Immersive Course (recording)

Maiden Names Revealed: A Step-by-Step Guide

All registered students receive access to the session recording for a full year, so you can revisit the material whenever it’s convenient for you.

Discovering a female ancestor’s maiden name is necessary to uncovering her parents’ names. Unfortunately, finding a maiden name can be more than difficult. This course will start with the foundation of research including using timelines and research logs. We will then discuss how to ask research questions and where to research the answers. A discussion of what records include maiden names will be explored. What resources to use and how to search will also be discussed.

Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert

Meet Your Instructor

Gena Philibert-Ortega is an author, researcher, and instructor specializing in the use of social history and material culture to tell the story of historical women's lives. She holds two Master's degrees: one in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology and Women's Studies) and the other in Religion. As an author, Gena has published two books, Cemeteries of the Eastern Sierra (Arcadia Publishing) and From the Family Kitchen (F+W Media), and hundreds of articles in print magazines and online publications. A highly sought-after instructor, Gena has taught material culture and social history at the GRIP Genealogical Institute and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and is a frequent presenter at seminars and conferences. Her professional associations include the American Quilt Study Group, the Association of Gravestone Studies, and the National Genealogical Society. Gena's current research projects focus on American cemeteries, cookbooks, signature quilts, and 20th-century women's lives.

This two-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. Led by FamilySearch expert Gena Philibert-Ortega, you’ll benefit from:

• Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
• Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
• PLUS - Registrants receive the digital Female Ancestors Cheat Sheet ($9.99 value) FREE

Q&A:  There is no live question and answers with a recording.
However, you can still benefit from the valuable questions and insights shared by other participants during the live event.

What You’ll Learn

Gain practical skills and insights to elevate your genealogy journey:

• Confidently navigate historical records and research methodologies to uncover the stories of your female ancestors.
• Identify and utilize key records—from vital records to land deeds—that unlock the secrets of maiden names.
• Discover the power of FAN (Friends, Associates, Neighbors) club research to uncover hidden connections and expand your family tree.
• Gain access to a wealth of resources and expert search strategies to effectively research your female ancestors and break down genealogical brick walls.
  …and so much more!

How You’ll Benefit

• Save Time: Learn efficient search strategies to locate your family faster in indexed records.
• Breakthrough Barriers: Uncover valuable information hidden in unindexed collections.
• Discover the Unexpected: Use AI tools to access millions of records and uncover surprising family history details.
• Maximize Research Potential: Confidently navigate the new FamilySearch tools to pinpoint essential records.
• Achieve Your 2025 Research Goals: Analyze existing records more effectively and forge a clear path forward in your genealogy journey.

Join us for this transformative session and take your family history research to the next level.