Genealogical proof and source citation

Genealogical proof and source citation

<h3>Proof of the pudding</h3> <p>The article <a href="http://parallax-viewpoint.blogspot.ca/2013/12/proof-of-pudding.html" target="_blank">Proof of the Pudding</a> by Tony Proctor compares genealogy terms of "proof" and "fact" against the scientific interpretation. The comment that scientific evidence can be "here-and-now" whereas our genealogy evidence has to be "been-and-gone" by its very nature is an interesting one.</p> <h3>The importance of original records</h3> <p>If we can see the original record – and if possible, look at other original records from the same collection – we can compare records made at the same time and acquire insights into what might be missing, which could be as interesting as what has survived. A useful reminder "about reliability, authenticity, chain of custody, gaps, absences and silences" is given in the presentation by Maureen Callahan <a href="http://icantiemyownshoes.wordpress.com/2014/04/04/the-value-of-archival-description-considered" target="_blank">The Value of Archival Description Considered</a>. Even in the area of newspapers and other printed sources it is good to keep an eye out for different digital versions ideally from different collections. Although they may be identical, they may not be, for quite a number of reasons.</p> <p>If you cannot see the original (for which there could be many reasons) do cite the source of the "copy".</p> <p>A worrying trend from the point of view of accurate and thorough research is for archives to withdraw original documents and microfilms where the material has been digitised. Those filming records to supply digital images for websites can and do make mistakes. It is a very simple matter to skip a page or pages, creating alphabet soup from the records. It is yet another way for errors to creep in – just like with indexes and transcripts.</p> <p>This problem has cropped up with the Masters' and Mates' Certificates on Ancestry, the originals of which are in the National Maritime Museum. One Guild member (Ann Cossar?) asked to see the original files of several crew members. An NMM staff member told her that was not necessary because they were all filmed and on Ancestry. When she insisted on seeing the original records she discovered that not all the documents had been filmed. Replacement certificates were issued when one had been lost – for example in a shipwreck. So it is not uncommon to find more than one Master's or Mate's certificate for an individual in a file, together with two application forms – often dated some years apart and containing details of different ships and voyages. In some cases Ancestry doesn't seem to have realised this and have only filmed one certificate and its supporting documents. Important information is thus lost to researchers who think they have seen everything on Ancestry.</p> <h3>Further reading</h3> <p>Guild members might also like to take a look at the book <em>Evidence!</em> by Elizabeth Shown Mills (126 pages, pub: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1997). The subject is, inevitably, a little abstruse, but Mills' book has a commendable introduction to a difficult subject, urging researchers to take a diligent approach.</p> <p><em>Evidence Explained</em>, the sequel (885 pages), also covers trickier things, like citing web pages.</p> <p>The first book was an introduction and very simple application of citations. The second one was after a great deal of research and is regarded by some genealogists as the bible on citation. The chapters cover pretty much everything you might come across, including the whys. Much had changed in the time between the books – both the internet and international sources exploded and the author was addressing all types of sources.</p> <p>Mills and her colleagues with the National Genealogical Society are among the best representatives in genealogical research. If there ever was a "must have" book for the researcher, her book on evidence is it. She also has published a laminated four-page Quick Sheet on <em>Citing Online Historical Resources</em> with an outline of  the basic principles. This quick sheet is a very handy tool.</p> <p>In applying a basic criteria for citing sources, we demonstrate our research and allow others to follow-up on our work. Much like court cases, there is direct evidence, indirect evidence and circumstantial evidence. With our knowledge of sources, with our cited material, we make a stronger case. In some cases, a "preponderance of evidence" can be shown in proving genealogical connections.</p> <p>If you can get the book <em><a href="http://www.evidenceesplained.com" target="_blank">Evidence Explained</a></em>, it is the later and very complete guide. Be sure to check out her website whether you buy the book or not – the lessons and examples are very helpful. And remember to check at the library for a copy if purchasing is not an option.</p> <p>Two Quick Lessons by Elizabeth Shown Mills on her ''Evidence Explained'' website:</p> <ul> <li>Lesson 16 – S<a href="https://www.evidenceexplained.com/content/quicklesson-16-speculation-hypothesis-interpretation-proof" target="_blank">peculation, hypothesis, interpretation, proof</a></li> <li>Lesson 8 – <a href="https://www.evidenceexplained.com/content/quicklesson-8-what-constitutes-proof" target="_blank">What constitutes proof?</a></li> </ul>