What is SLIG? Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, otherwise known as SLIG, is a week long institute, sponsored by the Utah Genealogical Society, held in Salt Lake City, Utah.In 2019, SLIG Academy was added – a second week of courses aimed at more professional genealogists (or those who want to be a professional).
What is an institute you ask? Well, it’s an in-depth course on a specific topic. Course coordinators develop the course, bring in other instructors and deliver five days of interesting material that will bring your research to a new level.
What courses are offered at SLIG? Courses change every year – there are some repeats, some offered every other year – and some brand new courses like the 2020 course being offered on Chinese Ancestry. Where else can you get that kind of an education?
Why should I go? First, you will learn tons!!! Second, you’ll meet a lot of interesting people. Third, you’ll have fun and lastly, you can spend the entire week talking about genealogy without people’s eyes glazing over. And a bonus – you can spend some time at the best genealogy library around – the Family History Center mothership – just down the road from the SLIG hotel.
Am I ready for SLIG? Courses list prerequisites, if any. Check those and see if you are ready for the particular course you are interested in. If you have questions about whether you are ready, ask. Read the course description carefully. Some courses have homework, some of it optional. I’ve always found that I get more out of a course if I do the homework.
What do I do next? Check out the courses being offered. You can find them listed by clicking here . On the left column, click on SLIG, then SLIG 2020 Courses and look at the courses offered. Be sure to click on Read More at the bottom of each course description for a more in-depth schedule of that course. You’ll see what areas are being covered and who the instructors are. While you are on the SLIG site, be sure to check out the other info about SLIG, lodging and registration.
When can I register? Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. MDT on July 13th. Be sure you have created your account beforehand and are ready to register. Some classes fill up really quickly so it also helps to have a fall-back class, just in case you can’t get into your first choice. (You can add yourself to the wait list if you really want a specific, filled class. People do drop out for various reasons.)
Hotel Registration. You will also be able to register for a hotel room at the Hilton. While it’s not necessary to stay at the Hilton (and lots of people don’t), it’s really convenient to be able to just head downstairs when it’s time for class. (And you can sneak up to your room for a quick nap at lunchtime.)
SLIG staff, course coordinators, and people who have been to SLIG are always willing to answer questions!!
