Guide Note
Genealogy is the study of family ancestries and histories. Professionals and hobbyists use genealogical research to create family trees, ancestral timelines and detailed historical documents.
Fast Facts
- The word "genealogy" is derived from the Greek words for "family" (genea) and "knowledge" (logos)
- Originally concerned with the ancestry of rulers and nobles
- Much modern genealogical research is done using the Internet
- Many websites allow users to create an personal online family tree
- DNA analysis is increasingly being used to verify genealogical theories
The Process
Most genealogical research starts with interviewing family members to glean preliminary ancestral knowledge. Once they have gained an initial understanding of the people, places and events involved in a family's history, genealogists then search historical documents such as birth, death, adoption, marriage and divorce certificates, obituaries, newspapers, city directories and medical, military, census and church records to provide factual evidence of historical events and people. The genealogist uses this information to compile a detailed record of a family's history.
