Genealogical standards is not a subject one sees taught very often by leading Italian researchers. Yet why is that? Is not learning how to research well to the advantage of any genealogist, whether you are an amateur, a professional, or somewhere in between? One does not have to be a professional in this field to want to perform one's genealogy well, to make sure that all available resources are consulted and to understand what these resources are telling you about an ancestor in their social and historical context.
However, genealogical standards as a whole are taught well by many professional genealogists, using examples that are most applicable to their own research. What one sees taught in English is naturally compiled using examples of U.S. records. However, it was not apparent to me when I first started researching Italian records in depth just how the standards taught using U.S. resources could apply to any type of research, even the ethnic or geographically-based type.
This will be the first in a series of posts on this subject. I'd like this series to be an interactive experience where questions can be asked and answered. Therefore, if you had any questions applicable to this subject, I encourage you to email them to me at: Melanie@holtzresearch.com, placing "Genealogical Standards Question" in the subject line of your email. I will either address your questions privately or answer it on this blog, especially if it is a good "teachable" question (omitting the submitters name of course).
The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) has published a book titled "Genealogy Standards," that was updated, clarified, and expanded earlier this year. This should be the "holy grail" of any genealogist wishing to do their research well, no matter what area of the field you work in. This book can be purchased on their website. BCG's website also contains many other free educational resources, including links to free monthly webinars you could attend in an effort to expand your skills. Michael Hait, CG will be speaking tonight on probate records so I encourage you to consider attending the webinar. Access information can be found on BCG's SpringBoard blog.
More to follow!
No comments:
Post a Comment