{{languages|sources}}Sources play a key role in [[genealogy]].[[Category:Sources]]==Definition==A source is a text (sometimes oral presentation, audio recording, video recording) from which (genealogical) information is derived. Scientifically, one will make 3 distinctions:#Primary source : text which is a firsthand written evidence of history, made at the time of the REDIRECT[[event]] by someone who has seen it happen. Eg: diaries, certificates, newspapers, ...#Secondary source : Written accounts of history based upon the evidence from primary sources and other secondary sources, offering commentary and analysis. EgDe: history books, genealogical publications,...#Tertiary source : selection and compilation of primary and secondary sources. Eg: library catalogue, bibliographies, ...== Most important genealogical sources == === Official documents ===* [[Birth certificate]]s* Still births* Marriage certificates* Divorces* Death certificates* Official name changes* Naturalization records=== Religious documents ===* [[Baptise record]]s* Marriage records* Burial records=== Legal documents ===* Court cases* Notary documents* Probate records=== Migration ===* Passenger lists* Record of landing=== Residences ===* [[Census]] records* Property documents* Phone books* City directories=== Final resting places ===* Cemetery list of interments* War graves=== Military ===* Enlistment lists* [[Draft lottery|Draft lottery documentsQuellen]]* Medals* MIA - Missing in Action* Deserters* Pension applications=== Personal Documents ===* Diaries* Correspondence* Household bills== Other Possible Sources ==* Bibles* Stories* Publications* Photos* Employment information* Medical records* DNA* Voter registration records* Genealogical society records
