Thoughts on Discussions - about "PROOF" and such

DearREADERS,
Following much discussion (with a few approaching arguments) about the use of the term "proof" in genealogy circles,  Mr. Myrt and I spent a good 45 minutes talking about it ourselves before getting up this morning. (Yup, that's early morning pillow talk for two avid genealogists!)  TMI?

Discussion accomplishes several worthy goals:

1. Internalizing principles taught by Dr. Jones in Mastering Genealogical Proof and other industry leaders such as Elizabeth Shown Mills in the first two chapters of Evidence Explained.

2. Comparing and contrasting said principles with one's current research practices.

3. Comparing one's practices with innovative patterns developed by local genealogy friends.

4. Extending the discussion beyond the confines of one's immediate circle of fellow researchers, diligently seeking alternative thought.

5. Acknowledging changes brought forth by new found record groups and emerging technologies.

6. Careful to eschew 21st century definitions of legal terms, understanding colloquialisms from each ancestor's residence and time period.

7. Resolving to espouse best research practices.

Wouldn't you say this becomes a cycle of learning until we get old and set in our ways?

FOR FURTHER READING

• Board for Certification of Genealogists The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual (book) now updated and revised into this new publication titled Genealogy Standards (book)
• Christine Rose's Genealogical Proof Standard, Building a Solid Case (book)
• Elizabeth Shown Mills' Evidence Explained (book, in particular the first two chapters)
• Elizabeth Shown Mills, editor Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers and Librarians (book)
• George G. Morgan and Drew Smith's Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques (book)
• Karen Clifford, editor Becoming an Accredited Genealogist: Plus 100 Tips to Ensure Your Success, Revised Edition (book)
• Michael Nolan Henderson Got Proof!: My Genealogical Journey Through the Use of Documentation (book)
• Thomas W. Jones' Mastering Genealogical Proof (book with homework assignments)

Additional worthwhile items on the web:

• BCG's website: The Genealogical Proof Standard
• Elizabeth Shown Mills, "Analyzing Deeds for Useful Clues," OnBoard 1 (January 1995): 8.
  
• Elizabeth Shown Mills, "Analyzing Wills for Useful Clues," OnBoard 1 (May 1995): 16.
• Evidence Explained Facebook Page
• Evidence Explained Website
• Helen F.M. Leary, "Evidence Revisited — DNA, POE and GPS," OnBoard 4 (January 1998): 1-2,5.
• Kathleen W. Hinckley, "Analyzing City Directories," OnBoard 2 (May 1996): 16.
• Sandra MacLean Clunies, "Evaluating Web Resources," OnBoard 10 (May 2004): 12-13.
• Barbara J. Mathews, "Structural Elements of A Good Genealogy," OnBoard 12 (January 2006): 1-2.
• Linda Woodward Geiger, "Guidelines for Evaluating Genealogical Resources," OnBoard 14 (May 2008): 14-15. 
• Laura A. DeGrazia, "Proof Arguments," OnBoard 15 (January 2009): 1-3.
• Barbara Vines Little, "It's Not That Hard to Write Proof Arguments," OnBoard 15 (September 2009): 20-23.

Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt     :)
DearMYRTLE,
Your friend in genealogy.

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