise the bar" and "up our game" for every genealogist from beginner to expert!
- Video Links - These are the Standard Links for the General Membership (Monthly) Meetings and the HCGS Board Meetings. Click the proper button to be taken directly to the site and live meeting. The General Memebership Meetings are the ones with great presentations, and, generally
HCGH Research & Collections
This is where the real treasures are - our research materials, tools, and historical resources!
- Newsletters - This is our Newsletter Archives. The most recent Newsletter is at the top of the list!
- Knowledge Base - Our List of Educational Materials, mostly links to specific scientific issues, new developments, new tips and techniques in the field of genealogy
- Downloadable Files - An ever growing list of helpful files and documents - German Script, fan charts, Relationship Charts,
- Links - If a helpful file or article or resource is available on another site, we'll give you the link. There is a Category Index that helps a lot.
- Presentation Recordings - You know those presentations we have at the General Membership Meetings each month? Here's where we store the recordings. (Some recordings are temporary and have an expiration).
- Surname Research - You may or may not be from around here (Howard County, that is), and the same is true of most of us. But we have a collection of Surnames we are looking for. So, who ya kin to?
- Church & Cemetery Records - This is our collection of Church Marriages, Baptisms, and Cemetery Indices. Emory Baptist Church is featured as we have inherited their records.
- Records & Publications Store - Paper and digital publications for Sale
- Facts - Genealogy facts, tips, definitions, and knowledge useful or helpful for searching. May explain abbreviations or give definitions, usually for uncommon topics.
- Library Catalog - Currently, this is a list of books that, as fellow genealogists, we like and recommend, not necessarily ones we have. There are libraries for that!
- Galleries - Got Pictures? What genealogist doesn't! If you'd like to share, Ask Howard to reach out to the webmaster and we'll find ways to upload your prize possessions so everyone can enjoy.
Go here when you want to research, explore, discover, or hunt something down.
Join/Renew
Manage your membership status, membership plan, handle your renewal or modify your email settings to select which emails you receive. We originally thought of calling this "Membership Accounts" or "Membership Status" but, well, it was just too long for the menu. So, if you want to join, click here. If you are or ever were a member, then click Renew. If you are unsure, read the message. It will help.
- Join or Renew Membership - Should you join or should you renew? Either way, here is where you do this. By the way, if you have ever, ever had an account here before, we know you! RENEW, don't join. Joining twice really messes up your account!
- Profile - Change you password here at any time or modify your settings to determine what types of emails you receive - meeting notices, special events, messages from the president. Just read, decide, and click. And while you are here joining or renewing, take some time to look at the email settings - do you want the notifications about meetings? What about special events? And what about ... well, you look at the selections and check boxes and you tell us! Cheers!
A Final Word From Howard the Genie
If you are ever unsure where to go, just remember - I'm here to help. And there is the "Ask Howard" Query Desk and Contact, too!