Difference between revisions of "Sources"

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{{languages|sources}}
 
Sources play a key role in [[genealogy]].
 
Sources play a key role in [[genealogy]].
  
 
==Definition==
 
==Definition==
A source is a text (sometimes oral presentation, audio recording, video recording) from which (genealogical) information is derived.  
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A source is ''anything'' (personal testimony, video recording, photograph, newspaper column, gravestone...) from which (genealogical) information can be derived.  
  
Scientifically, one will make 3 distinctions:
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It is useful to make the following distinctions between sources:
#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, ...
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#Primary source: firsthand evidence of history, made at the time of the [[Events_in_Gramps|event]]. For example, 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,...
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#Secondary source: accounts of history based upon primary and secondary sources, offering commentary and analysis, such as history books, genealogical publications,...
#Tertiary source : selection and compilation of primary and secondary sources. Eg: library catalogue, bibliographies, ...
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#Tertiary source: a selection and compilation from primary and secondary sources. For example, library catalogues, bibliographies, ...
  
 
== Most important genealogical sources ==  
 
== Most important genealogical sources ==  
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* Marriage certificates
 
* Marriage certificates
 
* Divorces
 
* Divorces
* Death certificates
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* [[Death certificate]]s
 
* Official name changes
 
* Official name changes
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* Naturalization records
  
 
=== Religious documents ===
 
=== Religious documents ===
* [[Baptise record]]s
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* [[Baptise record|Baptism records]]
 
* Marriage records
 
* Marriage records
 
* Burial records
 
* Burial records
 
 
=== Legal documents ===
 
=== Legal documents ===
 
* Court cases
 
* Court cases
* Notary documents  
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* Notary documents
 
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* Probate records
 
=== Migration ===
 
=== Migration ===
 
 
* Passenger lists
 
* Passenger lists
 
* Record of landing
 
* Record of landing
  
 
=== Residences ===
 
=== Residences ===
* Census records
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* [[Census]] records
 
* Property documents
 
* Property documents
 
* Phone books
 
* Phone books
 
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* City directories
 
=== Final resting places ===
 
=== Final resting places ===
 
* Cemetery list of interments
 
* Cemetery list of interments
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=== Military ===
 
=== Military ===
 
* Enlistment lists
 
* Enlistment lists
* Draft lottery documents
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* [[Draft lottery|Draft lottery documents]]
 
* Medals
 
* Medals
 
* MIA - Missing in Action
 
* MIA - Missing in Action
 
* Deserters
 
* Deserters
 
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* Pension applications
 
=== Personal Documents ===
 
=== Personal Documents ===
 
* Diaries
 
* Diaries
 
* Correspondence
 
* Correspondence
 
* Household bills
 
* Household bills
 
 
== Other Possible Sources ==
 
== Other Possible Sources ==
 
* Bibles
 
* Bibles
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* Medical records
 
* Medical records
 
* DNA
 
* DNA
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* Voter registration records
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* Genealogical society records
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* Oral recordings
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[[Category:Sources]]

Revision as of 21:42, 21 January 2013

Sources play a key role in genealogy.

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:

  1. Primary source: firsthand evidence of history, made at the time of the event. For example, diaries, certificates, newspapers, ...
  2. Secondary source: accounts of history based upon primary and secondary sources, offering commentary and analysis, such as history books, genealogical publications,...
  3. Tertiary source: a selection and compilation from primary and secondary sources. For example, library catalogues, bibliographies, ...

Most important genealogical sources

Official documents

Religious documents

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

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