If you’re like me and overwhelmed by DNA and this new wealth of information for genealogists, I am going through my experience with the Research Like a Pro with DNA e-course to help those looking for a way to get started! This is the ninth and last post in the series. In the eighth step of the RLP with DNA process, Following Your Plan, Research Logging & Writing as You Go, I followed the research plan I made in Research Planning – Selecting DNA Tools & Methodology, and made some exciting progress towards my research objective. Now that I’ve conducted...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about Nicole’s ProGen study group assignment to write a family narrative about one generation in a family. We discuss Nicole and Diana’s ancestor, Thomas Bradley, his life in Lincolnshire, England, and his four illegitimate children. Join us as we discuss the process of acquiring records about his life, organizing the information into a narrative, and selecting details about his life to include in the narrative. Links Illegitimate in Lincolnshire, England: The Children of Thomas Bradley – first draft of Nicole’s family narrative ProGen assignment Time Travel to Lincoln Castle Prison – blog...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about writing a DNA proof argument. First we discuss three types of proofs: proof statements, proof summaries, and proof arguments. Then we talk about how to organize a proof argument that includes DNA evidence. We discuss figures and tables and how to include numerical data. Join us as we discuss how to write DNA proof arguments! Links How to Write and Publish a Proof Argument with DNA Evidence by Nicole DNA Case Studies in the NGSQ – Google Sheets Document RLP 125: Privacy and Permission in DNA Report Writing Mastering Genealogical Proof...
Do you have a forgotten story in your family history? One that might seem unbelievable until some fact checking proves it to be true? We all have ancestors whose story might be begging to be told. Could a family story been silenced due to shame, misunderstanding, negligence? If so we have a challenging task ahead of us to uncover more information and provide the perspective that comes with time. In Bold Spirit: Helga Estby’s Forgotten Walk Across Victorian America by Linda Lawrence Hunt, we have an example of uncovering the story of an incredible feat that was initially silenced by...
Have you thought about the steps to take to work through a DNA research project? Have you ever been stuck or lost during a project and wondered what you should do next? What do you do? I’ve thought about it a lot, and it motivated me to create DNA Process Trees that have a stepwise model/instructions/flowchart of the main steps to take when working through a DNA research objective. The steps help me maximize the research time I have available. Use coupon code DNAProcess25 to get 25% off the charts until 10/3/20 I have also added some logistical steps...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about copyright and plagiarism for genealogists. Have you ever wondered what the rules are for using others’ work? When is it ok to use works whose copyright may have expired? How can you know if sharing something in your family history book or blog is fair use or not? Come listen to our discussion of these important topics. Links Plagiarism and Copyright for Genealogists by Diana at Family Locket Elizabeth Shown Mills’ QuickLesson 15: Plagiarism—Five “Copywrongs” of Historical Writing The National Genealogical Society has published “Guidelines for Sharing information with Others”...
How do you learn history? Watching a movie? Taking a course? Reading a historical novel? Discovering the nuances of time and place can make all the difference in our ability to make connections in our family history. Personally, I have found the historical novel, based on research, to be my favorite learning vehicle. A memorable story engages our brain and helps to absorb more information. The Family Locket Book Club on Goodreads is featuring Isle of Canes by Elizabeth Shown Mills as its summer selection and I am pleased to introduce you to the historical novel that plunged me into...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about a case study Diana wrote about the father of Mary French. Determining the maiden name and parents of a woman born in the late 1700s is one of the most difficult genealogical undertakings. Because women were not mentioned in many of the records of the era, few sources exist to prove their parentage. Combine that with record loss and the task becomes even more difficult. Descendants of Ignatius Bryan, born about 1775 in Maryland and died 1803 in Hardin County, Kentucky have long wondered about the origins of his wife Mary....
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about the Kinship Determination Project (KDP), the narrative family history work sample portfolio element submitted to the Board for Certification of Genealogists. The KDP element shows your ability to prove parent-child links as well as tell the story of a family in their unique place and time. There are three formats of narrative family histories – narrative genealogy, narrative lineage, and narrative pedigree. We discuss these terms and the numbering systems that go with them. We also discuss proof statements, summaries, and arguments, and what these look like. Links Kinship Determination: From...
Do you have an ancestor who emigrated from another country yet left no story about the why and how? Leaving a home and traveling to a new place, learning a new language and culture – these are significant events in our family story that can strengthen us in our own challenges. How do you discover the story of an ancestor? The Research Like a Pro process will not only help you organize a research project to break down a brick wall, it can give you the tools needed to research and write your ancestor’s narrative. Nancy Gilbride Casey is an...
