Genealogical Proof Standard Archive
30 Nov 2017
Evaluating Court Testimonies as Genealogical Evidence
By Aaron Goodwin On 30 November 2017 In Uncategorized
The Genealogical Proof Standard includes “(a) a reasonably exhaustive search in reliable sources for all information that is or may be pertinent to the identity, relationship, event, or situation in question[.]”[1] Court records are generally considered “reliable
12 Jul 2016
Visualizing Information for Analysis and Correlation
By Melissa Johnson On 12 July 2016 In Uncategorized
The first element of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS)—reasonably exhaustive research[1]—calls for digging into the circumstances of a research subject’s life, and identifying sources and strategies that may help provide an answer to a specific research question.
25 Jan 2016
The Genealogical Proof Standard In Practice
By Melissa Johnson On 25 January 2016 In Uncategorized
In the field of genealogy, the conclusion to a research question is considered proven when it meets the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). The GPS consists of five interdependent elements, each of which plays a role in ensuring
7 Nov 2015
A Lesson in Reasonably Exhaustive Research
By Melissa Johnson On 7 November 2015 In Uncategorized
Genealogists who reconstruct their family histories must meet the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) to ensure that their conclusions are sound. The first element of the GPS is “reasonably exhaustive research—emphasizing original records providing participants’ information—for all evidence
10 Mar 2015
The Proof Is In the Writing
By Melissa Johnson On 10 March 2015 In Uncategorized
As genealogists, we focus heavily on proof—proof of relationships, identity, and circumstances. To successfully establish proof, we must meet the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), which requires us to present our evidence in writing. Discussions of proof generally take