Elizabeth Shown Mills

Elizabeth Shown Mills is a renowned American genealogist and historian known for her expertise in Southern United States research, particularly in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Her work has been widely recognized by the National Genealogical Society, the American Society of Genealogists, and the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Mills has also been involved with the New England Historic Genealogical Society and the Society of American Archivists. Her research often intersects with the work of other notable genealogists, such as Milton Rubincam and Donald Lines Jacobus.

● Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Shown Mills was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and grew up in a family with strong roots in the Southern United States. She developed an interest in genealogy at a young age, inspired by her parents and grandparents, who shared stories about their ancestors from Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Mills pursued her education at Auburn University and later at the University of Alabama, where she studied history and English literature. Her academic background has been influenced by the works of David Hackett Fischer and Gordon Wood, prominent historians of American history.

● Career

Mills began her career as a genealogist in the 1970s, working with the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress. She has also been involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution, organizations dedicated to preserving American history and genealogy. Throughout her career, Mills has collaborated with other notable genealogists, including Christine Rose and Thomas W. Jones, on various projects related to genealogical research and historical preservation. Her work has been recognized by the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

● Research and Publications

Elizabeth Shown Mills is a prolific author and researcher, having published numerous articles and books on genealogy and history. Her notable works include Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers, and Librarians and Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace. Mills has also contributed to the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and the American Genealogist, prestigious publications in the field of genealogy. Her research often explores the intersection of genealogy and history, drawing on the works of historians like Eric Foner and Drew Gilpin Faust. Mills has also been influenced by the Newberry Library and the Library of Virginia, renowned institutions for historical research.

● Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Elizabeth Shown Mills has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to genealogy and history. She has been recognized by the National Genealogical Society with the National Genealogical Society Award of Merit and the Fellow of the National Genealogical Society (FNGS) designation. Mills has also received the Association of Professional Genealogists' Professional Achievement Award and the Federation of Genealogical Societies' Award of Merit. Her work has been acknowledged by the American Historical Association and the Organization of American Historians, prominent organizations in the field of American history.

● Genealogical Philosophy and Methodology

Elizabeth Shown Mills is known for her emphasis on rigorous genealogical research and adherence to the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). Her approach to genealogy is influenced by the works of Thomas W. Jones and Donn Devine, prominent genealogists who have written extensively on genealogical methodology. Mills has also been influenced by the Board for Certification of Genealogists and the Association of Professional Genealogists, organizations that promote excellence in genealogical research and professional genealogy. Her philosophy on genealogy is reflected in her writings, which often explore the intersection of genealogy and history, drawing on the works of historians like David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin. Mills' work has been recognized by the New England Historic Genealogical Society and the Society of American Archivists, organizations dedicated to preserving American history and genealogy.