Methodology, Part 2: Transcribing and Abstracting

By Shannon Bennett, Student The more we dig into our past the more we come across documents in varying states. Some are pristine and new while others are decades old and crumbling. Which is why I was happy to see these first two modules in Methodology, Part 2 covered transcriptions (more in depth this time) and abstracts.   I think these two skills are among the most important a genealogist can master. Learning to do these properly, and accurately, will not only help you but those who follow in your footsteps.  Particularly if the document later goes missing or is destroyed. Your transcription may be the only thing left with the “proof” you need. While I talked briefly in a prior post about transcribing, I thought it would be important to hit on this again. In the first module we are given five reasons why you should learn how to transcribe: Reproduction equipment not available or allowed You received a transcript of a document or book pages from someone else Your recipient or reader may not have your skills You made a photocopy or a printout and it went missing The exercise itself is a learning experience= In addition to these reasons we were taught about diacritical marks, obsolete letters, and the use of square brackets. I have to admit I have a fondness for learning about obsolete letters and diacritical marks, but I am an odd nut. Going hand in hand with transcriptions are abstracts. Abstracts are the important…

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Methodology, Part 2: An Introduction

Shannon Bennett, Student I am now diving into the second part of the course Methodology to give me the ground work for my genealogy education here at The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. This course builds on the basics learned from Methodology Part 1, hopefully so that the student will come out as a better researcher on the other end. Or, at least, that is my hope. In the introduction for the course, the very first paragraph really hit home for me.  You can see it here: All I can do is sit here and nod my head yes!  Just because I don’t have the answer now, doesn’t mean I might not find it one day. Or, just because I think I have an answer doesn’t mean one day that answer may be incorrect. This field is all about persistence, hard work, and having a good foundation of basic skills. Looking through the syllabus for the course I am excited about several things.  The modules appear to be geared to getting you organized in all possible aspects of your family history adventure.  Now, I can be very particular about the way certain things are done in my life.  Then there are other times that it is like pulling teeth to get that aspect of my life in working order.  Unfortunately with my family research it is hit or miss. It’s not that I don’t want things organized, sorted, catalogued, and so on but the overwhelmed feeling of where do I…

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Finishing up Methodology Part 1

Shannon Bennett, Student I came to the world of genealogy just over three years ago. That is not to say that I was not interested for years before that, but that is when the stars finally aligned and lead me to this path. My little girl dream of participating in the “grown-up” world of family story telling (aka genealogy) had come true. For years I listened to the stories of my family told by my grandmother’s generation to my parents, their cousins, and siblings. Sitting around card tables, in boats, or while sipping homemade wine on the back porch.  No matter where I was, the stories always poured forth. As a child I had no reason to question my elders, they knew everything it seemed, and those stories just captivated me.  Even though I was not really allowed to be part of many of these adult conversations, I became adept at hiding in the right places so I could listen.  Amazing how few adults actually look under a kitchen table. What did I learn?  Well, we were descended from people who came to the U.S. on the Mayflower. There was an Algonquin Indian Princess in the family. I heard how my great-grandfather held his mother’s hand while they watched his older brothers in their Union blue march off to the Civil War. The tragedy of accidental deaths and Indian raids on the railroad. The plight of Irish and German immigrants. There were so many stories. But were they true?  As…

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Two New Courses Begin Monday!

  The National Institute for Genealogical Studies is pleased to announce the addition of two new courses to our Professional Development Certificate.  Writing for Genealogy: Articles, Blogs, Research Report and so much more and Personal Historian: Telling the Story, written by genealogist and author Jennifer Holik premieres on March 3, 2014. To register for these or one of our over 200 genealogical courses, see our website at www.genealogicalstudies.com. Writing for Genealogy: Articles, Blogs, Research Report and so much more Writing is an essential part of the work of a professional genealogist. Whether you choose to lecture, research for clients, or write content for others, it is important to not only know how to write but to understand how to incorporate various kinds of writing into your business. This course looks at the different types of writing you may do as a working genealogist and gives tips for resources to help further your knowledge of writing. In this course we will examine continuing education, writing client reports, business writing, writing for societies and for editors. Topics covered in this course include: Improving Your Skills Through Writing Groups and Writing Practice Writing for the Online World Marketing Genealogy Business Writing Writing for Organizations Writing Contests Standards for a Genealogical Research Reports Introduction to Writing Articles Book Projects Sign up today for Writing for Genealogy: Articles, Blogs, Research Report and so much more and receive 25% off (use Promo Code: new25w). Personal Historian: Telling the Story Telling the stories of our ancestors must go beyond the basics of names,…

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Transcription!: Methodology, Part 1

Shannon Bennett, Student These last two Methodology, Part 1 modules nicely wrapped up this course. They covered resources for research as well as explanations of record sets. While I was familiar with most of these I did like the variety presented and I picked up a few new ways to look at information. Then I found the section on transcriptions, which made my day. This process is one that needs to be ingrained in every student of family history. Creating a correct transcription of a document  not only will help your research but the research of those who come after you as well. A lesson that is often learned the hard way by those starting out in the field. Many people feel that this is the easiest thing in the world to do. I am serious; all you are doing is copying words down right?  Well, not exactly. Plus, depending on the document, transcriptions can be very difficult. Within the section on transcription there was a list of basic rules, shown below. These guidelines clearly define what is important to have in your transcription. It isn’t just copying down words, it is making an accurate and faithful copy of an original work. The transcriptionist must be true to the original plus know how to insert their comments correctly. That in and of itself is a bit of meticulousness and an art form, both of which come only with practice. When I first started out I was confident that I knew…

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