From Simple to Complex: Applying Genealogy’s Standard of Proof to Your Work

As part of my continuing series where guest authors share reviews of courses at genealogy institutes, here Robert Raymond highlights one of the courses at the British Institute  which is sponsored by the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History.

 

From Simple to Complex: Applying Genealogy’s Standard of Proof to Your Work

Taught by Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS

Tom Jones is one of the great genealogists of our time. His course at the 2012 British Institute was one of the best I’ve ever attended. The course was adapted from his new book, Mastering Genealogical Proof. ** The book is in text book format with learning exercises. This was a great opportunity to learn the lessons as taught personally by the author. Tom stepped us through each interdependent element of the genealogical proof standard. I thought he had the right mix between lecture and exercises. I would recommend this course to anyone.

Be sure to bring your Eskimo coat. The classrooms downstairs are icy cold and hotel staff say it is impossible to balance the temperatures with the remainder of the hotel.

Robert Raymond, of FamilySearch

Note: This class will be offered at the 2013 British Institute with a title change: From Simple to Complex: Applying Genealogy’s Standard of Acceptability to British Research – Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS

Course description: Through hands-on activities, lectures, and discussions, participants will learn how to use widely accepted standards to measure their genealogical work’s accuracy and to assess others’ genealogical conclusions. In the process they also will learn about genealogical research planning, its implementation, genealogical reasoning, and the preparation of credible genealogical products. 

The 2013 British Institute will be held 7 – 11 October 2013 at the Radisson Hotel Downtown in Salt Lake City, Utah. Details on the four courses to be offered will be posted in the coming weeks.

** This new book is going to be published by the National Genealogical Society and will be released this coming April or May.