Page "Genealogy" Paragraph 11

Genealogists begin their research by collecting family documents and stories.

This creates a foundation for documentary research, which involves examining and evaluating historical records for evidence about ancestors and other relatives, their kinship ties, and the events that occurred in their lives.

As a rule, genealogists begin with the present and work backward in time.

Historical, social, and family context is essential to achieving correct identification of individuals and relationships.

Source citation is also important when conducting genealogical research.

To keep track of collected material, family group sheets and pedigree charts are used.

Formerly handwritten, these can now be generated by genealogical software.