Historical records are the foundation of genealogy research. They provide evidence of where people lived, when important events occurred, and how families were connected across generations.
When researching your ancestors, think of records as pieces of a puzzle. No single document will tell the whole story, but by combining information from multiple sources, you can build a more complete picture of your family’s past.
- Civil Registration Records
- Census Records
- Parish and Church Records
- Military Records
- Immigration and Travel Records
- Probate and Wills
- Newspapers
Evaluate Every Record Carefully
Not all records are equally reliable. Please consider –
- Who provided the information
- When was it recorded
- Was the person likely to know the facts
- Does it agree with other records
Diffences in dates, spellings and ages are common, but alway compare multiple sources before drawing conclusions.
Record Sources to All Your Genealogy Findings
One of the most important habits a genealogist can develop is recording the source of every piece of information they discover. A source tells you where the information came from and provides the evidence needed to support your conclusions.
1
Verify your research
Family stories, online trees, and even official records can contain mistakes. By recording your sources, you can revisit the original record and confirm that the information is accurate.
2
Avoid Repeating Research
Genealogy research can take hundreds of hours. Without source citations, you may find yourself searching for the same records repeatedly because you cannot remember where you found a particular fact.
3
Resolve Conflicting Information
It is common to find different birth dates, spellings, ages, or locations for the same person. Sources allow you to compare evidence and determine which information is most reliable.
4
Build a Stronger Family Tree
A family tree supported by documented evidence is far more valuable than one based on assumptions. Sources help ensure that relationships and events are backed by records rather than guesswork.
5
Help Others Understand Your Research
Future generations, family members, and fellow researchers may use your work. Good source citations allow others to follow your research path, verify your findings, and build upon your work.
6
Preserve Your Work for the Future
Genealogy is often a lifelong project. Years from now, you may not remember where a particular date or name came from. Recording sources today will save time and frustration in the future.
7
What Should Be Recorded?
Whenever possible, record:
A copy or image of the original document
- The name of the record or document
- The archive, website, or repository where it was found
- The collection name
- Page, volume, certificate, or reference number
- The date you accessed the record
- A copy or image of the original document
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A Good Rule to Follow
If a fact is important enough to add to your family tree, it is important enough to record its source.
Remember: genealogy is not just about collecting names and dates—it’s about building a reliable record of your family’s history. Sources are the foundation that makes your research trustworthy.