Difference between revisions of "Sources"
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Revision as of 16:17, 22 May 2007
Sources play a key role in genealogy.
Contents
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 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. Eg: 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 certificates
- Still births
- Marriage certificates
- Divorces
- Death certificates
- Official name changes
- Naturalization records
Religious documents
- Baptise records
- 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 documents
- 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