Learn how to research your family's genealogy online

Learn how to research your family’s genealogy online
By Sarah Gregory

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – (January 24, 2005) Have you ever wondered how to go about researching your family’s history? Now learning how to do genealogical research is as easy as turning on your computer.

Beginning February 1st, West Virginia University’s extended learning program will be offering two courses in West Virginia genealogy. These classes are designed to provide the tools to perform basic research about family history. Since the courses are offered online, students can work at their own pace and when it is most convenient for them.

“These are very popular classes as more and more people are interested in finding out and researching their family history. They may start off on their own, but soon find out they don’t know where to look next or what resources to check,” said Sherry Kuehn of the Office of Extended Learning at WVU.

Although the courses focus on family history in West Virginia, the research methods you will learn can be applied to any other state.

“It is helpful to have a class guide them through their research, and someone with experience in the area to give helpful suggestions on what resource to check when they hit a dead end,” said Kuehn.

The courses are Beginning West Virginia Genealogy and Intermediate West Virginia Genealogy. These are non-credit courses, but a certificate is awarded upon completion of each.

The cost of each course is $105.00 and students can register anytime before February 1st. For more information, call 1-800-2LEARN2, (304)293-2834 or email enrich@mail.wvu.edu. For more details on the courses, visit http://elearn.wvu.edu/Continuing/BegGen.htm.