Study Groups to Help You Master Genealogical Proof

Our program offers genealogists a guided exploration of Mastering Genealogical Proof, by Thomas W. Jones, in a group-study format. Under the leadership of a skilled volunteer mentor we provide live discussions in Zoom, online discussions in Basecamp, and independent reading and written assignments, supported by the book’s content and additional proprietary materials.

How often we form study groups depends on the availability of our talented volunteer mentors. Our goal is to host two sessions per year: late March-mid May and late September-mid November. We’ll announce session dates on Facebook once they’re set – usually about two months before the starting week. You can stay up to date by following us there.  If you “like” our Facebook page you’ll receive notification of any posts.

During the program you will develop a deeper understanding of:

  • The Genealogical Proof Standard and its application
  • Fundamental genealogical concepts
  • The research cycle
  • Documentation
  • The processes of analysis, correlation, and conflict resolution
  • Assembling evidence to form a conclusion
  • Written proofs

The GenProof Study Groups program is designed for genealogists who have both practical experience with a variety of record types and formal education at the intermediate level or higher. This is a challenging study program. Even advanced genealogists benefit from repeat engagements with the concepts, methodologies, and standards taught in Mastering Genealogical Proof.  GenProof students must have enough familiarity with the topics listed above to participate meaningfully in the live group discussions.

Read the Program Description and our FAQs section for important information about GenProof Study Groups.

Registration

We use the Eventbrite platform for registration. We’ll set up the registration event as soon as all group meeting dates are firmly established. Once we’ve done so, you’ll be able to see that there’s an upcoming event, though not yet register.

We’ll open registration six weeks prior to the session’s starting week. It will remain open for four weeks, unless all groups fill before then.

To enroll:

  • Select the upcoming registration event.
  • Select the “Register” link
  • A window will open with the meeting dates/times and remaining available spaces for each group. We operate entirely in Eastern time zone, so adjust according to your location.
  • Registration is first come–first served and there are no waiting lists.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to withdraw during the registration period, we will refund your tuition less Eventbrite’s small, non-refundable fee. We are unable to offer tuition refunds for withdrawals after registration closes.

Susan VH Fabian

Smithsburg, MD - GenProof 71
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.

Becky Stephens

Dallas, TX - GenProof 57
“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.”

Eileen Rhine

Santa Fe, NM - GenProof 60
“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!”

Christine De Angelis

Houston, TX - GenProof 69
“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.’”

Julie Walker

Helena, MT - GenProof 61
“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.”

David Grawrock

Ivins, UT - GenProof 53
“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.”

Susan Schuler

New Port Richey, FL - GenProof 66
“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.”

Lynne Deese

Garner, NC - GenProof 74

“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!”

Jenny Grinell

Dover, MA - GenProof 74

“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.”

Pamela Israel

Pittsburgh, PA - GenProof 81

“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!”

Ariana Franco

Miami, Fl - GenProof 83

“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.”

Dewayne Allday

Selma, Alabama - GenProof 87

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.