The Process of Genealogy Research

What does it really take to solve a family history mystery? In this video, we walk through the complete genealogy research process used by professional genealogists—from crafting a focused research question to building a research plan, analyzing evidence, resolving conflicts, and writing sound conclusions. This foundational lesson follows the principles behind the Genealogical Proof Standard and will help you move beyond randomly collecting records and toward evidence-based family history research. Whether you are trying to break through a brick wall, prove a relationship, or organize your genealogy research more effectively, this process can transform the way you work. In this video you’ll learn: • How to create effective genealogy research questions • Why research plans matter • The types of records genealogists use most often • How to document findings with research notes • Tips for evaluating evidence and resolving conflicting information • Why writing conclusions is an important part of the research process This lesson was originally taught inside the Genealogy TV Academy and edited for YouTube as an overview of the research process used by professionals. 🎓 Join the Genealogy TV Academy Genealogy TV Academy. Use the Promocode GTVA25% for a 25% off your monthly membership. Annual members will get 10% off automatically, then add the promo code for extra savings. Go to https://genealogytv.org/product/genea... 📄 Handout Available The companion handout is available for Genealogy TV YouTube Members and Patreon supporters at the appropriate level. Non members can purchase the handout at GenealogyTV.org. Genealogy TV Academy members already have access to this and all handouts ever produced in the academy library. 🧬 Resources Mentioned • FamilySearch Wiki • Ancestry • FamilySearch • MyHeritage • WikiTree • PERSI at Allen County Public Library • JSTOR • WorldCat 👍 If you enjoy genealogy education focused on evidence, methodology, and real-world research strategies, be sure to subscribe to Genealogy TV. Direct link to handout: https://genealogytv.org/product/hando... ❤️ JOIN the GENEALOGY TV ACADEMY https://genealogytv.org/academy/ 📝 FOUR WAYS to ACCESS HANDOUTS! 📝 1) Genealogy TV Academy members get access to all lessons and handouts since 2022. https://genealogytv.org/academy/ 📝 2) CHANNEL MEMBER ($9.99/month) for access to all handouts.    / @genealogytv   Handouts are on the Community tab:    / @genealogytv   📝 3) PURCHASE HANDOUTS individually ($5 and up) at https://genealogytv.org/handouts/. 📝 4) PATRON ($15+/month) for early video access and handouts via email.   / genealogytv   ❤️ SUPPORT Genealogy TV by becoming a CHANNEL MEMBER for exclusive perks!    / @genealogytv   ❤️ Patreon Membership – Early videos and handouts emailed as they are released.   / genealogytv   ✅ VISIT Genealogy TV WEBSITE for more genealogy and family history resources: https://genealogytv.org/ ✅ GENEALOGY TV on FACEBOOK:   / genealogytv   ✅ SIGN UP for GTV’s GENEALOGY NEWSLETTER: https://mailchi.mp/a0862c6473aa/genea... 👉 SUBSCRIBE to GENEALOGY TV for free family history videos:    / @genealogytv   ** GENEALOGY TV AFFILIATE PARTNERS ** 🛍️ GENEALOGY TV AMAZON STORE full of genealogy tools: https://www.amazon.com/shop/genealogytv 👉 LEGACY TREE GENEALOGISTS COACHING: https://www.legacytree.com/genealogytv Genealogy TV is your #1 resource for genealogy and family history research, providing expert tips on building your family tree, organizing DNA matches, and solving genealogy mysteries. Learn how to research family history records on Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, MyHeritage.com, FindMyPast.com, FamilyTreeDNA, and 23andMe. Explore resources from national and state archives, genealogical societies, Chronicling America, Newspapers.com, Fold3, and more to uncover your ancestors. Watch expert genealogists like Connie Knox of Genealogy TV, Ancestry's Crista Cowan (The Barefoot Genealogist), Legacy Tree Genealogy, Family History Fanatics, and more. Music Credit: Circus Waltz - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... TIMING 00:00 Intro 01:20 How to do Genealogy Research 02:11 Research Questions 03:55 Foundation of a Research Question 06:20 Write Research Questions 09:21 Research Plan 11:03 Doing the Research 12:24 Document Findings in Research Notes 16:38 Resolve Conflicts 17:49 Comparing Evidence 19:36 Other Related Lessons 19:54 Test Your Knowledge 26:39 Write your conclusion 29:11 Will you solve every mystery? 29:48 When do you use this process? 30:57 About Resolving Conflicts