The next time you plan to conduct a “reasonably exhaustive search” to confirm a fact about an ancestor, first take a look at the comprehensive Genealogical Source List the Puget Sound Genealogical Society in Washington has put together. I intend to check this list before claiming I have looked everywhere for my great-grandmother’s date of birth and accepting defeat. Before anyone panics, however, realize that you do not have to check every source on the list to prove a fact, only a reasonably exhaustive search.
With permission from the Puget Sound Genealogical Society, I bet it would not take much for a Canadian society to put together a variation of this source list for Canada and perhaps one for the British Isles.
Also take a look at the other resources and forms the Puget Sound Genealogical Society offers, such as a research log, family group sheet, and a Google for Genealogy handout.
Visit the Board for Certification of Genealogists’ website to learn more about the Genealogical Proof Standard and a reasonably exhaustive search.
No mention of DNA!
Good point.
Thanks for this, Gail. A great resource. In checking some of their other documents I discovered that Vermont did not start keeping State wide vital stats until 1955! And Louisiana still doesn’t have state wide marriage records mandated. Makes me feel better about Canada’s records.
And I’d like to say I’m enjoying reading your blog. Thanks.
Glad to know you are enjoying the conversation.