PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is pleased to offer several exciting courses and workshops this fall for beginner and intermediate genealogists alike. From Foundations of Genealogy, to land records research and more, HSP invites you to learn the best methods from our experts.

Personal Genealogy Consultations

On the third Wednesday of every month at 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 p.m., professional genealogists from the Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) will be available to help take your family history research to the next level. These one-on-one consultations are designed for beginner and experienced genealogists alike. 

The Greater Philadelphia Area Chapter brings together a group of experienced researchers whose expertise spans the whole gamut of genealogy. Whether you are looking for a lost ancestor, filling out the limbs on your family tree, unsure of where to start or look next, personal consultations with APG professionals offer guidance and knowledge for genealogists at all stages of their research. 

During the sixty minute consultation, you will have the opportunity to learn with award-winning* genealogists of APG, exploring all stages of your current and planned family history research: 

• Review the records and sources already explored to determine where to look next
• Develop a research plan
• Explore the collections of HSP and online genealogical databases
• Get advice on "breaking through" a brick wall research problem

Space is limited--reserve your consult today!

After completing the registration process, you'll be directed to a research questionnaire. Please complete and submit this questionnaire as soon as possible. For further information, please contact Chris Damiani at cdamiani@hsp.org or 215-732-6200 x227.

*The Association of Professional Genealogists honored members of its Greater Philadelphia Chapter with the 2015 Golden Chapter Award, reflecting the chapter’s status as one of the best in the nation.

Foundations of Genealogy: Getting Started and Doing It Right the First Time

Wednesdays, September 27 - November 15

2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This fall, HSP will partner with professional genealogist Sydney F. Cruice Dixon to host Foundations of Genealogy: Getting Started and Doing It Right the First Time.

During this 8-week course, registrants will learn proven research methods to root out their most elusive ancestors, as well as how to document research findings with reliable evidence. For beginners and experienced genealogists alike, Foundations of Genealogy is designed to equip researchers with the fundamental knowledge and new expertise.

Ms. Cruice Dixon will explore how to conduct proper research, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online genealogy resources, examine which historical records can reveal the most about researchers’ family histories, and more.

The course will run each Wednesday from September 27 to November 15 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at HSP’s historic library in Center City, Philadelphia.

$225 for Friends of HSP (individuals with a valid membership); $315 for general admission (includes a complimentary Friends of HSP Researcher membership valid for one year from the first date of the workshop).

Limited spaces available for this course! Reserve your space now.

Measuring Your Pennsylvania Ancestors: Using State and County Land Records

Thursdays, October 19 - November 16

1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Measuring Your Pennsylvania Ancestors: Using State and County Land Records is a 5 module (10 hour) program on Pennsylvania land records, county deeds, mapping with metes and bounds, and genealogical applications.

The course is designed to explore the land records of Pennsylvania, understand the procedures used to distribute land, and how that distribution impacts modern day genealogical research.

Experience "hands on" workshops that analyze and evaluate deed documents, utilize proper transcription methods, employ metes and bounds surveys, and present case studies in family history research relating to land transfers.

This course is intended for advanced beginners to intermediate and advanced researchers who desire a greater understanding of the land records of Pennsylvania and the use of deeds in genealogical research.

The course runs for 5 consecutive Thursdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., beginning on October 19 and concluding on November 16. A detailed schedule can be found here.

$189 registration fee (Includes plotter, ruler, and genealogical map of Pennsylvania).

Cumberland Pathways - A Family History and Genealogy Conference

October 20-22, 2017

The Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS), the Army Heritage Center Foundation, the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, Dickinson College, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania offer you the opportunity to explore your family history at Cumberland Pathways, October 20-22, in beautiful and historic Carlisle, PA.

During Cumberland Pathways, experts will provide guidance for your own family research and present the latest in genealogy trends. Conference topics will range from preserving what you know to using DNA to unlock your family’s mysteries.

HSP and the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania will be running an all-inclusive bus tour from Philadelphia to Cumberland Pathways, leaving Philadelphia on Friday October 20 and returning from Carlisle on Sunday October 22.

The all-inclusive tour will include: Friday’s reception, all programming on Saturday including keynote dinner, Sunday Brunch, hotel accommodations at Comfort Suites, and discounts at local eateries for lunch on Saturday, and the cost of the bus.

$495 for the bus package tour!