Registration:

We anticipate offering the next set of GenProof Study Groups in September-October of 2021. Registration for those events will be posted a couple of months in advance, so please check back here often. Thanks, and we hope to see you soon!

Program Overview:

GenProof Study Groups are based on the book Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones. The program includes studying the material in the book, discussions with peers, and the guidance of an experienced mentor. After completing the program, you will know the tenets of the Genealogical Proof Standard, understand reasonably exhaustive research, be able to write source citations, conduct analysis, and know when to use a proof summary. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to network and meet peers in similar stages of their educational journey.

Participants read each chapter and complete the exercises in the book, then meet together with other genealogists to discuss the concepts. Mentors volunteer their time to host the group discussions and answer questions on the topics.

This is an intense condensed study program. Participants must have 5-10 hours per week (up to 40 hours a month) to dedicate to its successful completion.

The Study Groups Add Value by Providing:

• A framework for studying the book

• Additional exercises to reinforce the concepts

• A mentor to guide the group and answer questions

• Focused questions to discuss within the peer group

Additional Information about the Program:

• 8 weeks of study and group discussions

• Weekly assignments from the book which must be completed and submitted online

• Total time commitment of 5-10 hours per week (up to 40 hours a month)

• Weekly one-hour Zoom meetings

• Groups of up to12 peers

• Guided by an experienced mentor

• Enrollment fee of $35

• Certificate of completion awarded

Prerequisites:

Students should be intermediate level and be able to discuss the concepts of the Genealogical Proof Standard, evidence analysis, source citations, and more. Registrants should demonstrate their education and experience including genealogy courses, conferences, institutes, or an equivalent.

Completion Requirements:

To receive a completion certificate, participants must complete ALL the assignments in Mastering Genealogical Proof and participate in the weekly discussions. Assignments are not graded, nor are they reviewed by the mentor or by peers. Completing each assignment is its own reward!

Mastering Genealogical Proof

In the preface of his book Mastering Genealogical Proof, Thomas W. Jones writes "I wrote this book to help other genealogists understand in a reasonable time frame what decades of trial-and-error experiences have taught me. I hope the text and exercises will save them from the embarrassing blunders and misconceptions I have experienced. I hope it will enable many more family historians to advance their genealogical research goals efficiently and accurately. All of us should be able to reconstruct confidently, and portray accurately, the lives and relationships of people we cannot see."