Sources
Sources play a key role in genealogy.
Contents
Definition
A source is anything (personal testimony, video recording, photograph, newspaper column, gravestone...) from which (genealogical) information can be derived.
It is useful to make the following distinctions between sources:
- Primary source: firsthand evidence of history, made at the time of the event. For example, diaries, certificates, newspapers, ...
- Secondary source: accounts of history based upon primary and secondary sources, offering commentary and analysis, such as history books, genealogical publications,...
- Tertiary source: a selection and compilation from primary and secondary sources. For example, library catalogues, bibliographies, ...
Most important genealogical sources
Official documents
- Birth certificates
- Still births
- Marriage certificates
- Divorces
- Death certificates
- Official name changes
- Naturalization records
Religious documents
- Baptism 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
- Genealogical society records
- Oral recordings