73,385
edits
add template and category
(fix breadcrumb trail) |
(add template and category) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
''[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research ]] > Select Records to Search''<br> | ''[[Principles of Family History Research|Principles of Family History Research ]] > Select Records to Search''<br> | ||
'''Step 3: Select records to search.''' | '''Step 3: Select records to search.''' | ||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
=== Creation of Records === | === Creation of Records === | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="80%" align="center" border="1" | ||
|+ '''Creation of Records''' | |+ '''Creation of Records''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff | | align="left" bgcolor="#66ffff" | Because family history depends on finding records about individuals and families, it is important to understand the nature of the records that you will be searching. Most records used for genealogical research were not created for genealogical use. It is helpful to understand events, and why the records were created. | ||
'''Events'''<br>Most records were created to register events such as birth, death, or military service. Noteworthy happenings in a person’s physical, social, religious, family, civil, or private life were recorded by various jurisdictions. | '''Events'''<br>Most records were created to register events such as birth, death, or military service. Noteworthy happenings in a person’s physical, social, religious, family, civil, or private life were recorded by various jurisdictions. | ||
'''Locality'''<br>Usually records are connected to a specific locality; a town, county, state, province, region or nation. In order to find a person in a record, you must know the specific place (usually the town or county) where the family lived ''when the record was created.'' Sometimes the place may have changed since the person lived there. It may have a new name or belong to a new county, province, or state. Gazetteers (geographic dictionaries) can help you determine this information. Also see the discussion of [[Select Records to Search#Jurisdictions|Jurisdictions]]. | '''Locality'''<br>Usually records are connected to a specific locality; a town, county, state, province, region or nation. In order to find a person in a record, you must know the specific place (usually the town or county) where the family lived ''when the record was created.'' Sometimes the place may have changed since the person lived there. It may have a new name or belong to a new county, province, or state. Gazetteers (geographic dictionaries) can help you determine this information. Also see the discussion of [[Select Records to Search#Jurisdictions|Jurisdictions]]. | ||
'''Creating the Records'''<br>Authorities create records to serve their organization. The records may describe (1)&nbsp;an event or (2)&nbsp;the size and nature of the population. It is helpful to understand why a record was kept. For example, to use a tax list, you need to know if the government was taxing real or personal property, or every head of household or adult males. Each tax list may include different people and property.<br> | '''Creating the Records'''<br>Authorities create records to serve their organization. The records may describe (1)&nbsp;an event or (2)&nbsp;the size and nature of the population. It is helpful to understand why a record was kept. For example, to use a tax list, you need to know if the government was taxing real or personal property, or every head of household or adult males. Each tax list may include different people and property.<br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 32: | Line 32: | ||
There is no substitute for learning about records in order to select the best records to search. The more you understand about the records used for genealogical research, the more effectively you will be able to select and use them. The first step to understanding the records used in research is to learn the genealogical classification of records You can then use that classification to help you select appropriate records. You cannot select an appropriate records unless your objective is clearly defined. | There is no substitute for learning about records in order to select the best records to search. The more you understand about the records used for genealogical research, the more effectively you will be able to select and use them. The first step to understanding the records used in research is to learn the genealogical classification of records You can then use that classification to help you select appropriate records. You cannot select an appropriate records unless your objective is clearly defined. | ||
{| | {| style="width: 291px; height: 47px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#ffff66 | | align="center" bgcolor="#ffff66" | '''You cannot select an appropriate record unless your objective is clearly defined.'''<br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
You cannot select an appropriate record unless your objective is clearly defined. | You cannot select an appropriate record unless your objective is clearly defined. | ||
Genealogical sources can be grouped into two divisions, each with two categories. The following chart illustrates the relationship of these four categories.<br> [[Image:Genealogical Sources Tree.jpg|frame|center]] Review your objective. If you have a genealogical objective you will be selecting ''genealogical records''. For reference objectives, you will want to select ''reference tools''. When you know which kind of source you want, the following guidelines will help you choose from these categories of records: (1) compiled records, (2) original records, (3) background information, or (4) finding aids. | Genealogical sources can be grouped into two divisions, each with two categories. The following chart illustrates the relationship of these four categories.<br>[[Image:Genealogical Sources Tree.jpg|frame|center]] Review your objective. If you have a genealogical objective you will be selecting ''genealogical records''. For reference objectives, you will want to select ''reference tools''. When you know which kind of source you want, the following guidelines will help you choose from these categories of records: (1) compiled records, (2) original records, (3) background information, or (4) finding aids. | ||
== Genealogical Records == | == Genealogical Records == | ||
Genealogical records provide vital and biographical information on individuals and families (see [[Identify What You Know# | Genealogical records provide vital and biographical information on individuals and families (see [[Identify What You Know#Types_of_Genealogical_Information|Types of Genealogical Information]]). This includes information about—<br>'''''Vital events.''''' This information goes on your family group records and pedigree charts:<br> | ||
*Names and relationships | *Names and relationships | ||
| Line 70: | Line 70: | ||
Compiled records are collections of information about a person, group or family. Researchers and authors gathered information from original and other compiled records. Therefore, compiled records represent one or more researcher’s opinion of what the records say about an individual or family. A published family history, for example, is often compiled from vital records, census records, family papers, and local histories. Whenever you begin research on a new family, search compiled records before original records. This will help you learn what has already been researched. | Compiled records are collections of information about a person, group or family. Researchers and authors gathered information from original and other compiled records. Therefore, compiled records represent one or more researcher’s opinion of what the records say about an individual or family. A published family history, for example, is often compiled from vital records, census records, family papers, and local histories. Whenever you begin research on a new family, search compiled records before original records. This will help you learn what has already been researched. | ||
[[Select Records to Search# | [[Select Records to Search#Compiled_Records_Choices|Compiled records]] are arranged in two groups: | ||
'''''International''''' sources may include persons and families from anywhere in the world. They include two record types, family histories, and collections including databases such as Ancestral File. Examples of U.S. collections on the Internet can be found at [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research# | '''''International''''' sources may include persons and families from anywhere in the world. They include two record types, family histories, and collections including databases such as Ancestral File. Examples of U.S. collections on the Internet can be found at [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research#Databases_Online|Databases Online]]. Each country may have similar collections. | ||
'''''Local''''' sources are compiled records of persons or families of a specific place. The various record types include history, periodicals, genealogy, biography, societies, nobility, and heraldic visitations. | '''''Local''''' sources are compiled records of persons or families of a specific place. The various record types include history, periodicals, genealogy, biography, societies, nobility, and heraldic visitations. | ||
| Line 85: | Line 85: | ||
''Caution:'' Information in compiled records is considered secondary (''not'' recorded near the time of the event.) The information is only as accurate as its researcher. Carefully evaluate the information or verify it by sample testing. | ''Caution:'' Information in compiled records is considered secondary (''not'' recorded near the time of the event.) The information is only as accurate as its researcher. Carefully evaluate the information or verify it by sample testing. | ||
{| | {| style="width: 368px; height: 39px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#ffff99 | | align="center" bgcolor="#ffff99" | '''Search compiled records before original records.'''<br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
=== Original Records === | === Original Records === | ||
[[Select Records to Search# | [[Select Records to Search#Original_Records_Choices|Original records]] provide information about events in a person’s life. This includes birth, marriage, immigration, military service, land purchases, and death. Most also document relationships. These records were usually created near the time such an event took place. Based on the information in them, they can be grouped as: | ||
'''''Vital events.''''' Records of births, christenings, marriages, divorce, death and burial, created by families, governments, churches, or other institutions. | '''''Vital events.''''' Records of births, christenings, marriages, divorce, death and burial, created by families, governments, churches, or other institutions. | ||
| Line 152: | Line 152: | ||
=== Background Information === | === Background Information === | ||
[[Select Records to Search# | [[Select Records to Search#Background_Information_Choices|Background information]] helps you understand the settings in which records were created and the places, groups, or subjects used in family history research. In addition, they describe the circumstances of life in a particular place and time. Use background information when you need help selecting or using genealogical records. This category includes the record groups of—<br> | ||
*'''''Geography.''''' Books and tools necessary to locate and learn about places where ancestors lived. | *'''''Geography.''''' Books and tools necessary to locate and learn about places where ancestors lived. | ||
| Line 161: | Line 161: | ||
*'''''Language.''''' Information about the handwriting and languages used where the family lived.<br> | *'''''Language.''''' Information about the handwriting and languages used where the family lived.<br> | ||
{| | {| style="width: 314px; height: 55px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#ffff99 | | align="center" bgcolor="#ffff99" | '''Use background information when you need help selecting or using genealogical records.'''<br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 170: | Line 170: | ||
=== Finding Aids === | === Finding Aids === | ||
[[Select Records to Search# | [[Select Records to Search#Finding_Aids_Choices|Finding aids]] can help you determine ''where'' information can be found. There are two groups of finding aids— | ||
*'''''Names''''', which locate a person in a record. This includes indexes. | *'''''Names''''', which locate a person in a record. This includes indexes. | ||
| Line 177: | Line 177: | ||
Use finding aids after you have selected a record and if you need help locating the record or finding a person in the record. | Use finding aids after you have selected a record and if you need help locating the record or finding a person in the record. | ||
To learn more about records, see [[Select Records to Search#Jurisdictions|Jurisdictions]] and [[Select Records to Search# | To learn more about records, see [[Select Records to Search#Jurisdictions|Jurisdictions]] and [[Select Records to Search#Creation_of_Records|Creation of Records]]. | ||
= Choose a Record Type = | = Choose a Record Type = | ||
| Line 219: | Line 219: | ||
== Helpful Guessing Skills == | == Helpful Guessing Skills == | ||
To find useful source documents, sometimes a researcher needs to be good at guessing information needed to find ancestors in documents. Each of the following involves being able to guess some '''''additional''''' information based on what is already shown on a family group record:<br> | To find useful source documents, sometimes a researcher needs to be good at guessing information needed to find ancestors in documents. Each of the following involves being able to guess some '''''additional''''' information based on what is already shown on a family group record:<br> | ||
*[[Guessing a Place|Guessing a Place]] for every event on that family group. Usually you need to guess where an event happened to be able to guess where to look for records of that place.<br> | *[[Guessing a Place|Guessing a Place]] for every event on that family group. Usually you need to guess where an event happened to be able to guess where to look for records of that place.<br> | ||
*[[Guessing a Date|Guessing a Date]] for every event on that family group. You need to guess dates to narrow searches when indexes are not available or cover only limited periods.<br> | *[[Guessing a Date|Guessing a Date]] for every event on that family group. You need to guess dates to narrow searches when indexes are not available or cover only limited periods.<br> | ||
*[[Guessing a Name Variation|Guessing a Name Variation]] for every name on that family group. Your ancestors may have always spelled their name a certain way, but the clerks who wrote their names probably used some surprises. Learn to look for ancestors under unexpected spellings and names. | *[[Guessing a Name Variation|Guessing a Name Variation]] for every name on that family group. Your ancestors may have always spelled their name a certain way, but the clerks who wrote their names probably used some surprises. Learn to look for ancestors under unexpected spellings and names. | ||
| Line 229: | Line 229: | ||
To select a specific record, it is most useful to review a list of records, such as a library catalog or bibliography. Most such lists organize the records they describe into groups and often use the same or similar groupings (or "Record Types") used above. | To select a specific record, it is most useful to review a list of records, such as a library catalog or bibliography. Most such lists organize the records they describe into groups and often use the same or similar groupings (or "Record Types") used above. | ||
Many genealogists do much of their research in one or two repositories. You may want to select some record(s) for your objective from the collections where you do research. For a discussion of the many kinds of record repositories, see [[Obtain and Search the Records# | Many genealogists do much of their research in one or two repositories. You may want to select some record(s) for your objective from the collections where you do research. For a discussion of the many kinds of record repositories, see [[Obtain and Search the Records#Obtain_the_Records|Obtain the Records]]. | ||
However, since ''no'' library or archives has all possible records for your objective, you may need to use lists that best fit your research opportunities. | However, since ''no'' library or archives has all possible records for your objective, you may need to use lists that best fit your research opportunities. | ||
| Line 243: | Line 243: | ||
The catalog, updated regularly, is on the Internet at http://[http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp] | The catalog, updated regularly, is on the Internet at http://[http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHLC/frameset_fhlc.asp] | ||
You may search the catalog by '''''Surname''''' (for family histories), by '''''Place''''' (for record types), by '''''Subject'''''' (such as Navajo Indians), or by '''''Author''''' or '''''Title''''' if known. The record types listed in [[Select Records to Search# | You may search the catalog by '''''Surname''''' (for family histories), by '''''Place''''' (for record types), by '''''Subject'''''' (such as Navajo Indians), or by '''''Author''''' or '''''Title''''' if known. The record types listed in [[Select Records to Search#Sources_Useful_to_Genealogists|Sources Useful to Genealogists]] are mostly the same as the headings used in the Place Search of the catalog. | ||
For more information see the wiki article [[Introduction to the Family History Library Catalog|Introduction to the Family History Library Catalog]]. | For more information see the wiki article [[Introduction to the Family History Library Catalog|Introduction to the Family History Library Catalog]]. | ||
| Line 249: | Line 249: | ||
=== '''Other Internet Sites''' === | === '''Other Internet Sites''' === | ||
The Internet has search engines and lists to help find and select genealogical records:<br> | The Internet has search engines and lists to help find and select genealogical records:<br> | ||
*[http://www.google.com '''Google''']'''.''' Use this search engine to find records with search phases like '''''Moffett genealogy''''' or '''''New Orleans marriages''''' or '''''Hamburg passenger lists''''' or '''''Quebec census'''''.<br> | *[http://www.google.com '''Google''']'''.''' Use this search engine to find records with search phases like '''''Moffett genealogy''''' or '''''New Orleans marriages''''' or '''''Hamburg passenger lists''''' or '''''Quebec census'''''.<br> | ||
*[http://www.cyndislist.com '''Cyndi's List'''] is a large categorized list of tens of thousands of links to genealogical sites and records.<br> | *[http://www.cyndislist.com '''Cyndi's List'''] is a large categorized list of tens of thousands of links to genealogical sites and records.<br> | ||
*[[Family History Library Internet Favorites|'''Family History Library Internet Favorites''']] are selected browser links (bookmarks) to identify good genealogical Internet sites. | *[[Family History Library Internet Favorites|'''Family History Library Internet Favorites''']] are selected browser links (bookmarks) to identify good genealogical Internet sites. | ||
| Line 269: | Line 269: | ||
[http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/frameset_rhelps.asp?Page=./research/type/Research_Outline.asp&ActiveTab=Type Research outlines] for specific countries may help you identify other catalogs for major libraries. Check the most recent versions of catalogs, as libraries are continually adding to their collections. | [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/frameset_rhelps.asp?Page=./research/type/Research_Outline.asp&ActiveTab=Type Research outlines] for specific countries may help you identify other catalogs for major libraries. Check the most recent versions of catalogs, as libraries are continually adding to their collections. | ||
The Family History Library Catalog can be used to find descriptions of other libraries and their collections. Look in the Place Search, find the place and look for the topic '''''Archives and Libraries'''''. For example:<br> | The Family History Library Catalog can be used to find descriptions of other libraries and their collections. Look in the Place Search, find the place and look for the topic '''''Archives and Libraries'''''. For example:<br> | ||
*Ireland, Dublin, Dublin – Archives and Libraries<br> | *Ireland, Dublin, Dublin – Archives and Libraries<br> | ||
*Pennsylvania, Philadelphia – Archives and Libraries | *Pennsylvania, Philadelphia – Archives and Libraries | ||
| Line 300: | Line 300: | ||
== '''Selection Criteria''' == | == '''Selection Criteria''' == | ||
To select a record, read its description and compare it to what you know or [[Select Records to Search# | To select a record, read its description and compare it to what you know or [[Select Records to Search#Helpful_Guessing_Skills|guess]] about the event you want to document. Make sure the record—<br> | ||
#has the content (information, location, and time period) you need, and | #has the content (information, location, and time period) you need, and | ||
| Line 309: | Line 309: | ||
'''''Information.''''' Does the record have the kind of information you are looking for? If, for example, you need to find out about a marriage, does the record give marriage information? | '''''Information.''''' Does the record have the kind of information you are looking for? If, for example, you need to find out about a marriage, does the record give marriage information? | ||
The [[Select Records to Search# | The [[Select Records to Search#Sources_Useful_to_Genealogists|Sources Useful to Genealogists]] table puts each record type with those having similar information. If the type you choose is not available, choose a type from the same group. | ||
'''''Location.''''' Is the record from the place where you believe the event occurred? Are there other local jurisdictions that may have similar records that you should search? Did the boundaries of a jurisdiction change while or after your ancestor lived there? Did you ancestor move to nearby jurisdictions? Select records from every jurisdiction where the family lived and consider nearby jurisdictions. Sometimes you will need to do an area search (see [[Obtain and Search the Records# | '''''Location.''''' Is the record from the place where you believe the event occurred? Are there other local jurisdictions that may have similar records that you should search? Did the boundaries of a jurisdiction change while or after your ancestor lived there? Did you ancestor move to nearby jurisdictions? Select records from every jurisdiction where the family lived and consider nearby jurisdictions. Sometimes you will need to do an area search (see [[Obtain and Search the Records#Search_Ranges|Search Ranges]]). | ||
'''''Time.''''' Does the record cover the time period during which the event took place? Be sure to establish broad ranges of time to search (see [[Obtain and Search the Records# | '''''Time.''''' Does the record cover the time period during which the event took place? Be sure to establish broad ranges of time to search (see [[Obtain and Search the Records#Search_Ranges|Search Ranges]]). | ||
=== '''Record Access''' === | === '''Record Access''' === | ||
| Line 319: | Line 319: | ||
'''''Obtain it.''''' Is the record in a repository you can visit? Can you get a copy? Are you permitted to use the record? | '''''Obtain it.''''' Is the record in a repository you can visit? Can you get a copy? Are you permitted to use the record? | ||
'''''Read it.''''' Are there skills or knowledge you need to read the record, such as (1) ability to read foreign languages, (2) ability to read old handwriting, or (3) knowledge of terms used? Remember that—<br> | '''''Read it.''''' Are there skills or knowledge you need to read the record, such as (1) ability to read foreign languages, (2) ability to read old handwriting, or (3) knowledge of terms used? Remember that—<br> | ||
*Records are usually in the language of the country. | *Records are usually in the language of the country. | ||
*Many early records are in Latin. | *Many early records are in Latin. | ||
'''''Find information in it.''''' Can you locate the information in the record? Do you have the information necessary to recognize the relative you are seeking? Will there be so many of that name (such as Smith) that you must know the first name? Will the search be too extensive if you don’t know a specific place? How many microfilms or volumes will you need to search if you don’t know the year? Before you select a record, determine if you may need—<br> | '''''Find information in it.''''' Can you locate the information in the record? Do you have the information necessary to recognize the relative you are seeking? Will there be so many of that name (such as Smith) that you must know the first name? Will the search be too extensive if you don’t know a specific place? How many microfilms or volumes will you need to search if you don’t know the year? Before you select a record, determine if you may need—<br> | ||
*An index.<br> | *An index.<br> | ||
*The ancestor’s given (first) name. <br> | *The ancestor’s given (first) name. <br> | ||
*The name of the county or town. <br> | *The name of the county or town. <br> | ||
*A limited time period. <br> | *A limited time period. <br> | ||
*More specific information about the ancestor’s religion, military service, or occupation. | *More specific information about the ancestor’s religion, military service, or occupation. | ||
| Line 338: | Line 338: | ||
=== Selecting More Than One Record === | === Selecting More Than One Record === | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="745" align="center" border="1" | ||
|+ '''Selecting More Than One Record''' | |+ '''Selecting More Than One Record''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 345: | Line 345: | ||
*Different genealogical sources often provide conflicting evidence of events or relationships. To resolve these discrepancies, it is necessary to locate more than one piece of evidence in support of any genealogical fact. In fact, the more pieces of acceptable evidence found, the more sure you can be of the fact. Where possible, strive to find multiple sources for every fact. | *Different genealogical sources often provide conflicting evidence of events or relationships. To resolve these discrepancies, it is necessary to locate more than one piece of evidence in support of any genealogical fact. In fact, the more pieces of acceptable evidence found, the more sure you can be of the fact. Where possible, strive to find multiple sources for every fact. | ||
However, in doing this you may find discrepancies. For example, the sources may not agree on Uncle Harry’s birth date. You will then need to evaluate the information you find as explained in Step 5. <br> | However, in doing this you may find discrepancies. For example, the sources may not agree on Uncle Harry’s birth date. You will then need to evaluate the information you find as explained in Step 5. <br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== '''Jurisdictions''' == | == '''Jurisdictions''' == | ||
Most records you search have jurisdictional limitations. That is, they apply only to a certain geographic area and to certain events and/or families. For example, marriage records in the United States are usually recorded by each different county. Many different jurisdictions exercise authority over what records are created or kept about our ancestors. For example, in the United States, naturalization records were kept by the federal, state, city and county jurisdictions. You must know which jurisdictions kept the records you are seeking in order to select the best records.<br> | Most records you search have jurisdictional limitations. That is, they apply only to a certain geographic area and to certain events and/or families. For example, marriage records in the United States are usually recorded by each different county. Many different jurisdictions exercise authority over what records are created or kept about our ancestors. For example, in the United States, naturalization records were kept by the federal, state, city and county jurisdictions. You must know which jurisdictions kept the records you are seeking in order to select the best records.<br> | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1 | {| style="width: 745px; height: 44px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" | ||
|+ '''Jurisdictions''' | |+ '''Jurisdictions''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | Wherever people settle, civil, religious, and other leaders exercise authority over them. | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | Wherever people settle, civil, religious, and other leaders exercise authority over them. | ||
'''''Jurisdiction''''' is—<br> | '''''Jurisdiction''''' is—<br> | ||
*The power, right, or '''''authority''''' to legislate, interpret, and apply civil and religious laws or social habits and traditions.<br> | *The power, right, or '''''authority''''' to legislate, interpret, and apply civil and religious laws or social habits and traditions.<br> | ||
*The '''''physical boundaries''''' of an organization's authority. For example, a probate court may have jurisdiction over a county. | *The '''''physical boundaries''''' of an organization's authority. For example, a probate court may have jurisdiction over a county. | ||
| Line 374: | Line 374: | ||
[[Image:Jurisdictions Overlap.png|thumb|Jurisdictions overlap. A family belongs to many jurisdictions at the same time. Each type has its own kind of authority and boundaries.]]'''Records of Jurisdictions'''<br>Those jurisdictions create or keep records useful to the genealogist: | [[Image:Jurisdictions Overlap.png|thumb|Jurisdictions overlap. A family belongs to many jurisdictions at the same time. Each type has its own kind of authority and boundaries.]]'''Records of Jurisdictions'''<br>Those jurisdictions create or keep records useful to the genealogist: | ||
*''Governments''. These are the most common jurisdictions. They often keep records of birth, marriage, death, land ownership, court decrees, military experience, population counts, taxes, and so forth. There are usually several levels, such as national, regional, district, local, and municipal. See [[Select Records to Search# | *''Governments''. These are the most common jurisdictions. They often keep records of birth, marriage, death, land ownership, court decrees, military experience, population counts, taxes, and so forth. There are usually several levels, such as national, regional, district, local, and municipal. See [[Select Records to Search#Some_Modern_Government_Jurisdictions|Modern Governental Jurisdictions]]. | ||
*''Religious Organizations''. Churches usually have a local jurisdiction, such as a parish, congregation, or ward. Several local groups usually belong to a conference, association, diocese, synod, or stake. Religious orders or fraternal groups may also have jurisdictions. They keep records of those events that are considered sacred or essential to their members' salvation, such as baptisms, christenings, and meeting minutes. | *''Religious Organizations''. Churches usually have a local jurisdiction, such as a parish, congregation, or ward. Several local groups usually belong to a conference, association, diocese, synod, or stake. Religious orders or fraternal groups may also have jurisdictions. They keep records of those events that are considered sacred or essential to their members' salvation, such as baptisms, christenings, and meeting minutes. | ||
| Line 388: | Line 388: | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br> [[Image:Jurisdictions Cascade.png|thumb|left|Researchers may find records at several jurisdiction levels: nation, state, county, township, and town.]] | <br>[[Image:Jurisdictions Cascade.png|thumb|left|Researchers may find records at several jurisdiction levels: nation, state, county, township, and town.]] | ||
All records have a limited scope that defines their coverage. The scope is usually limited by time and geography with a topical consideration (such as a list of Union officers in the U.S. Civil War.) As you select specific records to search, you will need to learn the different jurisdictions that may have kept a record, and the scope of the records they kept. | All records have a limited scope that defines their coverage. The scope is usually limited by time and geography with a topical consideration (such as a list of Union officers in the U.S. Civil War.) As you select specific records to search, you will need to learn the different jurisdictions that may have kept a record, and the scope of the records they kept. | ||
{| | {| style="width: 358px; height: 55px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#ffff99 | | align="center" bgcolor="#ffff99" | '''You must know which jurisdictions kept the records you are seeking in order to select the best records.'''<br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 410: | Line 410: | ||
=== '''Some Modern Government Jurisdictions''' === | === '''Some Modern Government Jurisdictions''' === | ||
{| cellspacing="3" cellpadding="5" | {| cellspacing="3" cellpadding="5" width="745" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff | | align="center" bgcolor="#66ffff" colspan="5" | '''Some Modern Government Jurisdictions'''<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''Nation<br>''''' | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''Nation<br>''''' | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''Regional'''''<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''Regional'''''<br> | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''District'''''<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''District'''''<br> | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''Local'''''<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''Local'''''<br> | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''Municipal'''''<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | '''''Municipal'''''<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | Canada<br>England<br>France<br>Germany<br>Italy<br>Ireland<br>Poland<br>Russia<br>United States<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | Canada<br>England<br>France<br>Germany<br>Italy<br>Ireland<br>Poland<br>Russia<br>United States<br> | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | Province<br>—<br>Département<br>Staat or Land<br>Regione<br>Province<br>Województwo<br>Oblast<br>State<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | Province<br>—<br>Département<br>Staat or Land<br>Regione<br>Province<br>Województwo<br>Oblast<br>State<br> | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | County<br>County or Shire<br>Arrondissement<br>Bezirk<br>Provincia<br>County<br>Powiat<br>Uyezd<br>County<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | County<br>County or Shire<br>Arrondissement<br>Bezirk<br>Provincia<br>County<br>Powiat<br>Uyezd<br>County<br> | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | (Township)*<br>(Hundred)*<br>Canton<br>Kreis<br>Comune<br>Civil Parish<br>Gmina<br>Raion<br>Township<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | (Township)*<br>(Hundred)*<br>Canton<br>Kreis<br>Comune<br>Civil Parish<br>Gmina<br>Raion<br>Township<br> | ||
| bgcolor="#66ffff" | Town or City<br>Town or City<br>Commune<br>Stadt or Dorf<br>Frazione<br>Town or City<br>Wieś<br>Gorod or Derevnia<br>Town or City<br> | | bgcolor="#66ffff" | Town or City<br>Town or City<br>Commune<br>Stadt or Dorf<br>Frazione<br>Town or City<br>Wieś<br>Gorod or Derevnia<br>Town or City<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 431: | Line 431: | ||
= Describe the Records on a Research Log = | = Describe the Records on a Research Log = | ||
Write a description of the records you selected on the research log. Write enough information so someone could readily locate the source and verify the information at a later time. See the example at [[Identify What You Know# | Write a description of the records you selected on the research log. Write enough information so someone could readily locate the source and verify the information at a later time. See the example at [[Identify What You Know#Prepare_a_Research_Log|Prepare a Research Log]]. | ||
Decide which records you want to search first. Some records are easier to search while others may be more difficult to use because of the format, handwriting, language, lack of indexes or other reasons. Some records may be more immediately available than others. You may eventually want to search all the records you selected, but usually you should search the ones most likely to meet your objective first, even if they may be more difficult to search. | Decide which records you want to search first. Some records are easier to search while others may be more difficult to use because of the format, handwriting, language, lack of indexes or other reasons. Some records may be more immediately available than others. You may eventually want to search all the records you selected, but usually you should search the ones most likely to meet your objective first, even if they may be more difficult to search. | ||
{{Principles}} <br> | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:Select_Records_to_Search]] | ||