Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to include contextual information in your genealogical writing. Whether you are writing a research report, proof argument, or a family history narrative, adding context will aid you. You may want to flesh out an ancestor's life with details about their occupation and community, or add to your body of evidence by discussing the laws that prompted a record set's creation. Tune in as we discuss this important concept! Links Where to look for books of state laws and statutes: - Internet Archive - Google Books - HathiTrust Digital Library PERSI...
Have you used DNA test results to help with your genealogy research? Maybe you've heard that you can verify ancestors with DNA. Or perhaps you have formed a hypothesis about a brick wall ancestor's parents and would like to confirm it. You may want to identify the biological parents of a recent relative who was adopted. What is the best way to go about using DNA test results to meet these objectives? What tool could help you make discoveries? It may seem overwhelming to know your next step. Robin Wirthlin, our genetic genealogist, has created two decision-tree style flowcharts called...
Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to create DNA source citations. We will discuss the importance of citing and saving DNA information, the citation elements described in Genealogy Standard #5, and how to cite DNA matches and tools using this formula. We give several examples of what each element could be, from the DNA testing company name, to the details about an mtDNA haplogroup. Join us to learn about how to create citations in your DNA research. Links DNA Source Citations by Robin at Family Locket - includes the table with the 5 elements and...
Are you going to be at Rootstech 2020 in Salt Lake City? If so, we'd love to visit with you in person. For the first time, Family Locket Genealogists will have a booth in the Expo Hall for the entire conference. We have some exciting things planned to help you in your genealogy and family history endeavors. Research Like a Pro Meet-up and Research Like a Pro Ribbons Collecting ribbons for your conference name tag is a fun way to add a little bling to the week. We'll have green Research Like a Pro ribbons for anyone stopping by the...
Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to create a research plan with DNA sources and methods. Robin Wirthlin joins us as we discuss the next step in the Research Like a Pro with DNA process. We talk about the summary of known facts for documentary sources, and also for DNA sources. We go over how to identify possible sources and methods, including DNA analysis tools, then prioritize them. Throughout the episode, Nicole gives examples from an example research objective and plan - who were the parents of Malissa Welch? Join us as we discuss how to...
How can genealogists know if they are using DNA evidence correctly to prove conclusions? What is required to meet the Genealogical Proof Standard when incorporating DNA evidence? Since the 2nd Edition of Genealogy Standards was published last year, I have been studying the new standards relating to DNA evidence, Standards 51-57. Then at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) last month, I had the opportunity to learn from Karen Stanbary and her team of experienced instructors on this subject. The course was titled "Meeting Standards Using DNA Evidence — Research Strategies," with the following description: This all-new course is...
Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is an interview with Michael Strauss, Accredited Genealogist Professional. Michael is an expert on United States federal records and military records. We will talk about military service records beginning with the Revolutionary War and ending with the Philippine Insurrection (1898-1902). Michael shares how Fred Ainsworth was instrumental in creating the compiled military service records and what you might find in them. We also discuss the Official Military Personnel Files of the 20th century and how to access them. Join us for an informative discussion on military service records! Links Genealogy Research Network -...
Rootstech 2020 is coming quickly and if you want to get the most out of the experience, you'll want to prepare. With exciting keynote speakers, multiple class offerings, and an expo hall buzzing with activity, how do you choose to spend your time? Can't travel to Salt Lake City, you're also covered! Live streaming and virtual pass classes give you the opportunity to participate from anywhere in the world. Key Note Addresses The keynote addresses at Rootstech never fail to energize the crowd. Each speaker will have some connection to family history and you'll leave feeling excited to make your...
Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to prepare a lineage society application for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Kathy Kaldis is a professional genealogist and an expert on submitting successful Mayflower Society applications. She guides us through the process of working with state societies to prove your lineage to a Mayflower passenger. Listen in for her great advice! Links General Society of Mayflower Descendants - lineage society Mayflower Quarterly Magazine - Mayflower Society publication Professional Genealogy by Elizabeth Shown Mills (author, editor) - affiliate link to Amazon Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards by Elizabeth...
How often do you get the opportunity to learn from a master genealogist? In the genealogy world we can gain our education in several ways. Most common are watching webinars and videos, reading books and articles, listening to podcasts and recordings of presentations, and attending conferences and institutes. If we're lucky, we can learn from someone who is willing to share a lifetime of research experience. My week at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) gave me that opportunity. When the courses for 2020 were first announced in early 2019, I eagerly perused the offerings. Seeing that Barbara Vines...
