Genealogy: Getting Started in Genealogy 101
Class - Fall Only | Registration opens Saturday, August 29, 2026 9:30 AM MDT
This 8-week introductory course teaches the fundamentals of genealogical research with emphasis on Discover–Gather-Connect. Students will learn how to analyze their pedigree, develop research questions, and create research objectives. The course introduces the genealogical research process, including planning research, locating records, evaluating evidence, and reporting findings using the Genealogical Proof Standard. Participants will gain practical skills for discovering and documenting their family history.
NO CLASS on Oct. 15 for Fall Break.
John Harrison
John is a genetic genealogist, family historian, and instructor with more than forty years of research experience, which now includes AI for genealogy. He has taught genealogy and DNA research for over a decade at Utah Tech University’s Institute for Continued Learning and at Southern Utah University. Harrison serves as administrator of the Clan MacTavish DNA Surname Project, where he supports Y-DNA and mtDNA research and contributes to clan historical studies. A former Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, he brings an investigative approach to genealogical research. Harrison has helped individuals identify biological families of adoptees through DNA analysis and volunteers with the Utah Cold Case Coalition. He is also an active storyteller and educator dedicated to helping others discover and document their family history.