The thrill of a new discovery can be truly magical...

...and yet our genealogy research is about more than just getting to an answer: it's about all the experiences we have along the way.

I've been thinking about the HOW of family history a great deal in recent weeks whilst teaching the final run of my Critical Thinking course at Pharos Tutors. It's left me keen to resume blogging about research methods at The Parchment Rustler once we're into 2025 and I finally find the time...

But if you're keen to think about the HOW of genetic genealogy research in particular, I can now share some news with you that's been in the pipeline for some time. I'm currently writing two new distance-learning qualifications in Genetic Genealogy for the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies  (IHGS). Set to launch in late spring 2025, these two courses will see you learn by getting hands-on with DNA research and I can't wait to admit the first researchers to the course next year.

Details below - along with my final talk listings for 2024!

NEW - Distance Learning Genetic Genealogy qualifications with IHGS

Perhaps you'd like to develop and refine your skills in genetic genealogy? Or maybe you're looking to fill in any gaps in your knowledge and formalise your learning through an assessed qualification?

If so, then come and join me from late spring 2025 on the Intermediate and Advanced Certificates in DNA and Genetic Genealogy, two brand new distance-learning, self-paced qualifications which I'm writing for the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies.

The Intermediate Certificate will comprise six modules, each assessed through written assignments completed at your own pace. You'll learn from hands-on experience of DNA research and cover a range of topics across autosomal DNA, mtDNA, Y-DNA and X-DNA, starting from simple methods and building up to advanced ones by the end of the course. I'm applying what I call a "diagnostics focused approach", where you'll learn to notice particular features of a DNA kit which help you understand what's really going on with your genetic matches - and direct your onward research accordingly.

The Advanced Certificate will be open to those who have successfully completed the Intermediate course, and will involve you working on a genetic genealogy research project for a fixed number of hours. It's an opportunity for you to bring together all your skills and knowledge to plan and deliver sophisticated research in this fascinating area of study.

There's so much I could tell you here, so head to the course landing page on the IHGS website to find out more, explore the FAQs, and register your interest in the programme.

Last few genealogy talks of 2024

It's been a glorious adventure with my various family history talks this year, which have taken me to many different organisations and societies, as well as all the way to New Zealand in August.

I only have a few more talk dates remaining in 2024, so if you'd like to join any of these, here are the details:

Friday 22 November, 8pm: What's That Job? (a special Buckinghamshire version) - Bucks FHS, online - How to decipher and identify unusual historical occupations

Saturday 23 November, 2pm: Making Genealogy Accessible - Society of Genealogists, online - FREE admission available - A how-to introduction to ensure your family history content offline and online is accessible to users with a variety of disabilities

December (date/time TBC): Talking DNA, Part 2 - an invitation-only session for The Mixed Museum, online

Saturday 14 December, 2pm: Bringing Home the Bacon - Society of Genealogists, online - A fun romp through a variety of historical occupations!

I already have a lot of sessions in the calendar for 2025, and I'll be revealing those soon...

November's Tip of the Month

This week has brought unwelcome news that the latest updates to the Microsoft Office suite seem to have added in a layer of AI scraping behind the scenes, as part of their 'Connected User Experiences' functionality. Worryingly, this suggests that Microsoft Office utilities including Excel, Word and Powerpoint may leave the door open to AI content scraping in your personal files unless you opt out.

Family history research involves a great deal of highly sensitive information which absolutely must stay private and protected. I've turned off the Connected Experiences functions on my Windows machine to protect all the work I do and I would advise others to consider doing so as well.

Like many of you, I'm at the stage of learning more about this update and its implications. A big shout-out to Ilona Matthews, whose short-form blog article on this subject provides you with suitable onward links to get started with, if you'd like to learn how to turn some or all of these facilities off.

Disclaimer: I'm a professional genealogist & geneticist, not an IT specialist! This is the legal part where I have to say that any updates or changes you make to your computer systems are carried out entirely at your own risk. Read the instruction manual/official help pages and ensure you seek expert advice if unsure of what you're doing.