Principles for Effective Evidence Analysis

It is imperative that we use both traditional and online resources in our research and work them in tandem. With the volume of digitized resources growing exponentially each year, our rapid access to original genealogical records online may flood us with more information than we can handle. It is easy to rush through the evidence examination and analysis processes, increasing the probably that we will miss critical details. It is critical that we take the time to carefully analyze all the evidence content for clues implied or suggested. This lecture discusses the principles of highly effective genealogical evidence analysis and shows examples of capturing all the clues to expand and improve our research.

Dissecting Obituaries for New Clues

Obituaries are miniature biographies for the deceased. The writers were compelled to compress as much information into a small amount of text. Your job is to carefully analyze the content of the death notice, obituary, and/or funeral notice and look for clues. This seminar presents a methodology for dissecting an obituary, determining what information is provided or inferred, identifying record types that may be available, where those records are located, and how to access them.

Laying Out Clues in Funeral Home Records

Funeral home and mortuary records can provide clues to many other sources, especially before death certificates were issued and between censuses. Learn what information may be included, what it infers, and places to locate the records. Examples of records from online sources are presented and discussed.

Sidestep Genealogy

Brick wall research blocks are inevitable. We strive to start with ourselves and work backwards, but sometimes there are impediments that stop us in our tracks. It is then that we must use our most creative research skills, and it is essential that we move to other family members. That means researching our ancestors' siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the collateral lines with which they are connected. Sidestep genealogy means researching these alternative individuals, their records, the places that they lived, and other resources. This lecture will make you stop and think about what alternative research paths you might use, and point you to new resources you may never have considered.