Return on Value – Genealogy Classes

I have been doing genealogy research on my family history for 30 years.  Yes, I am still have not put a dent in the tree with under 3000 names. I remember standing in line at the records desk at Detroit’s Burton Historical Library waiting to submit a slip of paper that would send the clerk off to the treasure trove behind close doors. There were limits to what you could request, the rules to follow, and the shame of horrors upon you if you spoke in the hallowed rooms.

We have come a long way baby from microfilm/microfiche readers.  Though I was confronted with one at the Bradenton, FL Central Library. Very confidently I said I could use it. Sheepishly I walked to the Librarian for assistance.  The diagram displayed the knob in the front not the side of the machine I lamented to myself.

I wonderfully transferred my notes to the family group sheets with care.  I had to let my fingers do the walking of the Yellow Pages to find a shop that carried genealogy supplies.  No googling, no internet back then.  Drive 20 miles or so to some little strip mall. Adventures to be had back then. Paid 10 cents for each which seemed like so much money.

Now this old timer is looking to update her education with the latest bells and whistles on latest research techniques.  However, I am still cheap.  I look at the online classes and webinars and I am trying to decipher if they a good value for my money.  Some people I talk to says most of the glasses are geared toward newbies and not much value to old timers.   But if there is a tip or two to be learn, then I’m game.

I am interested in getting an opinion from those who have been researching for 10 or more years.  Do you find webinars or online classes a good investment?  What classes did you enjoy, which classes where a wasted of money?  Which vendor had better courses, instructors?  What were your overall impression?  Did you learn new tricks?

Please leave a comment.  Thanks.

 

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