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'''Genealogy''' is the study of your human ancestors, their families, descendants, and the kinship relations between them. Genealogical or family history research is the process of searching records to find information about your relatives and using those records to link individuals across several generations. | |||
This article briefly describes key aspects of genealogical research. It also links to more detailed articles about each aspect. | |||
=== Scope === | |||
Modern Western genealogists usually consider it essential to preserve the names of their ancestral family members, their relationships, and their birth-marriage-death dates and places. [[Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)|Citing the original sources]] of this information is also crucial. These names, dates, places, relationships, and sources are often recorded in [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Computer_Programs_for_Generating_Forms|computer databases]] and then printed on forms such as [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Pedigree_Chart|pedigrees]], [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Family_Group_Record|family group records]], or [[Genealogical_Charts_(National_Institute)#Descendancy_Chart|descendancy charts]]. | |||
Computers and the Internet have simplified and improved the [[Organize the New Records|recording and sharing]] of genealogical information. Likewise, the online availability of [[Online Genealogy Records by Location|digital images]] of many original genealogical source materials from repositories around the world has made genealogical research easier, and more reliable. [https://www.ancestry.com/ Ancestry.com] and [https://familysearch.org/ FamilySearch.org] are the two largest and most used websites for genealogical research and note keeping. | |||
Many genealogists also supplement the collecting of birth-marriage-death data about their relatives with "[[Putting Photos and Documents as Memories in FamilySearch Family Tree|memories]]" information such as biographical sketches, family histories, stories, traditions, portraits, and [[Heraldry|heraldry]]. Collaboration with cousins on research efforts, and socializing at [[Family Reunions|family reunions]] are often enjoyed by genealogists. [[Genealogical Societies|Genealogical societies]] exist in almost every state or nation to educate researchers about resources, best practices, and to work for the preservation of original sources. In recent decades [[Hiring a DNA Testing Company|DNA studies]] have begun to help genealogists prove or disprove a biological relationship between any two individuals. DNA evidence can also provide insight into the [[Hiring_a_DNA_Testing_Company#Autosomal_DNA_Testing|ethnic background]] of an individual's ancestors. In some cases genealogy research has been used to identify potential organ donors for sick patients,<ref>[https://www.donorsiblingregistry.com/helpful-info/dna-testing The Donor Sibling Registry] (accessed 24 February 2017).</ref> or individuals who may have inherited genes which make them susceptible to various disorders.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_genetic_disorders List of genetic disorders] in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'' (accessed 24 February 2017).</ref> | |||
Genealogy is said to be the most popular hobby second only to gardening.<ref>[http://www.familytree.com/blog/genealogy-is-the-second-most-popular-hobby-in-the-u-s/ Genealogy Is the Second Most Popular Hobby in the U.S.] (blog) in ''familytree.com'' (accessed 22 February 2017).</ref> Most genealogists enjoy research as a way of detecting clues, solving puzzles, and learning about their heritage. Genealogists may learn about ancestors who participated in significant historical events such as migrations, colonization, or wars. Some genealogists are inspired by how their ancestors faced challenges, or learn what to avoid from an ancestor's mistakes. Many genealogists enjoy identifying their famous (or notorious) ancestors. Occasionally, genealogy is used to determine legal heirship rights to valuable unclaimed properties.<ref>[https://www.unclaimed.org/news/ NAUPA News] in ''National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators'' (accessed 24 February 2017).</ref> Only a small percentage of genealogists pursue it as a [[Becoming a Professional Genealogist|full-time profession]]. Some scholars have used genealogy as part of their historical or ethnic research. Some scientists study genealogy for genetic research purposes. | |||
=== Research Steps === | |||
[[Principles of Family History Research|Genealogical research is a process]]. Most researchers use a cycle of five steps to help them find sources to document their ancestors' lives: | |||
[[File:Research Guide1 HD.jpg|right|450px]] | |||
:[[Identify What You Know|STEP 1: Identify What You Know]] | |||
:[[Decide What You Want to Learn|STEP 2: Decide What You Want to Learn]] | |||
:[[Select Records to Search|STEP 3: Select Records to Search.]] | |||
:[[Obtain and Search the Records|STEP 4: Obtain and Search the Records.]] | |||
:[[Use the Information|STEP 5: Evaluate and Use the Information.]] | |||
Successful research usually results in accurate, logical, [[Evaluate_the_Evidence#Establishing_Proof|well-documented]] lists of ancestors and their families. These families are usually arranged by their generation and reach back in time as far as the genealogist can find documentary evidence. Many genealogists also like to start with an early ancestor, and [[Descendancy Research|research the descendants]] of that person down to the most recent generation.. | |||
=== Resources === | |||
A genealogist relies on the [[Evaluate_the_Evidence#Establishing_Proof|evidence in original source documents]] to back up his conclusions about the relationships between ancestors. Good genealogists strive to learn about [[Select_Specific_Records#Record_Access|availability]] and [[Identify a Category of Sources|content of record types]] so they can assess which would best help their research. Genealogists also need to have a working [[Family History Library Computer Resources|knowledge of using the Internet]], and how to find the [[Obtain the Records|repositories]] which preserve their ancestors records. | |||
*'''Sources.''' There are about [[Choose a Record Type|70 record types]] most useful to genealogists for documenting their ancestors. [[Choose_a_Record_Type#Original_Records_Choices|Original sources]] include civil vital records (births, marriages, and deaths), church records, census, immigration records, military records, obituaries, and wills. [[Choose_a_Record_Type#Compiled_Records:_Choices|Compiled secondary sources]] such as biographies, genealogies, and local histories sometimes mention ancestors. [[Choose_a_Record_Type#Background_Information_Choices|Background information sources]] answer questions about geography, languages, and the history of places or groups. [[Choose_a_Record_Type#Finding_Aids_Choices|Finding aids]] identify jurisdictions, addresses, or the whereabouts of useful genealogy records.[[File:George-peabody-library.jpg|thumb|right|345px|<center>Johns Hopkins University Peabody Library, Baltimore, Md.</center>]] | |||
*'''Repositories.''' Good genealogists learn about [[Major Databases for Beginning United States Research|collections on the Internet]], and the holdings of [[:Category:Archives and Libraries by Country|archives, libraries]], [[:Category:Genealogical and historical societies by country|genealogical societies, historical societies]], museums, and other repositories that house the records of residents where an ancestor lived. Most public libraries have a section of books on the subject, and many have a part of the library dedicated to family and local history. The [[Family History Library]] (Salt Lake City) has over four thousand [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|branches worldwide]] which offer access to free computer databases, and help with reference questions about getting started with genealogy research. | |||
*'''Computers.''' You are not required to use a computer to do genealogy, but it helps. Computers help genealogists: | |||
::- [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Computer_Programs_for_Generating_Form|keep genealogical notes]] such as family groups, pedigrees, and descendancy charts | |||
::- use the Internet to find [[Online Genealogy Records by Location|online indexes, online databases]], and in many cases online digital images of original source records | |||
::- use the Internet to make inquiries, or [[Share_the_Information#Online_Databases_Like_FamilySearch|share genealogical findings and conclusions]] with fellow genealogists. | |||
=== Best Practices === | |||
Some of the best genealogical research practices include: | |||
*'''[[Identify Candidate Families for Further Research|Work from the known to the unknown]]'''.Use clues from what you already know to determine where and what time period to search for new unknown information. | |||
*'''[[Guessing the Easiest to Research Person and Event|Do the easiest first]]'''. Look for the easiest to locate sources first so you can build up the clues to find the harder to locate sources later. | |||
*'''[[One Research Objective at a Time|Select one person and one event in that person's life to research at a time]]'''. Be reluctant to switch to another research objective too soon. Focus on documenting one event at a time. Persist until you you find it. | |||
*'''If the first search fails do the search over but [[Record_the_Results#If_the_Search_Result_Is_Negative|make a substitute]]'''. Substitute a different name spelling, date, record, record type, jurisdiction, repository, or look for a relative or neighbor. | |||
*'''[[Document AS YOU GO!|Document as you go]]'''. Keep up-to-date research logs. When you find a new document immediately cite it on the family group record for each event it documents. | |||
*'''[[One_Family_at_a_Time|One family at a time]]'''. As you build up clues for one family member it helps to find information about others in the family. Avoid skipping to a new family too quickly. | |||
*'''View the most original possible version of a source [[Copying_Sources#Copying Principles|with your own eyes]]'''. Note the context and details. Use the assessment of others, or copies made by others with caution. | |||
*Follow the '''[[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]]'''. Strive to follow its guidance to achieve the minimum standard of believability. | |||
*'''[[Evaluate_the_Evidence#Genealogical_Proof_Standard|Always discuss and resolve the contrary evidence]]'''. This shows you are aware of it and have taken it into account. | |||
*'''[[Share the Information|Share]]'''. Especially share your source citations and your conclusions. Sharing is a good way to encourage others to share new information with you. | |||
*'''[[Rookie_Mistakes#Rookies_don.27t_sharpen_the_saw_enough|Take time to sharpen the saw]]'''. Attend genealogical [[Upcoming Conferences|conferences]], take [[Family_History_Library#Classes_and_Online_Webinars|classes]], and read good [[United States For Further Reading|genealogical literature]] to improve your research skills. Read and contribute to this Wiki. | |||
=== Historical Uses === | |||
Genealogy has appeared in many cultures and in a variety of ways, ''for example:'' | |||
*Jews traditionally liked to trace their lineage back to Father Abraham (or the twelve sons of Jacob). Some lineages trace back to an ancestor who held the priesthood (kohanim) such a Levi (leviim).<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_genealogy Jewish genealogy] in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> | |||
*In pre-revolutionary China, Confusianism encouraged respect for ancestors, often to the point of veneration in some families.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancestor_veneration_in_China Ancestor veneration in China] in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> A variety of [[China Compiled Genealogies|compiled genealogies]] were traditionally kept in China. | |||
*Japanese royal family traces their genealogy back to 660 B.C. This lineage is considered reliable back to about 500 A.D.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_House_of_Japan Imperial House of Japan] in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref>[[File:Chinese lineage religion 2010s.png|thumb|right|460px|<center>Percent of allegiance to ancestor worship by Chinese province in 2007.</center>]] | |||
*In Myanmar there are [[Myanmar Ancestor Cult|ancestor cult records]] including biographical data, descendant and relationship charts from about 1500 to the present.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneration_of_the_dead#Burma_.28Myanmar.29 Veneration of the dead] in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> | |||
*Inherited leadership rights of European kings and queens depended on genealogy. The "divine right of kings" was cited to imply the favor of God for a family's rule.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/divine-right-of-kings Divine right of kings: political doctrine] in ''Encyclopedia Britannica'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> | |||
*A few European nobility genealogies can be traced back as far as Charles Martel about 700 A.D. but are considered unreliable before that time.<ref>[https://www.geni.com/projects/Ancestors-of-Charlemagne/4914 Ancestors of Charlemagne] in ''Geni'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> | |||
*In most Pacific Islander cultures genealogy is traced by chanting one's lineage; often back to the man made out of sand (Tiki).<ref>[http://www.mythologydictionary.com/tiki-mythology.html Tiki] in ''Mythology Dictionary'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> | |||
*Maori natives trace their lineages back to the [[New Zealand Maori Cultural Traits and Historical Background#Maori_Customs|canoe that first landed in New Zealand]].<ref>[https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/New_Zealand_Maori_Cultural_Traits_and_Historical_Background#Maori_Customs Maori Customs] in ''New Zealand Maori Cultural Traits and Historical Background'' in ''Family History Research Wiki'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> | |||
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Tonga#Rank_and_status Tongan status and rank] in society are determined by a person's genealogical position and their family. | |||
*Some African cultures have [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griot wise men] who can recite a person's genealogy back hundreds of years. | |||
*Navajo Indians are required to marry outside their own clan. It is Navajo custom when being introduced to cite one's maternal and paternal clans on both sides.<ref>[http://www.lapahie.com/dine_clans.cfm Diné Dóone’e (Navajo Clans)] in ''LAPAHIE.com'' (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> | |||
*Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) trace their ancestors back to an American patriot in order to join the society.<ref>[http://www.dar.org/ DAR Daughters of the American Revolution] (accessed 28 February 2017).</ref> | |||
*Roman Catholics say [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Requiem masses in behalf of deceased ancestors]. Latter-day Saints are [[LDS_Compiled_Genealogies#Proxy_Baptisms|baptized in behalf of their deceased ancestors]]. | |||
=== Reception === | |||
Genealogy is popular in many cultures. In the Western nations it is most often seen as an amatuer hobby. Genealogy sites have some of the heaviest traffic on the Internet. Reviewing genealogy is often an activity at family reunions. Some families [[Hiring a Professional Researcher|hire professional genealogists]] to research their lines. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genealogical_DNA_test DNA analysis] of a person's ethnic background is growing in popularity. | |||
Occasionally, over-zealous enthusiasts are regarded as snobbish because of references to illustrious ancestors. And a few genealogies are fraudulent because they falsely link to a desired ancestor. The best way of avoiding false genealogy problems is to rely on good source notes and quality research standards. | |||
=== For Further Reading === | |||
*[[Principles of Family History Research]] | |||
*[[New to Genealogy - Beginners First Step]] | |||
=== Sources === | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
[[Category:Research Process and Instruction]][[Category:Basic Research Process]] | |||