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BCG Methodology and Skills Friends, Associates, Neighbors (FANs) Reisinger Memorial Lecture Series

Cluster Research Using the FAN Principle (2025 Reisinger Lecture)

Michelle Goodrum, CG®
Oct 17, 2025
550 views
Free
Free through October 31, 2025
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Syllabus
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Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 15s
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Introduction
3m 20s
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Methodology
9m 27s
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Research Questions
3m 18s
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Case Study 1
2m 42s
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Starting Point
6m 49s
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Key Sources
5m 50s
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Case Study 2
11m 22s
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FAN Club
5m 29s
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Questions /answers
5m 37s

About this webinar

When records are scarce—or names are all too common—cluster research can be the key to unlocking your genealogical puzzles. By examining the people who surrounded your ancestor—the friends, associates, and neighbors—you can separate individuals with the same name, untangle multiple families in one place, and uncover biographical details you might otherwise miss. Join us to explore practical strategies and real-world examples that show how powerful the FAN principle can be.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Michelle Goodrum, CG®
Michelle Goodrum, CG ® , is a genealogical researcher and educator whose journey into family history began with a junior high project. When she uncovered ancestral roots stretching across countless regions, she was hooked. Michelle went on to earn
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  1. JH
    June Hedge
    6 hours ago

    very good

    Reply
  2. RM
    Rochelle Males
    6 hours ago

    Very interesting webinar. Thank you for sharing it with us today!

    Reply
  3. LS
    LAUREN STEINER
    7 hours ago

    Fantastic

    Reply
  4. CL
    Clara Lawver
    7 hours ago

    Definitely like her use of charts. Now I have two families who followed a very similar migration path in same time period. This gives me inspiration to continue research using F.A.N. club. Thank you.

    Reply
  5. VR
    Veronica Reilly
    7 hours ago

    Very detailed, first time attending one of her webinars.

    Reply
  6. LH
    Linda Harrison
    7 hours ago

    While we have heard about the FAN subject, it is always good to get other perspectives. I enjoyed hers and will use many of her suggestions. Thanks.

    Reply
  7. CD
    Cyndi Davis
    7 hours ago

    Very interesting to follow her use of charts, diagrams, mindmaps. Like the ripple analogy.

    Reply
  8. JC
    Jacquie Chappell
    7 hours ago

    Michelle Goodrum’s step-by-step methodology for using the FAN approach was explained well. The use of two case studies was helpful in looking at different research scenarios. Thank you!

    Reply
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