How many of the “facts” in your family tree are truly proven - and how many are just educated guesses? In genealogy, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of assumptions: a family story that must be true, an “obvious” connection that fits neatly, or a record that seems reliable at first glance. But without careful evidence analysis, we risk building a house of cards.
This talk introduces you to the tools and methods that turn uncertain clues into sound conclusions. You’ll learn the difference between information, evidence, and proof; how to distinguish direct, indirect, and even negative evidence; and why the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is your best safeguard against errors.
Through clear examples, we’ll explore how to handle conflicting sources, weigh reliability and avoid common misconceptions about records. You’ll also discover practical tools - like evidence tables and research logs - that make analysis manageable and effective.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned researcher, this talk will sharpen your detective skills, boost your confidence, and help you move from “I think” to “I know” in your family history research.
Linda Hammond is a professional genealogist who has been active in genealogy for over 35 years as both a researcher and a lecturer.
She is a tutor at the Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies on their Masters programme. In addition to her teaching role, Linda frequently speaks at conferences and family history fairs.
She has published articles on her research into Reformatory and Industrial Schools in England and has created a website (http://www.deris.org/) allowing searches in the records of the Devon & Exeter Reformatory and Industrial Schools for boys.
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