NGSQ Study Groups

Analyzing NGSQ articles with MGP Principles Study GroupIMG_3953

This is a monthly study group that will examine one National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ) journal article per month as posted on the website NGSQ Study Groups. We will study these articles with a focus on principles taught in Mastering Genealogical Proof (MGP) by Tom Jones. We will discuss topics on the genealogy standards, evidence analysis and correlation, writing, citations, and more. The cost is $75 for the year. For this price, you will get a monthly study group session for about one hour with your peers, led by Cyndi Ingle or Cari Taplin. You will receive the discussion questions about two weeks prior to the online meeting. There will also be a private Facebook Group for mid-month discussion. This Facebook group will be limited to study group participants only, so no outside noise!

Your commitment is to come prepared to discuss the questions (or simply show up and listen). We believe the benefit you will get out of a class is equal to the effort you put into it.

Please Note: You must have access to these articles either by being a member of NGS or from your local library. It is also highly recommended that you have a copy of Mastering Genealogical Proof. Due to copyright, we cannot provide copies of the articles to you.

There will be four sessions:

  • NGSQ/MGP Monday 1:00 pm Eastern Sessions, with Cyndi Ingle – SOLD OUT
  • NGSQ/MGP Monday 3:30 pm Eastern Sessions, with Cyndi Ingle – Register Here
  • NGSQ/MGP Tuesday 1:00 pm Eastern Sessions, with Cari Taplin – Register Here
  • NGSQ/MGP Tuesday 7:00 pm Eastern Sessions, with Cari Taplin – SOLD OUT

The current schedule for 2023 will be as follows:

  • Jan 9 & 10 – Amy Lerner Giroux, Ph.D., CG, CGL, “The Brambach, Mangold, and Beplat Saga: Evidence Supports Sensationalist Stories,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 110 (September 2022): 165–189.
  • Feb 13 & 14 – F. Warren Bittner, CG, “Without Land, Occupation, Rights, or Marriage Privilege: The Büttner Family from Bavaria to New York,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 100 (September 2012): 165­–187.
  • Mar 13 & 14 – Ronald A. Hill, Ph.D., CG, “Identification Through Signatures: Using Complex Direct Evidence to Sort Colwills of Cornwall,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 87 (September 1999): 185–198.
  • Apr 10 & 11 – Margaret R. Fortier, CG, “The Identity of Alcina, Wife of Oscar Furkey of Quebec and Vermont,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 108 (December 2020): 245–262.
  • May 8 & 9 – Barbara Vines Little, CG, FNGS, “Correct Interpretation of an Eighteenth-Century Virginia Will Restores the Parents of Allerton Newton of Westmoreland County, Virginia,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 109 (December 2021): 245–260.
  • Jun 12 & 13 – Yvette Hoitink, CG, “Four Farms, Four Names: The Identity and Parentage of Dirk Weversborg of the Netherlands,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly110 (March 2022): 53–66.
  • July 10 & 11 – Anita A. Lustenburger, CG, “The Children of Robert and Ann (Ransone) Gwyn of Gloucester County, Virginia,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 110 (June 2022): 85–101.
  • Aug 7 & 8 – Allen R. Peterson, CG, and Valerie S. Brown, “The Secret Life of Ralph Cleworth in Derbyshire and Lancashire, England,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 106 (December 2018): 279–292.
  • Sep 11 & 12 – Jeanette Shiel, CG, “Parents for Willis Ballenger of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 109 (September 2021): 189–206.
  • Oct 9 & 10 – Jill K. Morelli, CG, “Swedish Records Merge Identities to Reveal Bengt Andersson’s Parents,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 105 (September 2017): 199–210.
  • Nov 13 & 14 – Elizabeth Reynolds Moye, Ph.D., CG, “The Identities of Two Richard Condons of Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 110 (March 2022): 39–52.
  • No class in December

This is meant to be an INTERMEDIATE discussion group, not a beginner or advanced. If you aren’t sure if you fall into that category here are some possibly helpful descriptors to help you decide (all or none could apply but this is the type of group we’re aiming for):

  • You’ve read NGSQ articles and generally can follow them (I’m not asking if you fully understand them, but they aren’t “Greek” to you either)
  • You own Mastering Genealogical Proof (or at least know what it is and will buy a copy before this class starts)
  • You own or have access to a copy of Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills
  • You’re interested in certification or accreditation
  • You know what the Genealogical Proof Standard is
  • ***The above are not requirements just ways to help you decide if you are ready.

To keep the discussion manageable and allow everyone a chance to speak, class size is limited to 25 participants!