One of my unwritten genealogy goals has been to enroll in a formal course of study. I’ve looked at both the National Genealogical Society’s Home Study Course and the National Institute for Genealogical Studies programs several times. The NGS Home Study course always seemed to call me, so I’ve decided to go with it.
Some of my reasons for choosing the HSC are:
- It’s almost completely self-paced. There are three CDs, with approximately 6 lessons per CD and one has a year to complete each CD (with a 6-month extension available, if necessary). I hope to complete one lesson a month, so I’ll be working on this for about a year and a half.
- There is a graded option and ungraded option. I’ve chosen the graded option (because I’m a big nerd).
- The assignments for the HSC allow one to work on one’s own family research; so really, I’ll be killing two birds with one stone.
- The HSC focuses on American record groups. While I’ve worked extensively with certain record groups, there are others that I haven’t used. This course should force me out of my comfort zone.
I ordered the first CD early in October and it came lightning fast. Included was information on a listserv for course participants. The graders for the various lessons are available to answer questions, so I’ve been able to get a feel for the level of work required in each lesson.
I had intended to start working on it in November, but once the CD arrived, I couldn’t wait to start. I’ll post soon about the first lesson.
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Tonia,
I will be anxiously awaiting furture posts about your progress on the NGS HSC. I have plans to take on the challenge of the course next year. Here’s wishing you much success.
Thanks, Sandra!
I have been wanting to take the HGS Home Study Course myself so I’ll be very interested to hear what you have to say about it in the weeks to come.
Michelle Goodrum´s last [type] ..Practical Archivist Free WebChat Friday October 29
I’m also anxious to hear how this goes. I’ve wanted to take this course for a while but I keep putting it off – fear of such a long commitment, I think.
Hi Linda, the long-term commitment was an issue for me, too. You can buy the CDs separately, so I just ordered the first one for now.
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