Alice Childs, assistant director of the BYU Center for Family History and Genealogy, recently shared valuable insights on how to determine correct information from historical documents during her Education Week class on Friday, Aug. 23. Her class, titled “Analyzing Historical Records to Form Correct Conclusions,” aimed to assist amateur genealogists in recognizing and rectifying errors in historical records. The session involved a combination of lecture and audience participation, providing attendees with practical tools to enhance their genealogy research skills.
Childs emphasized the importance of understanding the origins and reliability of historical documents commonly used in genealogy research. While many records such as birth certificates, cemetery records, newspaper clippings, and military documents were not initially intended for genealogical purposes, they can still serve as valuable resources for tracing and documenting family history. Childs highlighted that all documents relevant to genealogy work are ultimately provided by the Lord, underscoring the divine nature of this important task.
During the class, Childs introduced three key questions that genealogists can use to assess the historical accuracy of a source. These questions include considerations such as when and how the source was created, who provided the information for the source, and whether the facts in the source directly or indirectly address the research question at hand. By encouraging attendees to critically evaluate the provenance and content of historical documents, Childs empowered them to make informed decisions in their genealogical research endeavors.
In addition to these analytical questions, Childs urged genealogists to clarify their research objectives and goals. Whether seeking to uncover an ancestor’s birthdate, locate a gravesite, or identify parents, having a clear research question in mind can guide the search for relevant information. Childs also stressed the importance of cross-referencing multiple documents to corroborate, refute, or supplement existing historical records—a practice known as correlating evidence. By examining various sources in conjunction, researchers can mitigate the risk of relying on potentially erroneous or incomplete information.
Childs further underscored the significance of considering the proximity of a historical document to the information it conveys. Documents that are closer in time to the events they describe are generally more reliable, as they are more likely to contain firsthand accounts rather than secondhand or compiled information. By evaluating the credibility of the sources and understanding the context in which they were created, genealogists can make more accurate and well-founded conclusions in their research.
In closing, Childs referenced a poignant quote from Elder Dale G. Renlund’s 2016 RootsTech address, emphasizing the transformative power of temple and family history work. She reiterated the sacred nature of genealogy as the Lord’s work, affirming that those engaged in this labor of love will receive divine assistance in their endeavors. Childs’ testimony of the blessings that come from engaging in family history work resonated with attendees, inspiring them to continue their efforts in connecting with their ancestors and strengthening family bonds.
In conclusion, Alice Childs’ class on analyzing historical records provided attendees with valuable insights and practical strategies for enhancing their genealogy research skills. By emphasizing the importance of critical analysis, clear research objectives, and cross-referencing multiple sources, Childs equipped genealogists with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of historical documents and uncover accurate information about their family history. As participants left the class inspired and empowered, they were reminded of the sacred nature of genealogy as a means of honoring and connecting with their ancestors, guided by the hand of the Lord in this important work.
