Society Class Schedule 2008

Pre-registration is encouraged so their will be an adequate number of handouts. All classes are at the IGS Library, 628 E Grand Ave, unless otherwise noted. 515 276-0287

Beginning Genealogy

Get off on the right foot in your genealogical research with the forms needed and a good workable filing system. This class will concentrate on a using/reading/understanding the U.S. Federal Census and various state censuses. Many other handy hints will be showed so that you will avoid the common pitfalls in family research.

Beginning Internet Genealogy

Get over your fear of the internet and learn useful tips to navigate the web in your genealogical research. You'll be introduced to some lesser-known search engines - designed with the genealogist in mind - and you'll discover how to access numerous records online as well as through your local public library.

NEW!  Iowa's Sensational Census of our State

Find out why Iowa is in the top-three ranking when it comes to invaluable state census records. The numerous years available, along with the uniquely-informative content, make Iowa's records a cut above the rest. Experience a sampling of our six-page 1925 census, and discover how three generations of descendants can be derived from this one record! A laptop presentation of Ancestry.com's newly added database, "Iowa 1836-1925 State Census Collection" will also be introduced and dissected.

New! Using Maps in your Genealogical Research

Learn how accessing maps can help resolve a brick wall -- or two. Atlases, Plat Maps, Sanborn Fire Maps, and even gazetteers will be explored. Learn the structure of a map and gain some map-reading skills in the process. You'll also be introduced to a number of great map-related websites. use your discoveries to plan your next road trip to the village - or perhaps the very homestead of your progenitor!

New! German Research on the Internet

Learn how to locate towns, find addresses, pictures, and background material. Ms. Johnson, guest lecturer at the German Genealogical Conference,  will be presenting the topic