Writing Genealogical Proofs Using Documentary and Genetic Evidence

“Karen Stanbary is a wonderful instructor. She is warm and approachable. Always willing to help and answer questions. Very patient and engaging. As for the virtual nature of this cyberspace environment. I loved it. I do not like to travel so having this opportunity made IGHR a reality for me. I cannot imagine driving home after the week we just had in Course 12. I don’t think I knew my right from left until sometime Saturday afternoon. My IQ went up at least 10 points after completing this course. Karen is a gem!”

“By the course being virtual this year, it allowed me to immediately incorporate the methodologies learned to my own research and documentary evidence (that was literally at my fingertips) while I was still learning. Great decision!!”

“Love the virtual institute! It is much easier to complete the computer work on my home system with multiple large monitors instead of on a laptop with a small screen. Much prefer this format!”

Writing Genealogical Proofs Using Documentary and Genetic Evidence

About the Course

  • Maximum: 30 students
  • Virtual classrooms using Zoom
  • Lectures will be recorded and available to view for one month after the end of the course
  • All courses come with a digital syllabus
  • Students will receive a digital certificate upon course completion

Course Faculty

Description

This hands-on course provides the opportunity for students to practice and gain confidence in the skills needed to craft written proofs integrating evidence drawn from documentary and genetic sources. The sequenced case examples build the skills set from simple to complex. Case examples include discussions for reader-friendly tables and figures and the principles of crafting citations to document DNA sources.

Prerequisites, textbooks, and other student information

Homework:

Each week, the student will complete the written work initiated in class at home.

Course prerequisites:

This is an ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE course that focuses on writing about DNA test results. The student should be prepared with concluded research that meets the Genealogical Proof Standard. The students will use this course to seek guidance on writing strategies. This course will not cover other DNA topics such as inheritance patterns, tools, references, admixture, brick wall strategies, etc. The prerequisite requires previous completion of the following full-week institute courses at any genealogical institute in two categories:

An intermediate level methodology course such as:

1—Intermediate Foundations, Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies, Digger Deeper: Records, Tools and Skills

A DNA course such as:

2—Beginning DNA, Introduction to Genetic Genealogy, Practical Genetic Genealogy, All-DNA Evidence Analysis Practicum

If a registrant does not meet the prerequisites, a work sample may be submitted for consideration that correlates genetic and documentary sources to establish a conclusion meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard.

Completion of this course will serve as a prerequisite for the traditional Advanced DNA courses coordinated by Karen Stanbary and offered at IGHR and SLIG.

Pre-reading Requirements:

Jones, Thomas W. Mastering Genealogical Proof. Arlington, Va.: National Genealogical Society, 2013.

Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, 4th ed. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2024. (Please study the first three chapters).

In-Class References:

Board for Certification of Genealogists. Genealogy Standards, 2nd ed., rev. Arlington, Virginia: Turner, 2021.

Golden Nuggets

The class will collaborate on a “Golden Nuggets Quicksheet” of handy tips and strategies learned throughout the course.

2026 Course Schedule (All times listed are Eastern Time)

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 – Week 1
 Proof Summaries and Simpler Proof Arguments
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee with Karen (Stanbary)
To bat away anxieties, crush writer’s block, empower and motivate!
11:00 – 12:15 Case Studies – Mechanics and Strategies for Written Proofs (Stanbary)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Case Studies – Mechanics and Strategies for Written Proofs (Stanbary)
1:45 – 2:30 Lunch
2:30 – 3:45 Guided Hands-on Session (Stanbary)
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Week 2
 Proof Summaries and Simpler Proof Arguments
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee with Karen (Stanbary)
To bat away anxieties, crush writer’s block, empower and motivate!
11:00 – 12:15 Case Studies – Mechanics and Strategies for Written Proofs (Stanbary)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Case Studies – Mechanics and Strategies for Written Proofs (Stanbary)
1:45 – 2:30 Lunch
2:30 – 3:45 Guided Hands-on Session (Stanbary)
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Week 3
 Proof Summaries and Simpler Proof Arguments
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee with Karen (Stanbary)
To bat away anxieties, crush writer’s block, empower and motivate!
11:00 – 12:15 Case Studies – Mechanics and Strategies for Written Proofs (Jones)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Case Studies – Mechanics and Strategies for Written Proofs (Jones)
1:45 – 2:30 Lunch
2:30 – 3:45 Guided Hands-on Session (Jones)
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – Week 4
 Complex Proof Arguments
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee with Karen (Stanbary)
To bat away anxieties, crush writer’s block, empower and motivate!
11:00 – 12:15 Advanced Methodology for Defensible Conclusions (Jones)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Writing Choices to Meet the GPS and Genealogy Standards (Jones)
1:45 – 2:30 Lunch
2:30 – 3:45 Guided Hands-on Session (Jones)
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – Week 5
 Complex Proof Arguments
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee with Karen (Stanbary)
To bat away anxieties, crush writer’s block, empower and motivate!
11:00 – 12:15 Advanced Methodology for Defensible Conclusions (Stanbary)
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 1:45 Writing Choices to Meet the GPS and Genealogy Standards (Stanbary)
1:45 – 2:30 Lunch
2:30 – 3:45 Guided Hands-on Session (Stanbary)
3:45 – 4:00 Break
4:00 – 5:00 Course wrap-up, Golden Nuggets and the Genealogy Superstar experience (Stanbary)