Analyzing and Citing Genealogy Sources

Researching genealogy can be like going on an amazing adventure back in time to learn about our family history and the stories of our ancestors. It’s really fun, but we need to be extra careful and organized to make sure we get things right. One important part of this adventure is checking where we get our information and making sure we say where we found it. In this helpful guide, we’ll show beginners how to do this so they can start their family history journey with confidence.

Understanding the Significance of Reliable Sources

Genealogy relies heavily on the accuracy and credibility of sources. Without reliable sources, your research may lead you down the wrong path, resulting in inaccurate family trees and stories. Therefore, understanding the significance of reliable sources is the first step in your genealogical journey.

Types of Genealogy Sources

1. Primary Sources: These are original documents created at the time of the event, such as birth certificates, marriage records, and diaries. They are considered the most reliable because they provide firsthand information. Here are some examples of Primary Sources:
   1. Birth Certificates: Official documents issued at the time of a person’s birth, providing essential information about the individual’s birthdate, parents, and place of birth.
   2. Marriage Records: Records documenting the details of a marriage, including the names of the bride and groom, the date of the marriage, and the location.
   3. Diaries: Personal journals or diaries written by individuals in the past, offering insights into their daily lives, thoughts, and experiences.

2. Secondary Sources: These are documents created after the fact, often based on primary sources. Examples include family histories and compiled genealogies. While useful, they may contain errors. Here are some examples of Secondary Sources:
   1. Family Histories: Books or documents that compile the genealogical information of a particular family, often drawing from primary sources like birth certificates and marriage records.
   2. Compiled Genealogies: Research publications that gather information from various primary sources to create a comprehensive family tree or lineage.
   3. Biographies: Books or articles that recount the life stories of specific individuals, incorporating details from primary sources to paint a more comprehensive picture.

3. Tertiary Sources: These are publications that summarize and analyze secondary sources. They are convenient for getting an overview but should not be relied upon for critical details. Here are some examples of Tertiary Sources:
   1. Genealogy Encyclopedias: Encyclopedic references that summarize the genealogies of notable families, providing general information about family histories but not delving into extensive details.
   2. Online Genealogy Databases: Websites or software that aggregate genealogical information, often presenting a broad overview of ancestral connections, which can be a starting point for research but may not provide in-depth data.
   3. Genealogy Magazines: Magazines dedicated to genealogy often include articles summarizing the research findings and family histories of genealogists, offering insights into various lineages without extensive detail.

Evaluating the Reliability of Sources

1. Assess the Closeness to the Event

The closer a source is to the event it describes, the more reliable it tends to be. For example, a birth certificate created at the time of birth is more reliable than a family history written years later.

2. Consider the Author’s Knowledge

Evaluate the author’s knowledge and expertise. Did they have first-hand knowledge of the event, or are they relying on hearsay? An author with direct experience is often more reliable.

3. Look for Consistency

Cross-reference information from multiple sources. If several sources corroborate the same details, it increases the reliability of that information. Inconsistencies should raise red flags.

4. Scrutinize the Source’s Origin

Examine the source’s origin. Was it produced by an official entity or a credible organization? Official documents and well-established publications are generally more reliable.

5. Consider Bias and Conflicts of Interest

Be aware of potential bias or conflicts of interest that could influence a source’s accuracy. For example, a family history written to enhance a family’s reputation may contain exaggerations or omissions.

Properly Citing Genealogy Sources

Citing your genealogy sources is not just a matter of academic formality; it’s a crucial part of good research practice. Proper citations help you keep track of your sources, allow others to verify your work, and enable future generations to continue your research. Here’s how to cite genealogy sources correctly.

1. Create a Source Citation Template

Before you start collecting information, create a template for your source citations. This template should include the following:

• Author: The person or organization responsible for the source.
• Title: The title of the source, such as the book’s title, article title, or record name.
• Publication Date: The date the source was created or published.
• Repository: The location of the source, whether it’s an archive, library, or online database.
• URL (if applicable): For online sources, include the URL.
• Page or Volume Number: Indicate the specific location of the information within the source.

2. Collect Information

As you gather genealogy sources, make a habit of collecting the relevant information for your template. Take notes of the details mentioned above and any additional details specific to the source.

3. Format Your Citations

There are various citation styles used in genealogy, such as Chicago, APA, and MLA. Choose a style that suits your preferences or follow any specific guidelines provided by genealogical organizations. Here’s an example of how to format a citation in Chicago, APA, and MLA  styles:

Chicago Style (Author-Date)

1. Book with One Author:
   Author Last Name, First Name. Year. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher.
   Example:
   Smith, John D. 1995. Tracing Your Family Tree. Chicago: Genealogy Press.
2. Article in a Genealogy Journal:
   Author Last Name, First Name. Year. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal volume number, no. issue number: page numbers.
   Example:
   Johnson, Mary L. 2007. “Tracing Ancestors in the Old Country.” Genealogy Quarterly 10, no. 2: 45-59.
3. Online Database Entry:
   Author Last Name, First Name. Year. “Title of Entry.” In Title of Database. URL.
   Example:
   Davis, Sarah P. 2010. “Marriage Records.” In Ancestry.com. https://www.ancestry.com/marriage-records.

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

1. Book with One Author:
   Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of Book. Publisher.
   Example:
   Smith, J. D. (1995). Tracing Your Family Tree. Genealogy Press.
2. Article in a Genealogy Journal:
   Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of Article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page numbers.
   Example:
   Johnson, M. L. (2007). Tracing Ancestors in the Old Country. Genealogy Quarterly, 10(2), 45-59.
3. Online Database Entry:
   Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Title of Entry. In Title of Database. URL
   Example:
   Davis, S. P. (2010). Marriage Records. In Ancestry.com. https://www.ancestry.com/marriage-records

MLA (Modern Language Association) Style

1. Book with One Author:
   Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.
   Example:
   Smith, John D. Tracing Your Family Tree. Genealogy Press, 1995.
2. Article in a Genealogy Journal:
   Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, vol. volume number, no. issue number, Year of Publication, page numbers.
   Example:
   Johnson, Mary L. “Tracing Ancestors in the Old Country.” Genealogy Quarterly, vol. 10, no. 2, 2007, pp. 45-59.
3. Online Database Entry:
   Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Entry.” Title of Database, URL.
   Example:
   Davis, Sarah P. “Marriage Records.” Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestry.com/marriage-records.

4. Maintain Consistency

Consistency in citation style is essential. Stick to the chosen format throughout your research to ensure uniformity in your citations.

5. Document Your Research Process

Keep a research log to track your sources and the information you find. This log will be invaluable when revisiting your research or sharing it with others.

6. Share Your Work

If you plan to share your genealogical research with others, make sure to include citations in your publications, whether it’s a family history book, a website, or a research report. This helps your readers trace your steps and evaluate your research.

Conclusion

Analyzing and citing genealogy sources is a fundamental aspect of successful genealogical research. By understanding the types of sources, evaluating their reliability, and citing them properly, beginners can embark on their genealogical journey with confidence. Remember that genealogy is a meticulous process, and attention to detail in source analysis and citation will lead to more accurate and compelling family histories. Happy researching!