Well, rules might be a bit strict, but we do have some pretty tight guidelines that we like to follow when we’re doing genealogy research. We promise we use them most of the time.
You likely have your own set of rules and we’d love to hear them. What would you add to this list?
Want to keep this list handy or share it with others? Download an infographic at the bottom of this page.
12 Genealogy Research Rules
1. Always Cite Your Sources. Always.
2. Never, Ever Assume Another Researcher’s Information is 100% Correct
Make Instant Discoveries in Your Family Tree Now
Imagine adding your family tree to a simple website and getting hundreds of new family history discoveries instantly. MyHeritage is offering 2 free weeks of access to their extensive collection of 18 billion historical records, as well as their matching technology that instantly connects you with new information about your ancestors. Sign up using the link below to find out what you can uncover about your family.
Imagine adding your family tree to a simple website and getting hundreds of new family history discoveries instantly. MyHeritage is offering 2 free weeks of access to their extensive collection of 18 billion historical records, as well as their matching technology that instantly connects you with new information about your ancestors. Sign up using the link below to find out what you can uncover about your family.
3. Remember That Every Name Has Variations, Check Them All
4. Never Copy Another Person’s Public Tree, Use it Only as a Helpful Aid
5. Share Freely With Others and They Will Share With You
6. Don’t Trust Your Assumptions, Only Sources
7. Check and Double Check Your Facts Before Recording or Sharing
8. Take a Second Look at Records, Your Answer May Be Right in Front of You
9. Don’t Limit Yourself to Only One or Two Research Sites, Look for Options
10. Go Offline or Order Hard Copies to Expand Your Research
11. Back Up Your Files Monthly, Keep at Least Two Copies of Your Research
18 Billion Genealogy Records Are Free for 2 Weeks
Get two full weeks of free access to more than 18 billion genealogy records right now. You’ll also gain access to the MyHeritage discoveries tool that locates information about your ancestors automatically when you upload or create a tree. What will you discover about your family’s past?
Get two full weeks of free access to more than 18 billion genealogy records right now. You’ll also gain access to the MyHeritage discoveries tool that locates information about your ancestors automatically when you upload or create a tree. What will you discover about your family’s past?
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be necessary for the website to function and are used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads and other embedded contents.
How do you handle adoptions in the descendants. I mean adoptions from unrelated families.