Introduction to Citing Sources in Genealogy

Properly citing your sources is an essential aspect of genealogy research. Accurate citations not only help you keep track of your research but also lend credibility to your findings and allow others to verify your work. In this article, we will explore the importance of citing sources in genealogy, discuss the Evidence Explained citation style, and provide guidance on how to create clear and accurate citations for various types of genealogical records.

The Importance of Citing Sources in Genealogy

Citing your sources in genealogy serves several crucial purposes:

1. Organization: Citations help you keep track of the records and sources you have consulted during your research. This makes it easier to locate these records again if you need to verify information or find additional details.

2. Credibility: Proper citations demonstrate the quality and reliability of your research, giving others confidence in your findings and conclusions.

3. Verification: Citations allow others to locate and examine the sources you have used, enabling them to verify your work, build upon your research, or explore alternative interpretations of the evidence.

4. Preservation: By citing your sources, you help preserve the historical context and provenance of the records and information you have collected, ensuring that future generations can access and understand this valuable evidence.

Evidence Explained: A Citation Style for Genealogy

Evidence Explained is a comprehensive citation guide created by Elizabeth Shown Mills, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of genealogists and family historians. This citation style focuses on providing clear, accurate, and consistent citations for a wide range of historical records and genealogical sources, including:

1. Vital records (birth, marriage, and death records)

2. Census records

3. Military records

4. Land and property records

5. Immigration records

6. Court records

7. Probate records

8. Newspapers and periodical

9. Manuscripts and unpublished materials

10. Online databases and digital collections

The Evidence Explained citation style is characterized by its emphasis on thoroughness, clarity, and adaptability. It provides a flexible framework that can be applied to virtually any type of genealogical source, ensuring that your citations are both informative and easy to understand.

Basic Elements of an Evidence Explained Citation

An Evidence Explained citation typically includes the following elements:

1. Author/creator: The person or organization responsible for creating the record or source.

2. Title: The title of the record or source, including any relevant subtitles, volume numbers, or edition statements.

3. Publication information: Details about the publication or creation of the source, such as the publisher's name, place of publication, and date of publication.

4. Location: The specific location of the record or source, including any relevant repositories, call numbers, or online URLs.

5. Details: Information about the specific item or entry being cited, such as the page number, entry number, or image number.

6. Access date: The date on which you accessed the record or source, particularly important for online sources that may be subject to change.

Citing Different Types of Genealogical Records

Each type of genealogical record may require a slightly different approach to citation, depending on the nature and complexity of the source. Here are some general guidelines for citing common types of genealogical records using the Evidence Explained style:

Vital Records

When citing vital records, be sure to include the following information:

1. Type of record (e.g., birth, marriage, or death certificate)

2. Name(s) of the individual(s) involved

3. Date and place of the event

4. Repository or agency holding the record

5. Record or certificate number (if available)

Example: "New York City, New York, Marriage Certificate No. 12345, John Smith and Jane Doe, 15 June 1920; New York City Municipal Archives, New York."

Census Records

For census records, include the following information in your citation:

1. Census year

2. Census location (e.g., country, state, county, city or town, enumeration district)

3. Name of the head of household

4. Page number or sheet number

5. Line or dwelling number

6. Repository or online database where the record was found

Example: "1930 U.S. Census, Cook County, Illinois, population schedule, Chicago, enumeration district (ED) 16-204, sheet 10A, dwelling 178, family 238, John Smith household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 January 2022); citing National Archives microfilm publication T626, roll 458."

Military Records

When citing military records, consider including the following information:

1. Type of record (e.g., service record, pension file, muster roll)

2. Name of the individual involved

3. Military unit or branch of service

4. Date(s) of the record or event

5. Repository or agency holding the record

6. Record or file number (if available)

Example: "John Smith, Private, Company C, 5th New York Infantry, Civil War, Compiled Military Service Record; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C."

Online Databases and Digital Collections

For online databases and digital collections, your citation should include the following information:

1. Name of the database or collection

2. Name of the website or platform

3. URL or web address

4. Date of access

5. Name of the specific record or document being cited

6. Any relevant details about the record, such as entry or image numbers

Example: "New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957," database with images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 10 January 2022), manifest, S.S. Oceanic, 6 June 1906, list 6, line 12, John Smith; citing National Archives microfilm publication M237, roll 766.

Conclusion

Citing your sources is a critical aspect of genealogy research, ensuring that your work is accurate, credible, and verifiable. By using the Evidence Explained citation style, you can create clear, consistent, and informative citations for a wide variety of genealogical records and sources. As you continue to explore your family's history, remember to document your sources diligently, preserving the evidence of your ancestors' lives for future generations to appreciate and build upon.