Using Historical Context in Your Genealogy Writing: A Gettysburg Soldier Case Study

Exploring the past is about more than compiling names and dates—it’s about understanding the world in which our ancestors lived. In this engaging Webtember presentation, accredited genealogist Bonnie Wade Mucia demonstrates how to enrich genealogical writing with historical context, using the life and death of Civil War soldier Samuel Beal Shea as a case study. Drawing from military pension files, regimental histories, newspapers, and family letters, Bonnie illustrates how weaving social, cultural, and historical details into family history transforms research into compelling narratives that resonate with both genealogists and general readers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Context Brings Stories to Life: By situating ancestors within the events, laws, customs, and daily realities of their time, genealogical writing becomes vivid and meaningful. Mucia emphasizes that understanding broader contexts—such as political climate, boundary changes, or even weather—creates more accurate and engaging portrayals of ancestors.

• Applying the Genealogical Proof Standard: The presentation highlights Standards 12–14, stressing the importance of considering broad context, topical breadth, and source-based research planning. This means looking beyond direct ancestors to neighbors, associates, and communities, and evaluating a wide range of record types—including regimental histories, diaries, maps, and even monuments.

• Turning Research into Narrative: Samuel Shea’s story, culminating in his poignant final letters from Gettysburg, illustrates how meticulous research can be transformed into a moving narrative. From uniforms and marches to the personal testimony of fellow soldiers, Bonnie shows how details drawn from diverse sources can immerse readers in an ancestor’s lived experience.

This webinar is a powerful reminder that genealogy is not just about documentation—it is about storytelling that honors the lives of those who came before us. Viewing the full presentation offers not only a deeper look at Samuel Shea’s journey but also practical strategies and resources for integrating historical context into your own projects.

For genealogists eager to expand their skills, the accompanying syllabus is an invaluable guide. It provides step-by-step resources, suggested archives, and research strategies to help you uncover the social and historical frameworks that shaped your ancestors’ lives. Explore these materials to elevate your writing and ensure your family history is remembered not just as a record of facts, but as a living story that connects past to present.