Mastering the ICAPGen Accreditation Process: Your Path to Professional Success

This presentation provides an overview of essential resources and methodologies for researchers preparing for ICAPGen accreditation in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Gain insights into record-keeping practices and the unique challenges and opportunities associated with researching in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Learn how to utilize essential repositories and create your own Personal Reference Guide. Whether you're working toward accreditation or simply looking to strengthen your research skills, this session offers valuable tips and guidance to help you succeed.

Elevate your skills and become an Accredited Genealogist® professional by pursuing U.S. Great Lakes Region accreditation through the International Commission for Accreditation of Professional Genealogists(SM) [ICAPGen(SM)]. This course is your key to unlocking the region's rich history and diverse genealogical records. Dive into the unique resources of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. You'll explore a variety of records, from Ohio's complex land records and the migration trails of Indiana and Illinois to Michigan's maritime archives and Wisconsin's logging and lumberjack industry. Through hands-on methodology strategies and templates, you'll begin building your essential Personal Reference Guide (PRG). Whether you're starting your accreditation journey or strengthening your existing knowledge, this is the perfect opportunity to master the genealogical accreditation process and become an expert in the U.S. Great Lakes.

It’s no secret that New England is packed with genealogical records—but passing the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) exam takes more than just knowing they exist. You need to know where to find them, how to work with them, and how to demonstrate expertise in this region. This session will guide aspiring AG® candidates through the key record types, research strategies, and quirks that define genealogy in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. From Connecticut’s Barbour and Hale collections to Maine’s late statewide vital registration, to Massachusetts’ extensive town records and the holdings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, each state presents unique treasures and challenges. We’ll also look at New Hampshire’s town clerk records, Rhode Island’s probate and town council records, and Vermont’s land-ownership patterns tied to its late colonial settlement. Along the way, you’ll learn how to maximize essential repositories and archives and build effective study guides and reference tools. Whether you’re starting your Four Generation Project, preparing for the exam, or simply interested in New England research, this overview will give you a strong foundation.