I hadn’t felt confident in my mastery of the GPS standards and wanted to delve deeper into the subject. GenProof helped me do that. The weekly reading and assignments developed my skills, and the weekly Zoom meeting gave me the ability to learn from a pro and ask questions, so I really understood the subjects. I learned so much in those eight weeks and have seen a big improvement in my research and writing skills.

“I have a deeper understanding of how to use the Genealogical Proof Standard in my research and writing because of GenProof 57. This course showed me how to enhance my research and analysis then brought my writing to a higher level of professionalism. GenProof is a course for any genealogist who wants to propel their research and writing to a higher standard.”

“I found the GenProof Study Groups program to be a great resource, both for learning and for connecting with other genealogists. I had owned the book Mastering Genealogical Proof for several years and had attempted to work through it once or twice on my own. GenProof provided the impetus I needed to get it done. Getting to know colleagues is a bonus!”

“Going through GenProof will force you to see your weaknesses. I started off strong, but by the end of the class, I had fallen behind. Most enlightening was that I realized I was not quite ready to move forward with ProGen or certification just yet: I needed to do more actual genealogy. As much as I love learning, GenProof made me reevaluate the coming year and dedicate it to ‘doing genealogy.’”

“It’s one thing to read the elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard, and another thing to understand and apply them to your genealogy work products. The GenProof Study Group provides an opportunity to identify your current skill level, immerse yourself in fully understanding each standard, conduct evidence analysis, dissect sources, identify and resolve conflicts, and apply those skills to writing a proof argument. The GenProof study group was an invaluable deep dive into the heart and soul of quality and credibility in the professional genealogy field.”

“GenProof was an amazing learning experience. The content is outstanding but even better was the peer reviews that drove the class. Our group still meets about once per month as the feedback and experiences were so valuable. The class will make you think and really help you fine tune how citations and proofs fit together.”

“GenProof was an important step in my genealogical education. The assignments were thought-provoking and helped me to truly stretch my genealogical muscles. Research can be such a solitary activity, it was wonderful to be part of such a smart, supportive group.”

“I feel as if I have a much deeper understanding of genealogical proof than ever before. I have been studying for some time, but this discussion group has helped solidify my understanding of these basic principles. I am indebted to Denise Lindgren for creating an inviting environment with questions and presentations that captured my attention and expanded my knowledge base. I am especially grateful to my fellow students who created interesting and lively discussions demonstrating their expertise and sometimes their sense of humor. Overall, a great adult learning experience!”

“I’ve probably read the BCG’s Genealogy Standards hundreds of times but working through the GPS in GenProof made the lightbulb finally go on in my brain. Each week’s readings, assignments, and presentations went step by step through the logic and practical application of the standards. Being able to ask an expert the why and how of the GPS in real time with real examples made it click for me. I feel much more confident now that I can apply the standards using reason and logic while planning, researching, and writing up my work products.”

“GenProof: such a great experience! Even though I am also doing ProGen, I am glad I did this program as well. I really value that GenProof allows you to spend extra time on this critical part of genealogy.  I had already read Mastering Genealogical Proof, but I slowed down this time and got a lot more out of it. Working on a chapter at a time and then having our mentor guide us through it was so helpful.

Eight weeks for GenProof is the perfect length for this weekly study group: short enough that I could commit to it on top of other obligations, but long enough to get to know my classmates and mentor (and to learn, of course). Our mentor Shannon Green was fantastic: knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic. I loved how she shared her own examples. In short, I highly recommend GenProof!”

“GenProof was an amazing experience. It exceeded my expectations for continuing genealogy education. I have a better understanding of the Genealogical Proof Standard and how to use it to write proven conclusions. Going through Mastering Genealogical Proof within a study group of like-minded people really helped put the concepts into practice and the discussions pulled my strengths and weaknesses out. Each assignment was cohesive to the textbook readings to deconstruct and construct the GPS elements.”

Also, Shelley [Bishop] is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and properly addressed our needs during all our discussions! I am so grateful for the experience.”

I’m excited to share that all of the positive things that you hear about ProGen Study Groups are true! I thoroughly enjoyed the class and our mentor/teacher Mary Penner is a top notch teacher on many levels. The class helped me stay on task to push my way through Tom Jones book Mastering Genealogical Proof and it did that and more! The Zoom meetings following each chapter’s assignment help reinforce the assignment and reading for the week. I highly recommend the class.