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BCG Learning Center

Serious genealogists never stop learning. There are many options for genealogical education; the opportunities listed below are not exhaustive, nor are they compulsory. Each of us starts from a different place. Each of us has to choose what will work best given our different interests, aptitudes, friends, colleagues, budgets, and learning styles. That said, serious genealogists do not confine themselves to the local, the familiar, or the easy. Those who succeed in becoming certified—and growing beyond that point—typically combine a variety of learning opportunities. BCG’s internal statistics show that applicants who engage in ambitious learning opportunities have a higher success rate than those who have not.

The purpose of the BCG Learning Center is to provide serious genealogists with resources for genealogical education. It is up to you to determine which options are appropriate and of value.

Educational Activities

Studies conducted of those who receive the credential of Certified Genealogist show that most have a variety of educational experiences prior to submitting their portfolio. BCG does not endorse any particular educational offering, but we have correlated educational options and successful applications, as shown in the table below.

 

To be included in the list of educational activities, a program must meet the following criteria:

  1. Standards: The program helps students meeting standards 89 and 90.
  2. Pass rate: The program must evidence a new-applicant portfolio pass rate greater than 60%.
  3. Sample size: There are 15 or more applicants who listed the program in their development activities.
  4. Longevity: The program has been around for at least three years.

 

The following are educational opportunities which some individuals have found helpful.

These are not all-inclusive and it is up to each individual to determine which educational options are appropriate and of value.

  

Institutes

The enrollment at all institutes is limited.

Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed)

Gen-Fed has been held in July since 1950 at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, DC and is co-sponsored by BCG. Its five-day program offers in-depth study of material held by NARA in Washington, DC and College Park, Maryland.

GRIP Genealogy Institute

GRIP holds multiple sessions each summer virtually and in Pittsburgh and other locations. Courses vary annually.

Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)

IGHR, begun in 1962 at Howard College, later Samford University, is now held in Athens, Georgia, hosted by the Georgia Genealogical Society. Several courses are offered in the five-day summer program and some weekly courses.

Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG)

SLIG holds a five-day program each January in Salt Lake City, managed by the Utah Genealogical Association, with several courses on topics that vary annually.

Other ongoing focused institutes include the Midwest African American Genealogical Institute at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, IN, each summer; and the British Institute of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History in Salt Lake City, UT, each fall. Institutes focusing on other ethnic, regional, or state-level research may also offer in-depth educational opportunities.