Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies
Awaken Your Ancestors | Online Genealogy Course for Beginners
Elementary Family History Course
Awaken Your Ancestors
New to genealogy?
Awaken Your Ancestors is an online genealogy course designed for beginners who want to learn how to research their family tree with confidence. Discover how to find records, evaluate evidence, organise your research, and avoid common mistakes while building a stronger understanding of your family history.
Start Your Journey Today
Evidence-led family history, taught step by step.
Move from scattered searches to confident research with a structured course built for real genealogical progress.
The Problem
You've started your family tree...
You've searched online. Maybe even built out a few branches.
And then, nothing.
Records don't match. Names repeat. Dates don't line up.
The Solution
Learn How to Research Your Family Tree
Most beginners start with names and dates but quickly encounter missing records, conflicting information, and unanswered questions. Awaken Your Ancestors introduces the methods used by experienced genealogists to help you build a more accurate and reliable family history.
- Start your family tree correctly
- Locate historical records
- Understand census and vital records
- Organise your findings
- Evaluate evidence
- Avoid common genealogy mistakes
Whether your ancestors lived in America, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, or elsewhere, these foundational genealogy skills will help you build a more accurate and reliable family history.
What You'll Learn
A Complete Foundation in Genealogy Research
You'll work through 10 guided modules, including these core foundations.
Family Records
Unlock clues hidden in documents, heirlooms, and family archives.
Birth, Marriage and Death Records
Learn how to locate and interpret GRO indexes and official records.
Census Returns
Trace entire family groups using the 1841-1911 census returns and 1939 Register.
Parish Registers
Discover baptisms, marriages, and burials reaching into the 1500s.
Methodology
Build a structured, accurate pedigree using proven research techniques.
The Parish Chest
Explore records that reveal everyday lives, not just names and dates.
Pulling It All Together
Create a fully developed family tree reaching back into the 18th century and beyond.
Trusted Since 1961
From the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies
A leading authority in British Isles genealogy education since 1961.
Meet The Experts- Structured, expert-led learning
- Study at your own pace
- Designed for beginners and those stuck on their research
Your Ancestors Are Waiting
Discover Their Stories Today
Their stories are your story. Break through those brickwalls. Find your non-conformist ancestors, learn how to navigate common issues such as name changes. Find clues and answers through records beyond the obvious. Study at your own pace with IHGS and gain the tools to complete your family history today.
USD amount is approximate and may vary with the current exchange rate.
Who This Is For
Who Should Take This Course?
- Beginners starting their first family tree
- Family historians looking to improve their research skills
- Hobby genealogists who want a stronger foundation in methodology
- Anyone interested in tracing their ancestry with greater confidence
- Researchers preparing for more advanced genealogy education
No previous genealogy experience is required.
For U.S. Students
Build Skills for Researching American and British Isles Ancestors
Many American family trees eventually lead to records in England, Scotland, Ireland, or Wales. Understanding how to work with historical records, evaluate evidence, and follow a structured research process is essential for successful genealogy research.
Awaken Your Ancestors introduces the core principles used by professional genealogists and provides a foundation for researching family history across generations and across borders.
Records beyond the obvious
Learn how to navigate records that aren't always online.
Historical context
Understand how to interpret historical documents correctly.
Research discipline
Avoid errors common in user-generated family trees.
This is not guesswork. This is real genealogical research training.
IHGS Library
Research depth you can build on.
The IHGS library supports serious family history study with specialist resources for British Isles research, and it is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, giving researchers access to additional digitised records through the FamilySearch network.
Your Story Didn't Start With You
Every record you uncover, every name you verify, every generation you trace brings your family's story back to life.
What You'll Gain
A foundation you can keep building on.
A structured, step-by-step research process
Use a repeatable method instead of relying on scattered searches or copied family trees.
Confidence in your findings
Learn to weigh evidence carefully and make better decisions when records conflict.
A stronger family history
Build an accurate foundation that helps you trace lines across generations and places.
Skills for advanced study
Develop a solid base for future IHGS courses and more specialist genealogy research.
Keep Learning
Continue Your Genealogy Journey
Awaken Your Ancestors provides a strong foundation in genealogical research. Many students choose to continue their learning through additional IHGS courses and qualifications.
Higher Certificate in Genealogy
A structured pathway to advanced genealogical research skills.
Genealogy Courses
Flexible online learning for family historians and genealogists.
Anytime Talks
Expert-led recorded presentations on specialist genealogy topics.
Bitesize Courses
Short courses designed to build knowledge in specific research areas.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this genealogy course suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Awaken Your Ancestors was designed specifically for beginners and requires no previous genealogy experience.
Do I need to have a family tree already started?
No. Whether you are beginning your first family tree or returning to family history research after a break, this course will help you develop essential genealogy skills.
Can I take this course from the United States?
Yes. The course is available online and can be completed from anywhere in the world, including the United States.
What should I study after completing Awaken Your Ancestors?
Many students continue their genealogy education through the IHGS Higher Certificate in Genealogy, Bitesize Courses, and specialist Anytime Talks.
Ready to Break Through Your Brick Wall?
Enroll in Awaken Your Ancestors Today
Start building your family tree with confidence, clarity, and expert guidance.
USD amount is approximate and may vary with the current exchange rate.