Diploma in Family History

Course details

The Diploma in Family History will assist students to develop the skills necessary to utilise the resources available to trace genealogical lineage using online search records as well as resources in historical libraries and archives. Students will investigate death certificates, wills census records, birth certificates and other primary records to teach students to identify ancestors in building their family tree.

Course Outline

Each session of discussion of online sources and strategies is followed by hands-on practice in the classroom

Introduction & Expectations, Surnames & Placenames

The expectations and misconceptions surrounding Irish genealogy are discussed and debunked. Surnames and place names are the raw material of genealogy and are especially tricky in Ireland. Tools for handling them are introduced

The General Register Office

All Irish births, deaths and marriages were registered by the state from 1864. How the system works and how to research these records.

Irish Census Records

The history of census-taking in Ireland. Research strategies for the earliest complete census records, 1901 and 1911, and for surviving earlier fragments.

Irish Church Records

Irish church records, their importance, locations and nature. Years covered, locations and research strategies for the records of the major denominations.

Irish Property Records

Only two country-wide 19th-century census substitutes exist, Griffith’s Valuation and the Tithe Books. Here they are examined them in detail and research approaches are outlined.

Revision of Major Sources

How the four main record-sources already examined interact with each other and how each can be used to find out more in the others.

Census Substitutes

The lack of early censuses makes anything with a name on it potentially relevant for Irish research. Samples of the best-known are introduced and examined.

Other Useful Records 1

Apart from the four universally useful sources, there are many other potentially helpful records, generally relating to property. This session treats occupational records, directories, newspapers and wills.

Other Useful Records 2

Covering the Registry of Deeds, the Genealogical Office, graveyard records and records of the Irish Abroad

Bringing it all together

The mechanics of designing, pursuing and recording a family history project. Online subscriptions and online tree-sharing.

Much of the course will be conducted in a workshop atmosphere with students being asked to prepare material for discussion in advance. A fully qualified genealogist will be in attendance for a one-hour session each week to offer detailed, personalized expert advice.