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Primary Sources. LettersEyewitness newspaper accountsShip passenger listsDiariesDeeds and other land ownership recordsBaptismal certificatesPhotographs of family reunionsBusiness ledgers and notes in the margins. Military recordsFamily bibles with listings of births, marriages and family eve
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1. Primary & Secondary Sourceswww.ancestry.com/library/view/ancmag/2082.asp Steps 6 & 7 Primary Sources (Original) – is a record of an event written, spoken or photographed by an eyewitness or that event at or near the time of the event. Recorded by someone with firsthand knowledge of the facts.
Secondary source (copied) – is written record of the event that was created long after the event occurred. Usually by someone not directly associated with the event.
2. Primary Sources Letters
Eyewitness newspaper accounts
Ship passenger lists
Diaries
Deeds and other land ownership records
Baptismal certificates
Photographs of family reunions
Business ledgers and notes in the margins
3. Military records
Family bibles with listings of births, marriages and family events
Census records
Home videos
Voice recordings, oral histories
Immigration records
Wills
It is from these sources that we can gain valuable insight into the personality or our ancestors.
4. Primary sources still can have potential shortcomings Eyewitnesses can unintentionally distort his or her perception of an event
Recording the wrong dates
Example of a college class:
Someone came into the class and shot the professor after the shock of the mock shooting, all were asked to record what they saw. It was amazing that there was little similarity between the accounts.
5. Vital Records These are records of life’s events
Birth, death, marriage, divorce
The government started to require records of vital records
These records are maintained by the level of government closest to where the event took place
Before the 1900’s records found at local community
After 1900’s either the local or state level would have the records
6. It is rare to be able to see the actual records unless:
Write to the appropriate office
Supply the correct amount of money
If the records are available you requested
The biggest challenge is knowing the correct place to send for vital records
Ancestry’s Red Book
The source Book
Use the internet http://vitalrec.com/
7. General guidelines to follow when sending for vital records Determine the correct cost
Determine the correct address, phone number and name
Supply as much information as possible
Enclose payment
Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope
Be patient for your reply, can take 2 or 3 letter to complete the process
8. Using the information found Always use the information given exactly as it is in the original source. Especially the spelling.
Make any notes on your logs.
Do not make assumptions about any data.
Make sure you file the information found in the correct folder or binder.
Place a copy of your source in your filing system.
9. Secondary Sources 2 fundamental rules
Document your sources, write down the identifying source, even if you find nothing, note that
Verify any information, use of compiled sources can lead you to the original source
10. Examples of Secondary Sources Family histories and local histories
Does the book contain relevant information to your project
How is the book structured
Does the book have an index of names or places
If the book does not have an index, use patience and perseverance
11. Organization of histories Take time to skim the contents
How was the work organized
Who is the key person
What format does the book use
When was it published
Who is the author
Is there and index
Learn the numbering system used in the book
Verify all information found
12. Town and County Histories Virtually every village, town, city, county or state has had someone write a published history.
Historical context
Day-to-day life, which allows you to have a glimpse of what the townspeople did for a living, where they shopped, how they farmed and where they paid their taxes
They can even provide a history of the people
They can provide births, deaths and marriages that occurred in that area.
13. Libraries worth checking Family History Library
Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
State Libraries (usually located at the state’s capital)
Heritage Quest (use your library card to access)
14. Genealogical Dictionaries Multi-volume sets of books
DUP “Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude”
“Heart Throbs of the West”
Frequently female family members are left out
Check the card or computer catalog at the library for these general sources
15. Assorted Compiled Sources Family association Newsletters
Genealogical Society Newsletters
Historical Society Publications
Ethnic Society Publications
Newspaper Obituaries
Published Cemetery Inscriptions
Biographies
College Yearbooks
16. Primary Secondary
17. Web Sites Primary & Secondary Sources http://www.genealogy.com/genealogy/tip12.html
How to cite your sources http://progenealogists.com/citationguide.htm
Genealogy help web site http://genhelp.org/index.php
Use the “Printed Sources” book pages 4-12 (most libraries have this book, or see Cathie’s copy)