“Why should I trace my family history?”
Family history isn’t just about names and dates—it’s about understanding the story you’re part of.
Discover Your Family History is an introductory course to genealogy.
When you explore your roots, you begin to see how your life connects to something much bigger. You may discover where your traditions come from, why certain values run in your family, or even how your personality echoes past generations. It can give you a stronger sense of who you are
Do you love genealogy, family history, learning about your ancestors’ lives? (me too!) Do you love to travel – see new places, learn about historic events, walk where your ancestors walked? (me too!) Can you combine them together? YES! Can you make it Fun and Interesting for others who are with you? YES! Is it worth it? Definitely YES!
We can usually find the places of origin for our close relatives. Visit the homestead, Identify the church they attended. Find their stone in the local cemetery
Exciting news!
Canadian: Military Records has been updated and is available on our website.
This Advanced level course is an important component of our Canadian Records Certificate.
Visit our blog for information on this important course update and a registration link.
How do you choose the right genealogy school?
The International Institute of Genealogical Studies (IIGS) is a genealogy trade school dedicated to help you get the education that makes you both marketable and employable as a professional genealogist. Whether you want to work for another company or start your own business, IIGS offers a comprehensive, structured approach to genealogical education preparing you for the realities of professional practice.
Read our latest blog post if you're co
Kristina Moffett will be hosting our booth at the Indiana Genealogy Society’s Annual Conference!
Kristina is a graduate of our DNA & Genetic Genealogy Certificate program, which led her to an amazing job repatriating fallen soldiers.
She will be sharing with it’s like to be a student of the International Institute of Genealogical Studies and will be giving copies of our 2026 Course Catalogue to attendees.
Further Information on the conference:
We happy to share this inspiring interview with our Executive Director, Angela Breidenbach PLCGS.
Angie was recently interviewed by James Fenimore on Buzz TV Daily News Network.
Angie shares how her faith and her passion for genealogy inspire her work with our students.
@thedailynewsnetwork
You are invited to join us for a Special Presentation with Debra Katz, the administrator of the Levant Project at FamilyTreeDNA. She also works with the Avotaynu* DNA Project (*Hebrew for "our fathers").
Debra will be discussing the Y-DNA Origins and Migrations of Jewish "Cohanim,", i.e. the ancient priestly lineages. This highly informative presentation will focus on one particular lineage as an example of how the combination of Genetics and Genealogy can open a wide window into the origins
Conquer your fear of public speaking while building a strong tool kit to create informative and engaging presentations.
You'll learn valuable skills that include marketing your presentation, writing a syllabus, & creating exciting slide shows.
Lecturing Skills Including Preparation is an integral component of our Professional Development Certificate.
This is a time sensitive hands-on course that is only offered 3 times a year.
Register Today for our April 6 Session
The update for “Canadian Wills Part 2 Plus Estate and Inheritance Records” has just been released!
The course has been rewritten and updated by Drew von Hasselbach, PLCGS. Drew is a mentoring professor for our Canadian Records Certificate and our German Records Certificate.
Wills and estate files are a useful tool in genealogical research. Not only are they excellent original sources filled with information, but they are also remarkable historical documents offering insight into the world as
Exciting news from GS Books!
“The Genealogist’s Guide to Family History Interviews” has just been released!
Uncover your family’s legacy, discover hidden stories with questions designed to spark deep, meaningful memories.
Capture a lifetime of history before it’s lost.
This collection of prompts helps you conduct professional-grade interviews whether your research is personal or for clients.
Choose the format that works best for your research style: Spiral Bound, 3 Hole Punch, or eBook.
P
The countdown to the world’s largest family history gathering is officially on!
We are thrilled to announce that we will be heading to Salt Lake City for RootsTech 2026, and we're looking forward to meeting you there.
Executive Director, Angela Breidenbach, PLCGS, is your RootsTech host! She’ll be at our booth, 1311, for the full event. Other staff and guests will be in and out, be sure to catch Morag Peers, Director of Scottish Studies, in her talks and then in the booth.
If you’re atten
Between the ink of old records, love for her family, and raw determination, Miriam found her calling.
She traced the hidden threads of her family’s past and built a business built entirely on family love.
Step into the story of Miriam Kochman, a genealogist who turned ancestral echoes into a living legacy.
Read her inspiring story on our blog
Our New Live Online Mentoring Series
This series of specialized, hands-on learning experiences is launching on 14 February 2026! It’s hands-on, expert-led, and designed to advance your skills.
Experience genealogy like never before. We’re moving beyond the standard webinar to bring you a truly interactive Mentoring Experience. Why just watch when you can do? Learn from Professional Genealogists and practice those techniques with live support.
These intensive live video courses feature mentorin
We are proud to be partnered with MyHeritage - a leading edge global genealogy platform.
MyHeritage brings family history to life by helping people uncover their roots and shared stories.
Our latest blog post showcases just some of the amazing updates from MyHeritage, in 2025!
Our ancestors had many different traditions for celebrating Christmas. Presents, feasts, and decorations are just a few of the traditions that have been passed on through the years.
In the following YouTube videos, Claire Bradley, MA, Morag Peers, MSc, and Cheryl Levy, PLCGS, share some of these traditions from the past to the present.
Claire takes a look at Irish traditions past and present
Canadian: Newspaper Records has been fully updated and rewritten by Drew von Hasselbach, PLCGS, and is now available for students.
This course will give you insights and skills to advance your Canadian research!
Head to our blog for information on the course and a registration link
Have you visited our YouTube channel?
Meet our instructors as they share research tips, case studies, and career opportunities.
Watch special presentations from companies such as BillionGraves, Zotero, Related Faces and WikiTree.
Learn about proper methodology for your research, different aspects of using DNA results, and using maps to follow your ancestors as they emigrate and immigrate.
With more than 100 videos there’s something for every genealogist!
Like ~ Share ~ Subscrib
The latest release from GS Books is our Adulting Planner!
This 15-month planner includes essential features to help organize your life.
You’ll find month and week at a glance pages, research tips, fun quotes, and space to keep track of your goals, work schedules, and research plans.
It is generously sized at 8 ½ x 11 and is available in paperback (wire bound), eBook, and PDF.
Order today!
Use coupon code Adulting10 to receive 10% off your order
*coupon code valid to 31
I am a graduate of the International Institute of Genealogical Studies, and have earned my PLCGS in Canadian Records (2016) and DNA & Genetic Genealogy (2024). I am currently working on my Professional Development and Business Skills certificate (*2026). I am now part of the IIGS Team, helping to mentor family historians and genealogists working to earn their credentials or hone their research skills.
When you look at the impressive list of over 240 courses offered by IIGS, you may think to you
