Diana and Nicole speak with Jan Joyce, AG, CG, CGL, who developed and coordinates the new virtual institute course, "Merging & Separating Identities: Strategies and Tactics to Solve." Jan explains that the most common mistake genealogists make is failing to recognize they have a "same-name problem" and assuming multiple records belong to a single person. She notes that the challenge of merging and separating identity cases (M/S) is accelerating because of more digitized records, the explosion of DNA testing, and the rise of AI tools.

Jan shares her own breakthrough M/S case, which involved a woman named Susan Gliddon in three different geographic locations, and an example of a student who had mistakenly merged two different William Thompsons for five years. Listeners learn that if they suspect an M/S case, they should immediately stop adding information to that part of their tree and begin systematically recording every descriptor for the individual into a spreadsheet. The multi-week course teaches a rigorous, step-by-step methodology, including the use of identity dossiers, timelines, and correlation techniques, using a Common Data Set to focus on learning the techniques themselves. Students gain the confidence to untangle complex cases and transform their research approach by learning to apply systematic methods to any genealogical research problem.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Merging and Separating Identities Course registration: https://familylocket.com/product/merging-and-separating-identities/

Transform Chaos into Clarity: Organizing Your Merging and Separating Cases - https://familylocket.com/transform-chaos-into-clarity-organizing-your-merging-and-separating-cases/

Overview of the Merging and Separating Identities Course - https://familylocket.com/overview-of-the-merging-and-separating-identities-course/

From Chaos to Clarity: How Merging & Separating Identity Techniques Identified David Dewitt's Father - https://familylocket.com/from-chaos-to-clarity-how-merging-separating-identity-techniques-identified-david-dewitts-father

RLP 256: Alford/Johnson Research – Interview with James Johnson - https://familylocket.com/rlp-256-alford-johnson-research-interview-with-james-johnson/ an interview with James Wesley Johnson, author of A Horse, A Gunfight, And The Law: A Historical Account of Our Alfords in Texas (name-change due to hiding from the law)

Testimonials

Student Experiences – Merging & Separating Identities - https://vimeo.com/1097036140/783bd4549f

"This course was honestly the best course I've taken. Period." – EB

"You outdid yourself with this course...so many great strategies and approaches to apply to tough research problems. I appreciate all of your hard work, effort, and sharing of knowledge to make us all better genealogists." – KT

"What a stupendous week, Jan! Thank you so much for offering this course and for rounding up so many great speakers. I learned things from every person who spoke (whether as an official speaker or a member of the group taking the class)." – BS

"The class pushed me out of my tunnel vision." – PG

"I have to admit that I was skeptical if this approach would work for me — but I found it a great way to make connections as well as step away from my computer and stand a bit. So refreshing to learn something new that is fun too!" – KT

"I have really enjoyed this course. It has made me think differently about so many things. While the focus was on M/S, so much of what was taught and discussed can be used in 'everyday research' which for me is usually 'problem solving.'" – RC

"After Kim Richardson did her presentation, I should have just stayed up all night. I couldn't sleep because of all the ideas in my head. LOL!" – PG

"I am always so impressed with your courses! You have a great teaching style and are respectful and patient with all participants. I learn so much from you and really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge with the class." – CD

"Today was really helpful - I feel like I learned new things at the right pace. I end the day energized rather than drained and overwhelmed." – KT

"I'm really enjoying the course. Learning something new every day." – TF

"I liked getting the materials each day, as opposed to getting a syllabus. I was more inclined to look at all the materials when they came to me in smaller batches." – PG

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.

Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

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