Genealogy is the study of family history and ancestry. Professionals and hobbyists use genealogical research to create family trees (a type of genealogy chart), ancestral timelines and detailed historical documents. These tools and others document the history and relationships in a family's lineage.

The catalyst for a genealogical search can sometimes be simple chance. Recently, two men with the same rather unusual name (Maurice Guilbeault) determined they were actually distant cousins, both descending from a couple who married in 1851. [1]

Most genealogical research starts with interviewing family members to glean preliminary ancestral knowledge. This information usually is charted via a family tree in either paper or electronic form. The family tree serves as both a record of accomplishment and a guide for future research. 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an initial understanding of the people, places and events involved in a family's history, genealogists then search historical documents such as birth, death, adoption, marriage and divorce certificates, obituaries, newspapers, city directories and medical, military, census and church records to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, people, and connections. These documents lend precision to dates recalled anecdotally and offer insight into additional lines of investigation. Genealogists further their research by visiting locations relevant to the family, using DNA to establish lineage, and sharing information with people are tracing the same family lines.

• Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG): This organization provides certification, standards and resources for genealogists.

• International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen): Provides accreditation for genealogists through an oral and written examination process.

• National Institute on Genealogical Research: Housed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., is an intensive program of federal records for experienced researchers.