Writing Beyond the Records: Using Historical Context to Strengthen Genealogy

Are your genealogical stories stuck in a list of names and dates? This session will show you how to breathe life into your writing by weaving in historical context. Using the case study of a Gettysburg soldier, we’ll explore how to research and integrate real-world details that shaped your ancestors’ lives—everything from pension files and battlefield reports to clothing, medicine, and social customs. You’ll learn how to locate and evaluate historical sources, when to include context, and how to make narrative decisions that add depth, accuracy, and authenticity. Whether you're writing a family sketch or a published proof argument, this class will help you transform your findings into vivid, meaningful stories that resonate with both family and scholarly audiences.