Genealogy Hints
Genealogical Society of Marion County, Indianadocument everything
Remember to document everything you find on your ancestors. Undocumented genealogy is mythology. Most genealogy software will get you through the basics, Elizabeth Shown Mills has authored several very good books on the subject.
Research Log
The Research Log is very important for the time when you share you data or decide to publish your work. You will need to know your sources for obtaining each piece of information. Be VERY specific with your information quoting authors, titles, pages, publishers, etc.
Correspondence Log
Use a Correspondence Log for both regular and electronic correspondence. This includes the name and address of the person to whom you have written, what you requested, the date the request was sent, and a column for the outcome.
evidence Primary vs Secondary
Primary evidence is personal testimony or a record created shortly after an event by a person with personal knowledge of the facts. Secondary evidence is compiled from other sources written from memory long after the event has occurred.
evidence
Direct evidence speaks to the point in question. Indirect evidence gives facts from which you can come to a conclusion.
Citation explained
Genealogical citation is not always uniform. Elements include name of the person who created the document, date of the records, form used (county deed book, microfilm, etc.) and where the document can be found again.
citation defined
A citation is a reference to a source of information.
Document as you go
Document as you go!
sources list
Identify all researchers by name for all contributions, including your own.
confidential
Use confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.