The Advanced Genealogy Class

Transcribe, Abstract, Think, and Plan

Homework

Visit the website " Martha Ballard's Diary Online" and try your hand at transcribing the page from Martha Ballard's diary.

There's a wonderful online course edited by Andrew Zurcher, English Handwriting 1500-1700. Practice your transcription expertise on Lesson 9: Mermelate of Quinces.

Browse the web for other examples of handwriting. If you visit either of the following, you may be glad your genealogical research has not extended too far into the past.
The "Great Isaiah Scroll Directory"
"The Princeton Charrette Project"

Select a "meaty" document from your chosen project, such as a will, land record, or affidavit.

1. Transcribe the document.
2. Abstract the document in your chosen style.
3. What research problem(s) do you hope this document will solve?
4. Analyze the document relative to your research problem.
   • Identify all direct evidence derived from the document.
   • Identify all indirect evidence derived from the document.
   • Do you understand all terms in the document?
   • Do you understand the laws affecting your analysis of the document?
   • Note any anomalies or internal inconsistencies in the document.
   • What questions are generated by the document?
5. Create a short research plan based on the document.

I will be posting my week two exercise in the class file folder soon.

• Context
• Transcribe-Think-Plan
• Research Report
• Family History
• Genealogy & the Law
• Course Home
• Back