We like to share educational opportunites we think would be of interest to our Accredited Genealogist® professionals, or anyone who strives for excellence as a genealogist, and here is one that seems especially appropriate.  The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), sponsored by the Georgia Genealogical Society, is offering a course in “Genealogy as a Profession” this year, and they have shared some information about it with us:

“Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL, nationally renowned speaker on methodology, professional development, and society management, will be teaching and coordinating the course Genealogy as a Profession at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR),23 – 28 July 2017, in Athens, Georgia at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. You can view the daily schedule and register for this course on the IGHR website http://ighr.gagensociety.org/ighr-2017/courses/genealogy-as-a-profession.

In Genealogy as a Profession, the aspiring or practicing professional genealogist will benefit from practical knowledge of three components that make for a successful career: management and growth of the business, client communications, and professional opportunities. Students will also be introduced to various genealogy specialties from experts in those fields and provided hands-on activities and products to take home and use in their business. Additional instructors for this course include Carla Cegielski; Melanie D. Holtz, CG; Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS, FUGA; Kelvin L. Meyers, Benjamin B. Spratling, JD; and Karen Stanbary, CG. This course is not taught every year, so interested persons are encouraged to register for Genealogy as a Profession by the 30 June 2017 deadline.

Comments from the last course evaluation: “Well worth my time and money” “This was my first IGHR attendance. I truly look forward to next year!” “It should be renamed as it is beneficial to hobbyists or professionals! Couldn’t be more pleased for my time and money. Thanks!” “Curriculum was well thought out and each presenter was fantastic. It was a nice mix of instructor styles and topics. I would recommend this course to current Pros as well as anyone considering becoming a professional.” “I gained so much information from just this week long class! Really has helped me focus and make some well thought out decisions about my future! Stupendous job!”

Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL is the co-director of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) and Professional Genealogy Course Coordinator at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR). She was an instructor and module creator for Boston University’s Genealogical Research Certificate program 2008-2016 and the course co-coordinator of the AG/CG Preparation Course at the 2010 and 2013 Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG). Powell was a Trustee for the Board for Certification of Genealogists for nine years, their President (2012-2014), and past Outreach Committee Chairperson. She was a Director for the Association of Professional Genealogists for six years, and she is a contributing author to many publications including the NGS Quarterly and the APG Quarterly.

The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research provides an educational forum for the discovery, critical evaluation, and use of genealogical sources and methodology through a week of intensive study in eleven courses led by nationally renowned genealogical educators. Students choose one course that lasts throughout the week. Classrooms, food, and accommodations are under one roof and parking is adjacent to the venue.

In addition to excellent courses and opportunities to network with fellow genealogists, IGHR attendees benefit from access to the outstanding libraries of the University of Georgia including the Main Library with its worldwide collection of historical and genealogical material, maps, and government documents; Alexander Campbell King Law Library; and the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, one of the Special Collections Libraries in the Richard B. Russell Building. Researchers may also enjoy making the short drive to Morrow, GA to visit the National Archives at Atlanta (NARA’s southeast region facility) and the Georgia Archives. For more information about IGHR, now hosted by the Georgia Genealogical Society, please visit our website ighr.gagensociety.org and follow us on social media.”