Note from Lisa: For this blog post, I’m excited to introduce my colleague Torhild Shirley, AG®. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her on the ICAPGen Education Committee for the past four years and can wholeheartedly recommend both her teaching and Scandinavian research skills.
Torhild is an exceptional educator whose passion for helping others develop strong research skills is unmatched. Genealogy education takes many forms, and institute courses offer a unique opportunity for an in-depth, week-long interactive learning experience. Torhild has poured her heart into coordinating this course and has hand-selected a team of outstanding instructors to create a well-rounded, comprehensive program.
If you’re ready to strengthen your Scandinavian research skills, or finally tackle that long-standing Scandinavian research project, consider enrolling in the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy’s Cracking the Scandinavian Ancestry Code, a comprehensive Scandinavian genealogy research course designed for all levels of experience. You’ll come away inspired, confident, and ready to take your Scandinavian research to the next level.
Happy Researching!
~Lisa Stokes, AG®
Cracking the Scandinavian Ancestry Code: Strategies for Genealogical Success
By guest blogger, Torhild Shirley, AG®
In 2021, I became an Accredited Genealogist® through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGenSM). In the years leading up to my accreditation, I acquired all the knowledge necessary to succeed in this rigorous testing process. I learned a great deal on my own, as few courses and webinars addressed Scandinavian research. This is when the idea for a comprehensive course in Scandinavian research was conceived. Together with my fellow Scandinavian genealogists, I am excited to share the knowledge and experience gained over decades of research in Scandinavian records.
Why Study Scandinavian Genealogy?
Have you hit a brick wall in your Scandinavian family history research? Are you staring at church records written in Gothic handwriting, wondering how to research Scandinavian ancestors? Or maybe you’ve heard whispers about the treasure trove of information hidden in Swedish household examinations, but you have no idea how to access them.
What You’ll Learn in Cracking the Scandinavian Ancestry Code
If any of this sounds familiar, I have something special in store for you. Join me for SLIG Virtual 2026. Cracking the Scandinavian Ancestry Code is a five-day comprehensive course designed to transform you from a bewildered beginner into a confident Nordic family history researcher. Led by an exceptional team of Accredited Genealogists—Charlotte Champenois, Geoff Fröberg Morris, Jeane Burton, Jeff Svare, Jenny Hansen, and Torhild Shirley—this course brings together decades of specialized expertise in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish genealogy. Cracking the Scandinavian Ancestry Code includes twenty sessions covering everything from foundational concepts to advanced Scandinavian genealogy techniques. Here is a rundown of what you will learn to hone your Scandinavian genealogy skills.
Day 1: Laying the Groundwork for Scandinavian Genealogy Research
We’ll start with the historical background and local websites, demystify patronymics, and learn to read Gothic “chicken scratch.” Then, we’ll explore why church records are the absolute backbone of Scandinavian research. The last two classes of the day introduce you to the many county-specific websites and online Scandinavian genealogy resources available at your fingertips. We’ll learn many beginner Scandinavian genealogy tips.
Day 2: Mastering Leading Websites and Church Records
Learn how you can navigate FamilySearch, Ancestry, and MyHeritage effectively. Dive into church records with hands-on practice and learn how to interpret the Latin feast days. We’ll end the day with several case studies exemplifying the importance of confirmation records.
Day 3: The Big Picture: Using Household, Census, and Farm Records
On Wednesday, you’ll discover how all the minute details in the Swedish household examinations paint a complete picture of your ancestors’ families and lives. We will practice separating individuals with the same name using tax and church records. After learning about Danish and Norwegian census records, we will work directly with the Norwegian farm books.
Day 4: From Muster Rolls to Memorial Stones
Next, we’ll delve deeper into the wealth of Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish family history records, beginning the day with two classes focused on Swedish and Danish military sources. We’ll collaborate on case studies to identify soldiers’ patronymics. The last class of the day will have us wandering through death records and cemeteries.
Day 5: After Death and So Much More
Lastly, you’ll learn about probate records and how they can answer questions and extend families when no other records are available. We’ll conclude the day with several case studies that demonstrate everything we’ve explored together in our classes.
Benefits of Cracking the Scandinavian Ancestry Code
One of this course’s strengths lies in the combined experience of its instructors. Each of us has worked extensively in Scandinavian research, bringing deep expertise in the records, languages, and regional nuances. Our goal is to help you build a solid foundation and the confidence to continue your own research independently. By the end of the course, you will be familiar with the most valuable Scandinavian record types, understand how to use both international and local online Scandinavian genealogy resources effectively, and know how to approach common challenges such as name changes, record gaps, and Latin dates.
Join Us to Master Scandinavian Research Skills
Whether you are just beginning to explore your Scandinavian heritage or are looking to deepen your research skills, Cracking the Scandinavian Ancestry Code offers a clear, structured path to success. With guidance from experienced instructors and plenty of practical examples, you’ll come away better equipped to uncover the lives and stories of your ancestors.
Join us this January to master the methods, tools, and sources essential to Scandinavian genealogy research and discover your family’s Nordic story. Learn more about Cracking the Scandinavian Ancestry Code at SLIG Virtual 2026 at the SLIG registration page.