Difference between revisions of "Sources"

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=== Residences ===
 
=== Residences ===
* Census records
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* [[Census]] records
 
* Property documents
 
* Property documents
 
* Phone books
 
* Phone books

Revision as of 19:12, 17 March 2007

Sources play a key role in genealogy.

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:

  1. Primary source : text which is a firsthand written evidence of history, made at the time of the event by someone who has seen it happen. Eg: diaries, certificates, newspapers, ...
  2. Secondary source : Written accounts of history based upon the evidence from primary sources and other secondary sources, offering commentary and analysis. Eg: history books, genealogical publications,...
  3. Tertiary source : selection and compilation of primary and secondary sources. Eg: library catalogue, bibliographies, ...

Most important genealogical sources

Official documents

  • Birth certificates
  • Still births
  • Marriage certificates
  • Divorces
  • Death certificates
  • Official name changes

Religious documents

Legal documents

  • Court cases
  • Notary documents

Migration

  • Passenger lists
  • Record of landing

Residences

  • Census records
  • Property documents
  • Phone books

Final resting places

  • Cemetery list of interments
  • War graves

Military

  • Enlistment lists
  • Draft lottery documents
  • Medals
  • MIA - Missing in Action
  • Deserters

Personal Documents

  • Diaries
  • Correspondence
  • Household bills

Other Possible Sources

  • Bibles
  • Stories
  • Publications
  • Photos
  • Employment information
  • Medical records
  • DNA