Four Generation Project
The Four Generation Project tests an applicant’s ability to conduct research based on a well-defined objective, analyze evidence. and report all research findings as if to a client. It also requires drawing conclusions based on presented evidence while properly applying historical, geographical, legal, methodological, and social context to the research objective.
Guidelines
• The project requires the applicant to connect four generations, that includes the starting person as a child, their parents, one set of their grandparents, and one set of their great-grandparents. Each generation can follow either the maternal or paternal line or a combination of both.
• The four connecting generations need to be within the same geographic region and should showcase the applicant’s knowledge of a variety of records at different times in the chosen region.
The Project will include the following components:
Research Report
The Four Generation research report presents research findings and conclusions as if to a client. It demonstrates research strategies and methodology appropriate for the region. Consistent use of original sources (when available) should be reflected in the report. Report formats may vary; however, every report should include these basic components:
• Research Objective
• Background Information
• Evidence Analysis
• Source Citations
• Transcriptions, Abstractions, and/or Translations (if in a language other than English)
• Summary
• Future Research Recommendations
An average size Four Generation Project research report is between 25-40 pages. Only the body of the report is included in the page count. No other pieces of the project are counted toward this page count. Projects with reports over 40 pages will not be accepted.
Pedigree Chart
A pedigree chart showing the four generations in the study is required and should reflect the following:
• The individual in the most recent generation was born at least 80 years before the date of the project submission.
• The pedigree chart displays only seven individuals: Generation One without their spouse, plus three couples from the preceding generations.
• All dates and places designated on the chart (i.e., born, baptism, marriage date, marriage place, death, death place) for each couple are complete with either exact or estimated information from sources.
Family Group Sheets
At least three family group sheets are required, one for each couple represented on the pedigree chart.
• If anyone on the pedigree was married more than once, you must also submit a family group sheets for the additional marriage. The additional marriages do not need to be fully discussed in the report unless that family is key to proving the generational links.
• The pedigree and family group sheets must be submitted in PDF format created from personal genealogical software (e. g. Ancestral Quest, Legacy, RootsMagic, etc.). ICAPGen does not accept GEDCOM files or databases. No forms from online family trees like FamilySearch family tree or Ancestry.com trees will be accepted.
Source Documents
Key source documents referred to in the Four Generation Project should be submitted with the project.
• Digital copies (images) of key source documents should be submitted with the four generation project. No more than 40 documents will be accepted. If more than 40 documents are submitted, the applicant will be asked to remove excess documents from the project folder before project will be assessed.
• Documents submitted should provide generational linking evidence and be discussed at length in the research report.
Research Log
Research logs include:
• Names of persons, events, or records searched.
• The repository or website where the item was found.
• A description of the source used, i.e. type of record, time-period covered, etc.
• A call number, film number, or URL (include the date accessed) of each record searched.
• Document numbers for all key documents located.
• Positive and negative search results.
• Complete citations for all sources.
• Purpose of each search.
For a fuller discussion of project requirements, see the Guide to Applying for the Accredited Genealogist® Credential.