LECTURE TITLE: Making Good Use of Direct and Indirect Evidence
SESSION NUMBER: T253
TIME & DATE: 3 May, 4pm
SPONSOR: BYU Center for Family History and Genealogy

Understanding how to identify, analyze, and effectively use evidence is the cornerstone for genealogical research. This session discusses evidence types (based on the Genealogical Proof Standard) and how to use them effectively; it concentrates on nineteenth- and early twentieth-century US research. We will use a series of short case studies (materials are included in syllabus) to highlight analyzing evidence and using various pieces of evidence to answer genealogical research questions.

Attendees might also be interested in visiting the sponsor’s booth in the exhibit hall. Brigham Young University (BYU) offers the only BA in family history/genealogy in North America. While the program is bricks-and-mortar-only, faculty and students produce online genealogical databases that are free to the public. Drop by the booth to learn more about those databases, about the bachelor’s program, or just to meet the next generation of genealogists. Visit the BYU Center for Family History and Genealogy.

ABOUT: Amy Harris, PhD, AG®, is a a history/family history professor at BYU where she directs the Family History Program. She has done genealogy since she could write and the love of it has never waned. She feels fortunate enough to work in the genealogical field and to teach the upcoming generation of genealogists/family historians.