Hello, my name is Annette Burke Lyttle and I am the coordinator of the Best Practices Special Interest Group. Pat Adams is the SIG'S co-coordinator. We meet on Zoom the third Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. If you have a question about the SIG, or would like to attend the next meeting, send an email to me –– click HERE –– and I will respond as quickly as I can.

This SIG focuses on learning and using the best research practices in our genealogy work. Best practices can make our research more efficient and effective, and can help us keep from making mistakes about the identities and relationships of our ancestors. We don't want to accidentally attach the wrong person to our family tree and end up researching folks who are not our ancestors. This SIG uses a combination of presentations, guided study, and discussion.

In 2023, we will be using the book Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques by George Morgan and Drew Smith, as our textbook, and we have supplementary handouts as well. This SIG accepts new members throughout the year, but those who join after January should be prepared to catch up on the topics that have already been studied.

You must be a member of The Villages Genealogical Society to participate in our meetings.

Zoom Meeting Schedule

MEETING DATE	TOPIC
18 Jan 2023	Examine Your Brick Wall in Detail
20 Feb 2023	Locality Research & Research Planning
20 Mar 2023	Derivative Sources & Sources of Seconday Information
17 Apr 2023	Neighborhood or Cluster Research
15 May 2023	Incorporate Newspaper Research
19 Jun 2023	Get Help from Others
17 Jul 2023	Professional Help, Step Back and Learn
21 Aug 2023	Understanding Source Citations
18 Sep 2023	Working with DNA Results
16 Oct 2023	Put the Techniques to Work
20 Nov 2023	Report on Research Results
18 Dec 2023	Report on Research Results & 2024 Planning

Helpful Information on the Web

• Guide for Links in this Chart (pdf)	• Evidence Explained
• BCG: "Ten Minute Methodology" Series	• FamilySearch Research Wiki
• BCG Webinar Series	• BCG OnBoard Articles