Genealogy Courses, Education, and Consultations

Consultations

 One-on-one genealogy consultation and education are available nation wide! Through email, phone, and/or video chat I will help answer your specific genealogical questions. 

Consultations are a great way to help you figure out where and what to look for. 

Some examples of genealogy consultations topics: 

How do I build a tree on a genealogical website?

What information can be obtained from a census?

I need help with my application for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

How do I find my ancestors' records over in Italy?

How do I know these people are really my family?

VIRTUAL CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

   As a veteran teacher, I offer genealogy classes and seminars throughout Long Island. All ages are welcome! I also offer special classes geared towards high school and college students. 

Perfect for libraries, historical societies, college courses, continuing adult education, and over 65 communities. 

                                                                            PROGRAMS

Your Immigrant Ancestor’s Experience: An Ocean of Possibilities 

In the mid 1850s to the late 1910s, our European immigrant ancestors flooded the shore of America with hope in their hearts and nothing in their pockets. Learn about what the trip across the ocean was like and what they likely experienced once they stepped onto American soil. Find out where to find, and how to examine ship passenger lists, naturalization records, and other documents to gain a greater insight into the lives of your immigrant ancestors.   

Italian Genealogy 2.0 

Have you identified where in Italy your family is from and then hit a brick wall in turn genealogy research? Learn how to unlock and navigate the (free) Italian archives website. We will go over what records are available and what information they hold. Don’t be intimidated by the Italian language!  We will learn the standard format and key words and phrases to help you extract the information you need.   

Obtaining Dual Italian-American Citizenship 

Determine if you are eligible to obtain dual citizenship. Find out what documents you need and how to obtain them, including Italian records. Uncover potential roadblocks and resources to get around them. Learn how to get started and what to expect in the dual citizenship process.    

Census Records: A Snapshot Through Time of The Family 

Census records are so much more than just a headcount. They provide an invaluable tool for genealogists, offering clues for breaking down brick walls. Discover how to thoroughly investigate the columns of the censuses and analyze the information to further your research.  This program also addresses the pitfalls and errors often found on census records and provides strategies to overcome them.     

Kiss Me I’m Irish 

Learn how to trace the paths of your Irish immigrant ancestors. Discover how to gather information about them through U.S records and then where and how to look for them in Irish records.   Go West! 

Following Your Pioneer Ancestors 

Learn what drove your ancestors to pack up their families and head west. Examine the routes they took and challenges they faced. Discover which record collections are available to trace your ancestors and how to utilize various types of land records to track them.

 Uncovering African American Roots 

In the past year, several new (and FREE) record collections have become available to help people of African American descent trace their ancestry back through the pre-Civil War error. Learn how to access these new record collections and what you can discover about your African American ancestors.  

 Leaving a Legacy: Telling Your Ancestors So Your Family Will Listen

 You have invested countless hours documenting your family tree. Now learn different techniques and methods to tell your ancestors’ stories so they will be passed down and enjoyed by future generations.     

Discovering Your Patriot Ancestor 

Think you may have an ancestor who served in the Continental Army or contributed to the Patriot cause in Revolutionary War? Learn where to look and how to verify the information. The program will also touch upon entrance requirements for the Sons/ Daughters of the American Revolution.        

Breaking Down Brick Walls 

At some point or another we all come across a brick wall in our genealogy research. However, brick walls CAN be broken down! Discover new tips and tricks, and seldom used record collections and repositories which can knock these walls!   

Tracing Native American Ancestry 

Have you head you had Native American ancestors, but you were not sure how to confirm the legend? Learn how to check the Dawes Rolls, analyze Indian territory census records, and examine other record collections to see if your ancestors held tribal affiliation.   

“Remember The Ladies”

 So often genealogy research focuses on the males, but 50% of our family tree is made up of women. Learn how to uncover your maternal ancestors’ stories and where she might be hiding in the record collections.   

Start Climbing Your Family Tree: An Introduction To Genealogy 

With all the new available resources out there, it is no surprise genealogy has become America's 2nd most popular hobby!  Learn how and where to start planting your family tree. Find out what records are out there and how to utilize  Ancestry.com and  Family Search.org.  

 Getting the Most Out of Your Ancestry.com 

DNA Results DNA test results offer so much more than just finding out your ethnicity percentage. Gain a greater understanding of how you inherit you DNA and the difference between your genetic family tree vs your genealogical family tree.  Find out how to analyze DNA matches and explore the benefits of Ancestry.com Thrulines. Note: A separate presentation can be done for 23 and Me.  

Do I Have A Pilgrim Ancestor? 

Have you heard your family can be traced back to the Pilgrims? Discover what steps to take to find out if you are one of the 35 million living Mayflower descendants. This program will explore helpful record collections on American Ancestors (The New England Historical Genealogy Society), Family Search, Ancestry, and take a look at the membership requirements of the Mayflower Society.  

“Finding Your 300-Year-Old Great Grandma Using 21st Century  Technology” Description: Learn about different free and subscription genealogy websites. Discover what they offer and how to get the most out of them.      

“Boots on the Ground Genealogy” Description: So often people think they hit a brick wall if they can’t find what they are looking for on Ancestry or Family Search. However, there is a world of records waiting to be discovered offline. Learn what is available, where to search, and who and how to ask.  

sarahgutmann82@gmail.com