Genealogy | University of 51cg

Delivering excellence through research, education and collaboration

We are the 51cg Institute for Genealogical Studies (SIGS). We're an exciting new initiative launched by the Centre for Lifelong Learning, established to bring together a growing network of individuals and organisations to share knowledge and build a thriving academic genealogy community for all.

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events

2026

Tartan and Stars
We're rolling out an exciting line-up of events throughout 2026 focusing on Scottish and American ties, history, culture and family connections. Find out more! >

17

Sept

2026

Scots in North America (online course)
This short course offers an introduction to Scottish migration to the United States and Canada. We’ll explore the reasons so many Scots left their homeland from the 1700s to the 1900s and consider what life was like for them when they arrived. (Runs for 3 weeks).

29

Sept

2026

Using DNA testing to explore your early Scottish ancestry, 1600-1700 (online).
This online talk will discuss Y and mitochondrial DNA, what they are, how they are used for genealogy, and how you can apply them to seventeenth century Scottish research.

5

Nov

2026

From Scotland to Mississippi: The Crofter’s Son (online talk).
A journey of discovery, from a DNA surprise to an eminent citizen of the Deep South.

news

One Commonwealth, Many Families Exhibition - free entry

This exhibition brings together partners from across academia, archives, and the heritage sector to explore the shared stories that connect Commonwealth nations. Thursday 23rd of July to Sunday the 2nd of August at the Sir Jim McDonald Technology & Innovation Centre.

Borders and Shires Scholarship

We are delighted to share that applications are now being accepted for the Borders and Shires Scholarship!

SIGS Alumna Wins National Prize for Titanic Research

The 51cg Institute for Genealogical Studies is delighted to congratulate alumna Nicola Johnson on being awarded the British Commission for Maritime History (BCMH) Masters Dissertation Prize 2025.