The objective of this course is to teach you how to manage your genealogical project.
If you recall, during Methodology - Part 1:
Getting Started and Methodology - Part 2: Organizing and
Skill-Building we reminded you often that there are many
ways to approach your genealogical project. We also made you
aware that there are many ways of getting yourself organized;
what is important is to choose a system that works for
you.
Methodology - Part 3: More Strategies
and Methodology - Part 4: Effective Searching and
Recording continue from the first two basic methodology
courses, providing you with different methods of managing your
genealogical project.
Methodology - Part 3: More Strategies
will consist of an intensive study of the types of information
and how to gather it. We shall look at how to organize this
information, the research process, and even your genealogical
office. Strategies for planning your project and for using
original records complete the course.
Methodology - Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording deals with what to look for in the main sources and how to record it. We then discuss the many methods of synthesizing your research results for presentation and preservation.
MODULE 1
MORE STRATEGIES!
Introduction
Definitions
Genealogy & Family History
Abbreviations Used in Family History
SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS
Step 1: Defining Your Goals
Goals
Specific Objectives
End Product
Points to Ponder
MODULE 2
SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS…Continued 45
Step 2: Learning the Basics
Types of Information & Tips on Gathering It
Gathering Oral Information
After the Interview
Gathering Written Information
Gathering Visual Information
Gathering Artefacts
Storage of Archival Materials
Do not do anything that is not reversible
Protect from damage by light, heat, dirt, handling & chemicals
Care of heritage fabrics
Storage of oral information
Storage of written information
Storage of Visual Information
Storage of artefacts
MODULE 3
SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS…Continued
Step 2: Learning the Basics…Continued
Organizing Your Information
Getting Organized
Organization of Facts (Data)
Computers
Card Indexes
File Folders
Indexed Binders
Organization of Oral Information
Organization of Written Information
Organization of DNA Research
Organization of Visual Information
Organization of Artefacts
Organizing Your Home Base
At Your Desk
In Your Office
Note on Computer Back-ups
Building a Basic Library
Finding Supplies
MODULE 4
SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS…Continued
Step 2: Learning the Basics…Continued
Organizing the Research Process
Office Procedures
Dealing with Incoming Paperwork
Dealing with Family History/Genealogy Society Journals & Magazines
Research Log
Multi-Purpose Number Sheet
Numbering Systems
Relationships
Lists of Ancestral Names & Places
Calculating an Exact Birth Date
Knowing Your Repositories
Government Departments
Public Libraries
Local History Libraries & Archives
University Libraries
Archives, County Record Offices & County Courthouses
Ethnic Organizations & Embassies
Specialist Libraries: Religious, Armed Forces & Occupational
Family History Centers & Affiliate Libraries
The Internet
Family History & Genealogy Societies
Knowing Your Sources
Background Information
Geographical Tools
Historical Tools
Methodology Tools
Family Tools
Finding Aids
MODULE 5
SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS…Continued
Step 3: Deciding on Strategies for Research
Planning Your Project
Deduction, Assumption & Hypotheses
The Danger of Undefined Assumptions
Making Hypotheses from Facts, Estimates & Deduction
Standard Set of Estimates
Testing the Hypothesis
Pedigree Analysis
Research Ideas Log and Research Log
Hiring Professional Genealogists
What Do I Take with Me? The Research Briefcase
Other Ideas
Efficient Use of Time
MODULE 6
SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS…Continued
Step 3: Deciding on Strategies for Research…Continued
Sources & Information
Sources
Original Sources
Derivative Sources
Authored Narrative
Information
Primary Information
Secondary Information
Undetermined
Summary
Using Family Sources
Strategy for Genealogical Research (Research Plan)
Reasons & Strategies for Using Original Sources
Using Civil Registration/Vital Statistics/Vital Records
Using Censuses
Using Parish & Other Church Registers/Records
Using Probate
Using Land Records
Where to Find the Sources
Finding Family Sources
Finding Civil Registration/Vital Statistics/Vital Records
Finding Censuses
Finding Parish & Other Church Registers/Records
Finding Probate
Finding Land Records
Finding Other Sources
Recommended Reading & Resources
APPENDIX
Useful Forms
The objective of this course is to teach you how to effectively search and record your information.
Just to recap, during Methodology-Part 1:
Getting Started and Methodology-Part 2: Organizing
and Skillbuilding we reminded you that there are many ways
to approach your genealogical project. We also made you aware
that there are many ways of getting yourself organized; what is
important is to choose a system that works for
you.
Methodology-Part 3: More
Strategies consisted of an intensive study of the types
of information and how to gather it. We looked at how to organize
this information, the research process, and even your
genealogical office. Strategies for planning your project and for
using original records completed the course.
Methodology-Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording deals with what to look for in the main sources and how to record it. We then discuss the many methods of synthesizing your research results for presentation and preservation.
MODULE 1
STEP 4: EFFECTIVE SEARCHING & RECORDING
Effective Searching
Locating Research Already Done or In Progress
Published Family Histories, Genealogies & Biographies = Research Already Done
Locating Other Researchers = Work in Progress
Taking Notes during Research
Consistency in Format & Use of Abbreviations
Recording
Five Essential Parts of a Good Record
Use of Transcript or Abstract Forms
Recording Family Sources
Written Sources
Recording Civil Registration/Vital Records/Vital Statistics
MODULE 2
STEP 4: EFFECTIVE SEARCHING & RECORDING…Continued
Recording ... Continued
Recording Census
Recording Parish & Other Religious Registers
Phonetic Spellings
Foundlings’ Names
Calendar Changes
Julian & Georgian Calendars & “The Lost 11 days”
Old Style & New Style
Genealogical Surprises
Recording Parish Registers with Patronymics
Recording Probate
Recording Land Records
Recording DNA
MODULE 3
STEP 5: DOCUMENTATION
Introduction to Documentation
Required Reading
Recording & Copying Relevant Items
What Can You Copy?
Before You Visit an Archive or Repository
Obtaining Copies from FamilySearch
MODULE 4
STEP 6: PRESENTING & PRESERVING YOUR RESEARCH
Presenting Your Research
Accuracy & Ethical Considerations in Publishing Data
Synthesis of Research Results
Standard Methods of Synthesis of Research Results
Biography Synopsis/Timeline
Family Group Record
Surname Descent Chart
Pedigree Chart
Ahnentafel or Continental Pedigree
Circular & Fan Pedigree Charts
Decorative Pedigree Charts
MODULE 5
STEP 6: PRESENTING & PRESERVING YOUR RESEARCH…Continued
Presenting Your Research…Continued
Descendancy Chart
Computer Format
Narrative Format or Paragraph Pedigree
Sun Charts
Decorative Descent Charts
Family Tree or Drop-Line Chart
Computer Software Programme - Ancestor Notes
The Ancestorgraph
Charts for Other Interests
MODULE 6
STEP 6: PRESENTING & PRESERVING YOUR RESEARCH…Continued
Preserving Your Research
Stop & Write Up Frequently
Survival of Your Research
Share with Others
Writing a Family History
Guides
General Considerations in Writing
Simple Ways to Organize Your Book
Narrative Accounts
Telling the Story as a Descendancy
Telling the Story Along Ancestral Lines
One Surname
Matrilineal Descent
Several (or all) Ancestors
Telling the Story as Descendants & Ancestors of a Pivotal Couple
Family Reference Book
Theme Approach
Sources-based Approach
“How I Did It” Account
Combinations
Your Final Say - Disposal of Your Research After Your Death
RECOMMENDED READING & RESOURCES
APPENDIX
Useful Forms
The objective of this course is to teach you how
to make an effective research plan and how to establish proof in
your research. It builds on the skills learned during the basic
and other intermediate level Methodology courses.
This course considers in depth the many possibilities and pitfalls involved in proving your family history in a professional manner. The first two modules on Theory concentrates on the meaning of proof in genealogy, delves deeply into sources, information, and evidence, and concludes with construction of hypotheses and theories. The third and fourth modules are involved with Technique including pedigree analysis, family reconstruction, use of indexes, negative proof, documentation and the phenomena of serendipity and intuition. The final modules are devoted to Problem Solving where we learn how to deal with problems with starting information, assumptions, problems with records, conflicting evidence, name changes, finding the right location, migration, age problems, illegitimacy, bigamy and other marital anomalies, female ancestors, and the disappearance of paupers. This comprehensive treatment prepares the student for the research process and writing out the research results and conclusion of analysis to establish proof.
NOTE: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. Please see Course Supplies for details.
MODULE 1
HOW TO PROVE IT
THEORY
Required Reading
Where to Begin?
Meaning of Proof
Concepts of Fact, Deduction & Assumption
Fact
Deduction by Logic
Unsound Assumptions
Necessary Proof or Sufficient Proof?
What is proof in genealogy?
Proving Relationships
Required Level of Proof in Genealogy
Preponderance of Evidence
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Clear, Cogent & Convincing > The Genealogical Proof Standard
Understanding Sources
Types of Sources
Categories of Sources
Original, Derivative & Authored Sources
Reliability of Original Sources
Reliability of Derivative Sources
Reliability of Authored Sources
Terminology
Recommended Reading & Resources
MODULE 2
THEORY ... CONTINUED
Required Reading
Sources, Information & Evidence
Categories of Information
Primary, Secondary & Undetermined Information
Types of Evidence
Direct, Indirect & Negative Evidence
Selection of Evidence Used in Proof
Constructing Hypotheses & Theories
Value of Previous Research
Scriptures
Legends, Oral Traditions & Ancient Pedigrees
The Internet
Unprovable Family Connections
MODULE 3
TECHNIQUE
Required Reading
General Advice
Focussing on a Search for Evidence
Pedigree Analysis
Family Reconstruction
FAN Club / Cluster Research
Killing Them Off
MODULE 4
TECHNIQUE ... CONTINUED
Required Reading
Use of Indexes
When searching indexes…
Documentation
Description of the Source
Record All Relevant Items
Images of Significant Items
Go Sideways
Know & Use Alternative Sources
Serendipity & Intuition
What Is Serendipity?
What Is Intuition?
Examples of Serendipity & Intuition
How Does Serendipity Work?
MODULE 5
PROBLEM SOLVING
Required Reading
Types of Problems
Problems with Starting Information
Assumptions - a.k.a. Presumptions
General Problems with Records
Conflicting Evidence
Name Changes
MODULE 6
PROBLEM SOLVING ... CONTINUED
Required Reading
Finding the Right Geographic Location
Understanding Indexes
Birthplaces
Using Maps & Gazetteers
Migration & Movement
Age Problems
Illegitimacy
Bigamy
Proscribed Marriage
Delayed Marriage
Female Ancestors
Paupers Disappearing
Apprenticed Out of the Home Parish
Removal to Parish of Settlement
Service in the Army, Militia, or Navy
Runaways
If all Else Fails, Write an Article!
BRING THE PROOF TOGETHER IN WRITING
Required Reading
Putting It Together
Putting the Proof in Writing
RECOMMENDED READING & RESOURCES
NOTE: This course requires compulsory textbooks.
- Genealogy Standards by Board for Certification of Genealogists
- Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones
The Analysis and Skills
Mentoring Program is designed to promote
the quality of the work every family historian and genealogist
alike should strive to achieve. Avoid limits on your level of
excellence by assuming this program is not relevant to your
specific projects.
Analysis & Skills Mentoring Program-Part 2 is a continuation of the teaching, testing and consulting method. This part of the program will focus on the subjects addressed in your Intermediate Level studies. Now you are familiar with reading materials covered in the previous course, and you'll continue to refer to them.
Please remember students study various courses or the records of various countries. We prepared the cases and data to be as generic as possible. Many names, dates, and places are strictly fictitious. We advise you to complete any other Basic level prerequisites before starting this one.
The course’s assignments/projects will be reviewed by an instructor. We provide feedback during two individual consultation appointments. An integral part of this practical program includes discussing your completed assignments. You'll receive personalized advice and help toward improving your skills.
Please be aware this is a 26-week course. Though you can take six months to submit all the assignments and complete the private one-on-one consultations, this course takes an average of 36-40 hours. We give extra time to book consultation appointments, allowing for flexible scheduling. Realistically, you can finish this course in 8 weeks like the other courses you've taken. Feel free to slow down and take your time as well.
Once your start date is scheduled, use the course study plan to manage your time towards completing the course’s required reading, assignments, attend the Virtual Meetings, and consultations with an instructor. Avoid piling up it all up in the last week. Analysis and Skills courses are not like other courses.
COURSE INTRODUCTION
General Notes & Overview
The Learning Process
Course Guidelines
COURSE DETAILS & INSTRUCTIONS
Virtual Meeting - A&S General Discussion
Course Reading Materials - Part 1
Required Reading
Exercises
Course Study Check
Assignments 1 to 3
Private - First Consultation Appointment
Course Study Check
Assignments 4 to 6
Course Reading Materials - Part 2
About the Scholarly Article for Review
Virtual Meeting - A&S-Part 2 Article Review
Assignment 7
Course Study Check
Private - Second Consultation Appointment
SUPPLEMENTAL COURSE READING
Citing Your Sources
Core Elements
Elements for Original Sources
Elements for Derivative Sources
Elements for Narrative Sources
Elements for Online Sources
Structure
Census Example (Fictitious)
Vital Record Examples
Book Examples
Chapter/Article Examples
Website Examples
Database Example
Digital Image Example
Transcriptions, Abstractions, and Extractions
Timelines
Genealogical Proof Standard
Analysis Process
Scholarly Article Interpretation
How to Read & Study a Scholarly Article
First Reading
Second Reading
Third Reading
Fourth Reading
Reading NGSQ Articles
Studying versus Reading
Studying the NGSQ Article
Recommended Reading
NGSQ Scholarly Article for Review
Additional Reading
APPENDIX
The Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program has been designed to promote the quality of the work that every family historian and genealogist alike should strive to achieve. Do not limit your level of excellence by assuming that this program is not relevant to your specific projects.
Analysis & Skills Mentoring Program-Part 2 is a continuation of the teaching, testing and consulting method. This part of the program will focus on the subjects addressed in your Intermediate Level studies. By now you will be familiar with the reading materials covered in the previous course and you will continue to refer to these materials. This course will include required reading from Mastering Genealogical Proof, by Thomas W. Jones.
Please remember that since students are studying various courses or the records of various countries we have prepared the cases and data to be as generic as possible. You will find many names, dates and places to be strictly fictitious. We advise you to complete any other Basic level courses you are registered in, before starting this one.
The course’s assignments/projects will be reviewed by an instructor. Feedback will be provided during two individual consultation appointments. Discussing the assignments you have completed and receiving advice regarding the appropriateness and quality of your assignment answers is an integral part of this practical program.
Please be aware that although this is a 52-week course, it simply means that you will have up to one year from the date you start the course to complete and submit all the assignments and the private one-on-one consultations. Once you have scheduled your start date for this course, it is advised you make every effort to schedule your time to work towards completing the course’s required reading, assignments, attend the Virtual Meetings, and consultations with an instructor.
If this course is included in a registered package, we strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself, from the beginning, with the requirements for completing this course. As you work your way through the other courses in your package, this will heighten your awareness of the relevance of the knowledge required to successfully complete the Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program.