Genealogical Standards of Evidence: A Guide for Family Historians

Genealogist's Reference Shelf

by Brenda Dougall Merriman

Genealogical evidence is the information that allows us to identify an individual, an event in his or her life, or the relationship between individuals. In such a process, we often hear or use words such as evidence, proof, or documentation. Brenda Dougall Merriman takes readers through the genealogical process of research and identification, along the way examining how the genealogical community has developed standards of evidence and documentation, what those standards are, and how they can be applied. As a supplement to courses, workshops, and seminars, this book provides both an in-depth and inexpensive reference, perfect for compiling and checking research notes.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Adult

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. A more approachable version of “Mastering Genealogical Documentation” by Thomas Jones. No where near as in depth, but probably enough for the curious hobbyist, and it provides many references and links to explore more into whatever interests you.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Review of genealogy standards for the beginner.

[Gwnhwyfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book didn't turn out to be what I expected.

That's not necessarily a bad thing (and in this case it wasn't), it was just...unexpected.

Genealogical Standards of Evidence by Brenda Dougall Merriman is part of the Genealogist's Reference Shelf series by OGS/Dundurn Press. As befits a guide from a Canadian genealogy guru, it is a concise and readable *introduction* (note the stars) to the current citation practices and evidence analysis within the genealogical field. She also covers, in brief, suggestions for further education (courses, certification, societies, etc.), includes a 5 (and 1/2) page checklist of sources, and ends with "illustrative examples" of common Canadian (mostly Ontario) historical documents, accompanied by explanations and citation examples. Overall, Genealogical Standards of Evidence is a good reference book, especially for beginning and Canadian genealogists and at just over 120 pages, it won't take up too much space on the shelf.

That being said...

I was expecting this book to be less an introduction and more of a Canadian version of Elizabeth Shown Mills' Evidence!. I had assumed it would include (as the major body of the book) lists or examples of Canadian documents and how to cite them - which was included, but nowhere near the amount that I had hoped for. While Evidence! is hands down the best go-to guide, it only contains American examples (which does almost nothing for me ;)

In the end, I craved reassurance that I was creating my *Canadian* citations (and mini footnote proof arguments) in the correct manner. While there are minor differences between what is given and how I have constructed mine, Merriman's examples reassured me that I'm on the right track. She's also got me thinking about furthering my "genealogical" education - not bad, for the unexpected. ;)

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boring as hell, but essential reading for genealogists.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good starting point of information into standards and practices. Some specific information on developing qualifications and certification is also a helpful inclusion.

[Bonnie Lymer]

This book is a short read and a good reference aid for anyone involved in genealogical research.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful resource, including examples and options for further information.

[Anthony · Rating 2 out of 5]

The meat of this short book is in the first section, which focuses on using reliable sources of information and documenting them accordingly. The 2nd section is a checklist of different documents which can be used for gaining information. The 3rd section lists a number of groups and educations resources for learning more about genealogy. After the reading the first section, which I think was very useful, the rest of the book felt like filler.