Difference between revisions of "Sources"

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==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 [[Events_in_GRAMPS|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 ==  

Revision as of 03:48, 9 May 2010

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

Residences

Military