Cite It Right: A Practical Guide to Genealogical Source Citations - August 2026
August 19, 2026 3PM - 6PM ET
Never Lose Track of a Breakthrough Again
Imagine finding the perfect document to smash a brick wall—only to realize months later you have no idea where it came from.
Source citation is notoriously intimidating, full of complex rules and endless formats that stop researchers in their tracks. But it doesn't have to be. This immersive course strips away the confusion, teaching you a practical, stress-free way to document your discoveries so your research stands the test of time.
This live, three-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. Led by genealogy expert Shannon Combs-Bennett, PhD, QG, FSAScot, you’ll benefit from:
- Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
- Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
- PLUS - Registrants receive the digital Source Citations Cheat Sheet ($9.99 value) FREE!
Q&A: Get your questions answered during the live session and through our exclusive online forum for one week, ensuring all your questions are answered and you receive personalized guidance as you apply what you've learned.
What You’ll Learn
- Conquer Citation Dread: Discover how proper documentation protects your hard work, prevents duplicate research, and proves your findings are credible.
- Speak the Language of Evidence: Confidently navigate the crucial differences between sources, information, and evidence—and see exactly how Evidence Explained and Chicago Manual of Style fit into your workflow.
- Master the Five Core Questions: Learn the universal anatomy of a citation (Who, What, When, Where, Where-in) so you can easily disassemble and document any record.
- Cite Everyday Records with Ease: Build flawless citations for the sources you use most, including census data, vital records, cemetery markers, newspapers, and online databases.
- Create a Repeatable Process: Walk away with a step-by-step framework, templates, and tools to confidently cite unusual or unfamiliar sources without the overwhelm.
- Mistake-Proof Your Tree: Get practical, real-world guidance on how to spot and sidestep the common documentation errors that quietly undermine solid research.
How you will benefit:
- Save Time and Energy: Eliminate the frustration of repeating past research by creating a clear, traceable map back to every document you find.
- Research with Complete Confidence: Gain the peace of mind that your family tree is accurate, verifiable, and capable of standing up to professional scrutiny.
- Simplify the Complex: Stop stressing over dense style guides; instead, rely on a practical, everyday framework that strips the intimidation out of citation formatting.
- Break Through Brick Walls Safely: Learn to properly weigh original versus derivative evidence, allowing you to make smarter analysis choices and solve tough family mysteries.
- Build a Legacy to Pass Down: Create a high-quality, mistake-free family history that future generations can trust, verify, and build upon for years to come.
“A family tree without sources is just a list of names. Citations are what turn names into history, and turn your research into something others can trust.”
— Shannon Combs-Bennett
Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert
Shannon Combs-Bennett, PhD, QG, FSAScot, is a genealogist, educator, and award-winning author who is passionate about helping researchers build family histories that stand the test of time. She completed her MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where she later earned her PhD in History and Genealogical Studies.
A Qualified Genealogist (QG) and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Shannon has spent over a decade teaching genealogical research and methodology to audiences ranging from local societies to international conferences. A familiar face at Family Tree University, she has taught numerous courses on source citation and sound research practice.
Her book Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes received a Benjamin Franklin Silver Award. Shannon is known for making complex topics accessible and practical for genealogists at every level.
August 19, 2026 3PM - 6PM ET
Never Lose Track of a Breakthrough Again
Imagine finding the perfect document to smash a brick wall—only to realize months later you have no idea where it came from.
Source citation is notoriously intimidating, full of complex rules and endless formats that stop researchers in their tracks. But it doesn't have to be. This immersive course strips away the confusion, teaching you a practical, stress-free way to document your discoveries so your research stands the test of time.
This live, three-hour session is designed to immerse you in a hands-on learning experience. Led by genealogy expert Shannon Combs-Bennett, PhD, QG, FSAScot, you’ll benefit from:
- Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a renowned genealogy professional.
- Practical Handouts: Access downloadable resources to enhance your learning.
- PLUS - Registrants receive the digital Source Citations Cheat Sheet ($9.99 value) FREE!
Q&A: Get your questions answered during the live session and through our exclusive online forum for one week, ensuring all your questions are answered and you receive personalized guidance as you apply what you've learned.
What You’ll Learn
- Conquer Citation Dread: Discover how proper documentation protects your hard work, prevents duplicate research, and proves your findings are credible.
- Speak the Language of Evidence: Confidently navigate the crucial differences between sources, information, and evidence—and see exactly how Evidence Explained and Chicago Manual of Style fit into your workflow.
- Master the Five Core Questions: Learn the universal anatomy of a citation (Who, What, When, Where, Where-in) so you can easily disassemble and document any record.
- Cite Everyday Records with Ease: Build flawless citations for the sources you use most, including census data, vital records, cemetery markers, newspapers, and online databases.
- Create a Repeatable Process: Walk away with a step-by-step framework, templates, and tools to confidently cite unusual or unfamiliar sources without the overwhelm.
- Mistake-Proof Your Tree: Get practical, real-world guidance on how to spot and sidestep the common documentation errors that quietly undermine solid research.
How you will benefit:
- Save Time and Energy: Eliminate the frustration of repeating past research by creating a clear, traceable map back to every document you find.
- Research with Complete Confidence: Gain the peace of mind that your family tree is accurate, verifiable, and capable of standing up to professional scrutiny.
- Simplify the Complex: Stop stressing over dense style guides; instead, rely on a practical, everyday framework that strips the intimidation out of citation formatting.
- Break Through Brick Walls Safely: Learn to properly weigh original versus derivative evidence, allowing you to make smarter analysis choices and solve tough family mysteries.
- Build a Legacy to Pass Down: Create a high-quality, mistake-free family history that future generations can trust, verify, and build upon for years to come.
“A family tree without sources is just a list of names. Citations are what turn names into history, and turn your research into something others can trust.”
— Shannon Combs-Bennett
Experience Interactive Learning with an Expert
Shannon Combs-Bennett, PhD, QG, FSAScot, is a genealogist, educator, and award-winning author who is passionate about helping researchers build family histories that stand the test of time. She completed her MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, where she later earned her PhD in History and Genealogical Studies.
A Qualified Genealogist (QG) and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Shannon has spent over a decade teaching genealogical research and methodology to audiences ranging from local societies to international conferences. A familiar face at Family Tree University, she has taught numerous courses on source citation and sound research practice.
Her book Genealogy Basics In 30 Minutes received a Benjamin Franklin Silver Award. Shannon is known for making complex topics accessible and practical for genealogists at every level.