Mastering Genealogical Proof Study Groups – Free!

Two new free online study group options are now available for discussing and learning from the book Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones, PhD, GG, CGL, FASG, FNGS. This book is published by the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and is now available. It can be ordered directly from the National Genealogical Society here, and will also be available at next week’s NGS Family History Conference.  I blogged about this book last fall under its then working title, after taking a course taught by Dr. Jones at the British Institute based on exercises from the pre-press copy. The press release from National Genealogical Society also describes the new book:

Mastering Genealogical Proof Study Group Options
While you can definitely work through the book’s exercises independently, there is a lot of value to be had in group discussion when digging into complex concepts such as genealogical proof.

1) Gen Proof Study Groups — Angela McGhie, administrator of the popular ProGen Study Group, has worked with Thomas W. Jones to organize this study program and provide an opportunity for individuals to discuss the material in each chapter of the book. Dr. Jones is will be mentoring the first Gen Proof study group, and the participants in that group will then bring what they learn from the experience to help mentor future groups. The groups will be hosted via Google+ private communities, with a variety of start times, lengths, group meeting times and discussion formats (Google hangouts, text chats, discussion boards) available to choose from. You can learn more about the Gen Proof Study Groups on Angela’s blog, Adventures in Genealogy Education. I’m excited to be a part of the first Gen Proof study group and look forward to being a mentor for future groups!

2) MGP Study Groups: Hangouts on Air – Pat Richley, aka DearMyrtle will be hosting a 10-week Mastering Genealogical Proof study session starting June 2013, via Google+ Hang Outs on Air and YouTube. Future sessions are also planned. These MGP Study Group sessions will include both small live group discussions via Google+ Hang Outs, as well as recordings of those sessions posted to YouTube to make them available for a larger audience. You can find additional information on Pat’s DearMyrtle blog.

Both of these study group options are free and will provide an opportunity for many people to participate. One is more private and one is more public–the choice really depends on what format works best for you. It’s great to have such wonderful educational options!