The Family Tree Maker (FTM) training classes will be presented at these four libraries:
- Poudre River Harmony Library, 4616 South Shields Street in Fort Collins (on the West side of Front Range Community College campus, Phone: 204-8206)
- Poudre River Main Library at 201 Peterson Street, Fort Collins (Phone: 221-6380)
- Loveland Public Library at 300 No. Adams Street (Phone: 962-2665)
- Poudre River Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Avenue, Suite 200, Fort Collins.
See the calendar for dates and locations.
Our society promotes Family Tree Maker training classes as 65% of our members plus many local genealogists use this popular software for organizing their family tree data. We encourage our new members and visitors to attend our FREE classes. Please attend our training classes to learn about America’s popular genealogy software.
FTM Instructor Bob Larson not only presents the many different features of Family Tree Maker software each month as noted below, but also teaches new tips and tricks on using this versatile program. Even though FTM is getting more complex with many new features each year, Bob makes it easy to understand with his on screen demonstrations and handouts.
New Family Tree Maker training classes will begin in January and last for nine months. Classes are held January-June, September-November. A class outline is listed below with handouts (underlined text) posted after each class.
FTM training class dates will be announced in our newsletter, on our webpage calendar, Facebook page, and by email. Normally we will present the classes during the first or second week of each month at 6:30 or 7 pm for two hours. A question and answer session will begin each program to review any issues. Handouts will be available at each meeting and included on this webpage after each month’s class (underlined text) is presented. A large video screen is used at each library, so attendees can view the software features.
Although the classes focus on the features of Family Tree Maker Versions 2008 – 2012, older FTM versions can also be discussed. If you are using older FTM versions 2005-2007, you can view and print the handouts from FTM 2007 (Version 16) classes in addition to the current handouts.
Adobe Reader is required to view the handouts. Most computers manufactured after 2005 will have Adobe Reader installed. If not, users can download the FREE software program by selecting the Adobe Reader icon. 
For more information and/or help on class content and/or locations, please contact the FTM instructor Robert Larson.
Class Schedule for 2012
January
The first class of the year will cover the new features of FTM 2012, latest patches, menu items, toolbars, using the seven workspaces, creating new trees, importing trees, managing family trees and files, help menu, registering and activating the software, and changing software preferences. January 2012 Handout
February
The second FTM 2012 class will feature the People workspace and building your family tree and adding ancestors in detail. We will show how to make any individual the home person in the family tree, add facts for each ancestor, navigate the different options in this tab, and how to add, delete individuals and print or share the family file information for relatives. February 2012 Handout
March
We will demonstrate how to properly cite those important Sources for each document that users have collected and imported into the family file. An easy to use Source tool allows users to enter the required document or photo/image information for proper verification of each source. We will highlight the use of the expanded map feature that shows the Places of each ancestor with over 3 million maps of the world. In addition, we will show how to use the Edit, View, and Tools menu items, and add GPS coordinates.
April
We will show how easy it is to research your ancestors using the many different genealogy databases, either free or paid subscriptions with the Web Search feature. FTM allows users to access many databases using intelligent commands to search and retrieve the information for the affected ancestors.
May
We will show how to add documents, photos, audio and video files to the Media section using a digital or video camera, scanner, or importing attachments from an email. FTM made some great improvements in reducing the family file size when adding these items. The media items can be placed into family group sheets, family albums, sources, genealogy reports, and a family history book. In addition, we explain how to create family charts and slideshows.
June
Using GenSmarts software with Family Tree Maker. This is a separate software program that works nicely with Family Tree Maker. GenSmarts intelligently searches for difficult brickwalls by searching many different databases, either free or with paid subscriptions. This smart software uses different methods beyond normal genealogy software to search for lost relatives. June 2011 Handout
July & August
No class! Enjoy vacation time and keep updating your family tree.
September
We will show how to create many different types of genealogy reports using the Publish feature. Both simple or customized family history reports can be sent to your relatives. You can print, save, or email the reports as a backup to your relatives. September 2011 Handout
October
We will demonstrate the last moduleusing the Publish workspace feature with publishing your family history using a simple publishing wizard template. Users can build their family history book by adding various title pages, table of contents, family group sheets, biographies of each ancestor, family photos, documents, bibliography of the sources, and finalizing the book with an expanded indexing feature. Users can convert the book into the popular PDF format for commercial printing. October 2011 Handout
November
This is the last class of this year. Several speakers will give their experiences in writing and publishing their family histories with examples of interesting and entertaining family history stories and examples of their published works using Family Tree Maker or other software. See the calendar for more details. November 2011 Handout
December
No Class! Happy Holidays! See you in January!