Genealogy (from Greek: γενεά [genea], we have “generation”; and from λόγος [logos], we have “knowledge”), is the study and tracing of an individual’s lineage or pedigree. Genealogists use oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about an individual to qualify family lines and ancestral relationships. The results are often displayed in charts or written as narratives to clearly identify the line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor, displaying inter-relationships through birth, marriage and death information.

Family history, is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and unearthing their personal stories. “Family History” is more than ‘genealogy’ as it adds human experiences to bare historical dates. In doing so, family historians learn about the places their ancestors lived in; their occupations and interests; what they ate and wore; why and how they travelled, and many more aspects of their lives.

Genealogical and family history research is a complex process that uses historical records and sometimes genetic analysis to prove common lineage. Reliable conclusions are based on the quality of sources (which ideally are original records), the information within those sources, (ideally primary or firsthand information from credible sources), and the evidence that can be drawn, directly or indirectly, from that information. In many instances, genealogists must skilfully assemble indirect or circumstantial evidence to build a case for an ancestral relationship

As you start your journey, the following areas will guide you to many of the key sources of information needed in your genealogy research:

• Vital records, such as Birth; Death; Marriage / Divorce and Adoption records
• Biographies and biographical profiles (e.g. Who’s Who)
• Census records
• Religious records, such as Baptism or Christening; Confirmation; Bar or Bat mitzvah; Marriage; Funeral or Death, and records pertaining to membership in religious groups
• City directories and telephone directories
• Coroner’s reports
• Criminal and/or Civil Court records, including Wills and Probate Records
• Diaries, personal letters and family Bibles
• Emigration, immigration and naturalization records
• Hereditary & lineage organization records
• Land and property records, deeds
• Medical records
• Military and conscription records
• Newspaper articles
• Obituaries
• Occupational records
• Oral histories
• Passports
• Photographs
• Poorhouse, workhouse, almshouse, and asylum records
• School and alumni yearbooks and association records
• Ship passenger lists
• Government Social Security and pension records
• Tax records
• Tombstones, cemetery records, and funeral home records
• Voter registration records