Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case

by Christine Rose

The Genealogical Proof Standard is the standard set by the genealogical field to build a solid case, especially when there is no direct evidence providing an snswer, or when there are conflicts in the evidence. This easy-to-read guide clearly sets forth the elements of this standard, and how to apply it to resolve genealogical problems.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Writing

58 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Christine Rose, is a Certified Genealogist Emeritus of The Board for Certification of Genealogists®, and a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists. Her lecturing experience included national conferences, and many regional seminar and local county seminars. In addition, she undertook client research across the country for many years. Since 1992 she was been an instructor and coordinator of Samford University's Institute of Historical and Genealogical Research. She is a prolific author of well reviewed genealogy guidebooks.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Proving facts can be difficult to say the least.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good clear examination of the genealogical proof standard. Nothing very new, but easy to read and provides a nice summary of how we need to approach genealogical evidence.

[Brad Garton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this one a couple of times now. It's a very concise to the point explanation of how to do high quality genealogical research and how to come to the best conclusions based on conflicting evidence.

[Lori Voshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of how to research and cite genealogical problems and solutions.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In anticipation of the soon to be released book on the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) by Tom Jones, I decided to take a look at this work by Christine Rose. It's a quick read which summarizes the basics of the GPS and provides a few examples of putting the process to work. Thankfully, I've been following the GPS appropriately in my own work although I have to admit that I'm a bit more hesitant in drawing conclusions in order to connect family members when there is absolutely no direct evidence. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is doing genealogical research, regardless of their level. I wish I'd had this book available when I first began to research my own family - it surely would have impressed on me the need to document my findings in a much better manner than I did during those early years.

[Eric Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book describes the current genealogical proof standard as defined by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Coming in at a terse 54 pages, this is more a chapter than a book. It provides diagrams and other illustrations, along with text, and a chapter of short case studies. It teaches the points of the standard well, but that’s all there is to it. If you are a careful genealogist and want to get your research proof “right,” this book is just the thing, and it’s inexpensive too.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slim book describes the "Genealoical Proof System", essentially the methods that one uses to judge when sources don't agree and direct, primary evidence doesn't exist. It's pretty straightforward stuff and nothing was really surprising so I was surprised to see the book so highly rated on amazon. While useful, it wasn't saying anything that any person who can apply simple logic would choose. Then again, perhaps that group of people is smaller than I think. :)

[JanieceK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The documentation is the least fun part of genealogy and is actually the most important part. Sometimes we get too far into it before we realize the importance. This is a little textbook that should be read by everyone when they start their genealogical journey. It is possible to build a solid case without a magic document. This book outlines the steps.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides for genealogical researchers by giving guidelines on how to prove your ancestral claims through documented evidence. Christine Rose goes over the basics of family history research by defining primary and secondary resources, as well as direct, indirect, and negative evidences.

[Trishtator · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every genealogist. Solid foundation principles of methodology presented in a clear manner. And it's a quick read too!

[Leslie Hickman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that helpful in the fact this information is just talking in circles and is in every other book. Only redeeming aspect is that it was short!

[Christine McCloud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it touches on each point of the GPS and puts it in simple terms. However, I felt that the narrative jumped around in a non-linear manner.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 'must-have' book for all genealogists!

[Sue Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but solid introduction to the Genealogical Proof Standard, explaining the concepts and working through a few examples.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt this was the must-do next step in my genealogy pursuit. Very quick read, reference book. Not super riveting but concise and nicely done.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book teaches someone interested in genealogy, how to build correct GPS cases about the history involved. It offers good reasoning and examples.