Peer-Guided Study for

Aspiring & Professional Genealogists.

ProGen Study Groups

Educating Genealogists Since 2008

ProGen Study Groups

Over 780 Genealogists Educated

Welcome

ProGen Study Groups Are . . .

ProGen is a self-study program, enhanced by peer review, of assignments based on chapters from Professional Genealogy:  Preparation, Practice & Standards, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. ProGen Study Groups are organized to support both professional and aspiring genealogists who want to build upon their existing research methods and skills, as well as gain an understanding of business practices, ethics, and opportunities in the field of genealogy.

Key Elements of the ProGen Study Program...

  • Quality textbooks (Professional Genealogy & Genealogy Standards) written by experts in the field.
  • Monthly assignments crafted to maximize learning.
  • Written peer feedback.
  • Live monthly video chats discussing specific topics and assignments.
  • Guidance from a Certified Genealogist® or an Accredited Genealogist®.
  • 14-month study program.

Is ProGen Right for Me?

  • You want to become a professional genealogist researching for others.
  • You already research professionally and want to learn more about managing your business or presenting your written work.
  • Improving your research skills is important to you.
  • You are considering becoming certified or accredited. See more details HERE.
  • You want to take  your research skills to the next level.

Am I Ready for ProGen?

  • You have practiced genealogy research for several years.
  • You have successfully participated and completed courses such as the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research, the NGS American Genealogical Studies Course, or intermediate level courses at institutes such as GRIP, IGHR or SLIG.
  • You demonstrate strong research skills in your daily work.

What ProGen Alumni Are Saying…

Kristin Wenger

Lititz, PA - ProGen 40

The more effort you put into it, the more you will get out of it. This universal principle is oh so true. If you go the extra mile and give each assignment your very best, you will reap dividends. Your writing will improve. Your research skills will improve. Your confidence as a small business owner and operator will improve.

Rebecca Hockaday, CG®

Boise, ID - ProGen 31

I wouldn’t be a CG® and where I am today professionally without the ProGen program.  I am grateful!

Charles Wilson

Chula Vista, CA - ProGen 43

I took a hobby I had for years in genealogy and took it to the next level! After completing the Boston University Genealogical Certificate Program, I continued on to yet another intensive one-year program with the ProGen Study Groups.

Melissa LeMaster Barker

Dickson, TN - ProGen 1

Well, you can add Certified Archives Manager to the list, that’s me! I was in the very first ProGen! I have always thought this was one of the best decisions I ever made and it actually was part of my journey to become an Archivist!

Cinda Baxter

Minneapolis, MN - ProGen 38

I am SO proud to have been a ProGen participant.

Sandy Thalmann

Rochester, MN - ProGen 6

One of the best things I ever did for my genealogy business was to participate in ProGen 6. I had already been taking clients for twelve years, but when I started my business, there was no training available for the professional genealogist. I learned so much from each assignment and so much more from the feedback given by fellow classmates.

Megan Lee

Los Angeles, CA - ProGen 36
I solved my double adoption during ProGen 36, met and integrated with my biological mom, and provided her solved adoption to her last year.

Leslie Watson Tomlinson

Helotes, TX - ProGen 11

Getting and giving peer review on homework assignments was so valuable. Our mentor, Claire Bettag, was instrumental in keeping me focused on my path to certification even though it took a few years longer than I intended.

Sara Butson

Perkasie, Bucks Co., PA - ProGen 43

ProGen introduced me to many new writing aspects; provoked good conversation within our monthly meetings; and compared my learnt skills against the BCG rubrics. It was well worth my time, and I would strongly suggest ProGen to any genealogist wanting to advance their skills in a peer-to-peer virtual environment.  If you put the effort into ProGen, you will certainly get a lot out of it!

Lucia Cusimano

Atkinson, NH - ProGen 47

ProGen exceeded my expectations! I knew I was ready to take the next step in my education plan. I’m thankful my class took time to read my assignments and comment. 

Aaron Tassin

Cameron Park, CA - ProGen 46

ProGen was an amazing experience!  There is no better way to learn and fully understand the principles of professional genealogy.  The caliber of mentorship, solid and supportive peer feedback, and breadth of practical exercises are unsurpassed.  I highly recommend ProGen to any genealogist genuinely seeking to become a professional in this discipline.

Suzanne Hoffman

Chicago, IL - ProGen 46

The 14 months of ProGen has helped me realize that 25 years of casual research cannot equal the process that delivers a well-researched, well-documented, standards-based final report. I am now light-years ahead of where I was and am humbled by the experience of getting there. It was truly a rewarding experience