Does studying ancient and historical handwriting and scripts sound cool? Learn paleography skills through BYU-Pathway!
When you think of family history, you might imagine a dusty photo album or an illustration of a tree full of old photographs and names. But the real treasures of our ancestry often lie in handwritten documents — records that hold the stories, struggles, and triumphs of generations before us. The ability to read and understand these documents is more than a technical skill; it’s an art that opens doors to your family’s past.
That’s where paleography comes in. This is a skill taught through the
Why paleography matters
For genealogists, paleography isn’t just a technical skill — it’s a bridge to the past. Imagine holding a document written by your great-great-grandparent, written in a script you’ve never seen before. Without the skills to interpret it, the story remains locked. With paleography, those words become voices from the past, giving you a deeper connection to your family’s history.
Fabiana Loverde de Huffaker, a BYU-Pathway student from Argentina, shared how her certificates opened new doors for her. She said, “I’ve learned how to read documents in paleography that are hundreds of years old. I now have the knowledge and understanding needed to do family history research correctly.”
Fabiana’s experience illustrates the power of family history: what starts as a curiosity about your roots can quickly turn into the confidence and skill to explore records that might otherwise remain a mystery.
From passion to professional impact
For some students, paleography becomes more than a fulfilling hobby; it can also lead to meaningful professional opportunities.
Debbie Sleight, a BYU–Pathway graduate from Georgia, earned her AAS in Family History Research at 50 years old. Growing up, education wasn’t a priority in her family, and college was never something her parents expected for her. But years later, she proved that it’s never too late to learn and grow. Reflecting on her journey, she shares:
“I learned that I could do anything! I also learned that while in school, it doesn’t matter who your fans are — there will be fans! They may not be your parents, siblings, or even people you know. My husband and kids cheered me on all the way! You will have fans, too. The teachers, the missionary couples, and the other students helped me make it through some of the hardest days.”
Her education is now a blessing not only in her own life, but in the lives of others. She says:
“Learning valuable skills that I can now share with others is such a blessing. I am so thankful for the opportunity. Family history is a passion I didn’t know I had until I started working on my Family History Research certificates. Now I can help others find their ancestors!”
Making learning accessible
BYU-Pathway comes to you. Students all over the world from many different circumstances can learn paleography through online courses — taught from the comfort and convenience of their home. This means anyone — whether they’re pursuing a hobby or career path — can participate and gain valuable skills.
Whether you’re translating centuries-old records or piecing together the life of a long-lost relative, BYU-Pathway equips you with the knowledge, tools, and support to do it successfully.
Your family is waiting!
Your family’s story is waiting to be discovered. With skills like paleography, you can unlock the voices of your ancestors, trace your lineage, and even turn your passion for genealogy into professional opportunities. BYU-Pathway makes it possible — wherever you are, whatever your schedule.
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