Applying for membership in lineage societies such as the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) or the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) requires meticulous documentation and proof of your genealogical connections to a patriot ancestor. The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) provides a framework to ensure that your research is thorough, accurate, and verifiable. This article will guide you through the five elements of the GPS and how to apply them to build a strong case for your SAR/DAR application.
Contents
Understanding the Genealogical Proof Standard
The Genealogical Proof Standard is a set of guidelines that helps genealogists ensure the accuracy and reliability of their research. It consists of five key elements: a reasonably exhaustive search, complete and accurate source citations, analysis and correlation of the collected information, resolution of any conflicts in the evidence, and a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.
Reasonably Exhaustive Search
A reasonably exhaustive search involves thoroughly investigating all available records and sources that could provide relevant information about your ancestors. This includes searching for records in various locations, time periods, and formats to ensure that you have gathered as much information as possible.
For SAR/DAR applications, this means not only finding direct evidence such as birth, marriage, and death certificates but also exploring indirect evidence like land records, wills, military records, and historical documents. The goal is to gather a comprehensive set of data that supports your lineage claims.
Complete and Accurate Source Citations
Properly citing your sources is crucial for verifying the authenticity and accuracy of your research. Complete and accurate source citations allow others to locate the same records and evaluate the evidence for themselves.
When preparing your SAR/DAR application, ensure that each piece of evidence is accompanied by a detailed citation. This should include the title of the record, the author or creator, the publication date, the repository where the record is held, and any relevant page numbers or identifying information. Accurate citations demonstrate the credibility of your research and make it easier for the lineage society to verify your claims.
Analyzing and Correlating Information
Analyzing and correlating the collected information involves examining the evidence to identify patterns, relationships, and discrepancies. This step is critical for building a cohesive and convincing genealogical case.
Identifying Patterns and Relationships
As you gather information, look for patterns and relationships that connect your ancestors to the patriot you are documenting. This may include analyzing familial relationships, migration patterns, and social connections that provide context and support your claims.
For example, if you find multiple records indicating that your ancestor lived in the same area as a known patriot, this can strengthen your case. Similarly, identifying marriage records that link your ancestor to the patriot’s family can provide valuable evidence.
Resolving Discrepancies
Conflicts and discrepancies in the evidence are common in genealogical research. Resolving these conflicts is essential for building a solid case. This involves critically evaluating the evidence, considering the reliability and credibility of each source, and seeking additional information to clarify any ambiguities.
If you encounter conflicting dates or names, try to corroborate the information with other records or sources. Understanding the historical context and considering possible explanations for discrepancies can help you resolve conflicts and strengthen your genealogical case.
Resolving Conflicting Evidence
Addressing and resolving conflicting evidence is a crucial step in meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard. It ensures that your conclusions are based on a comprehensive and accurate analysis of all available information.
Evaluating Source Reliability
When faced with conflicting evidence, evaluate the reliability and credibility of each source. Consider factors such as the proximity of the source to the event, the level of detail provided, and any potential biases or errors.
Primary sources, which are created at the time of the event, are generally more reliable than secondary sources, which are based on later interpretations or recollections. However, all sources should be critically evaluated, and conflicting information should be corroborated with additional evidence whenever possible.
Seeking Additional Evidence
If conflicts cannot be resolved through evaluation alone, seek additional evidence to clarify the situation. This may involve looking for alternative records, consulting historical context, or reaching out to other researchers for insights.
For example, if you find conflicting birth dates for an ancestor, you might seek out baptismal records, census data, or newspaper announcements to verify the correct date. The goal is to gather enough corroborating evidence to confidently resolve any discrepancies.
Writing a Soundly Reasoned Conclusion
The final step in the Genealogical Proof Standard is to write a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion that clearly explains your findings and the evidence supporting them. This conclusion should be logical, well-organized, and based on a thorough analysis of the evidence.
Organizing Your Findings
Organize your findings in a clear and logical manner, presenting the evidence in a way that supports your conclusions. Use charts, timelines, and other visual aids to illustrate relationships and patterns, making it easier for reviewers to understand your research.
Ensure that your conclusion addresses all aspects of your research question and includes a detailed explanation of how the evidence supports your claims. Highlight any key pieces of evidence and explain how they fit together to form a cohesive narrative.
Writing Clearly and Concisely
Clear and concise writing is essential for effectively communicating your findings. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may be unfamiliar to reviewers, and focus on presenting your evidence in a straightforward and accessible manner.
Use headings and subheadings to organize your text, and ensure that each section logically follows from the previous one. Summarize your key points and emphasize the connections between different pieces of evidence to build a compelling case.
