Primary sources vs. secondary sources, knowledge of the person recording the data, and time gap between the event and the document are all important.

Jan 17, 2011 - David A. Todd

Genealogy is more than constructing a family tree of surnames to show ancestry. A full citation of a reference source identifies evidence and its location.

Feb 11, 2011 - Denise Larson

Arkansas seceded from the Union in 1861, but its population was divided on joining the Confederacy, so genealogists may find ancestors who fought for either side.

Nov 10, 2009 - Katharine Garstka

Genealogy records such as historic newspapers, online family trees, published family histories, even birth certificates have potential errors to be aware of.

Jan 7, 2009 - Jennifer Jensen

Learn how and why you should create a locality guide for areas in which you most commonly conduct genealogy research.

Feb 15, 2011 - Jennifer Holik-Urban

Learn why researchers should maintain a library and a few titles that should be included.

Feb 15, 2011 - Jennifer Holik-Urban

Writing a research paper is easier today than ever before, thanks to the web. But sometimes internet sources are unreliable. Here, how to evaluate which ones are best.

Nov 9, 2009 - Cynthia Jones-Shoeman

Once you've identified items in the home that lead to genealogical knowledge, take time to properly inventory them, and see that they are preserved.

Jan 30, 2011 - David A. Todd

Things you find in the home can give clues to your family history. Photographs are obvious sources of information, but don't overlook other things.

Jan 29, 2011 - David A. Todd

When ordinary sources reveal no data, it is to such lesser-known sources as these Connecticut Apprenticeship records that experienced genealogists turn.

Aug 24, 2009 - Rosemary E. Bachelor

Problems include language, knowledge, misinformation, transcription and time. For worthwhile genealogy research, evaluate each source record to determine reliability.

Jan 7, 2009 - Jennifer Jensen

Each June, genealogists from all over the world gather at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, for an intense week of genealogical studies.

Oct 17, 2009 - Katharine Garstka

Beginning genealogists have a number of options for education; one of the most accessible is a home-study course offered by the National Genealogical Society.

Oct 18, 2009 - Katharine Garstka

Genealogy libraries and archives have many documents and resource books to help find your ancestors. Plan ahead to make the best use of your research trip time.

Aug 29, 2009 - Jennifer Jensen

Memories are sometimes faulty, but older relatives can tell you the information you need to build your family tree. You just need to interview them.

Jan 20, 2011 - David A. Todd

Trying to dig into Finnish ancestry can be difficult because of the language differences. But there are many good English website to help you with your search.

Mar 16, 2007 - Darlene Vaillancourt

There aren't that many genealogy periodicals around, but there are a few good ones to be found. I've reviewed two well-known magazines, and listed a few others for you.

Oct 11, 2006 - Darlene Vaillancourt