Primary & Secondary Sources Steps 6 & 7 Primary Sources (Original) – is a record of an event written, spoken or photographed by an eyewitness or that event at or near the time of the event. Recorded by someone with firsthand knowledge of the facts. Secondary source (copied) – is written record of the event that was created long after the event occurred. Usually by someone not directly associated with the event.

Primary Sources ► Letters ► Eyewitness newspaper accounts ► Ship passenger lists ► Diaries ► Deeds and other land ownership records ► Baptismal certificates ► Photographs of family reunions ► Business ledgers and notes in the margins

► Military records ► Family bibles with listings of births, marriages and family events ► Census records ► Home videos ► Voice recordings, oral histories ► Immigration records ► Wills ► It is from these sources that we can gain valuable insight into the personality or our ancestors.

Primary sources still can have potential shortcomings ► Eyewitnesses can unintentionally distort his or her perception of an event ► Recording the wrong dates  Example of a college class: ► Someone came into the class and shot the professor after the shock of the mock shooting, all were asked to record what they saw. It was amazing that there was little similarity between the accounts.

Vital Records ► These are records of life’s events ► Birth, death, marriage, divorce ► The government started to require records of vital records ► These records are maintained by the level of government closest to where the event took place ► Before the 1900’s records found at local community ► After 1900’s either the local or state level would have the records

► It is rare to be able to see the actual records unless:  Write to the appropriate office  Supply the correct amount of money  If the records are available you requested  The biggest challenge is knowing the correct place to send for vital records ► Ancestry’s Red Book ► The source Book ► Use the internet

General guidelines to follow when sending for vital records ► Determine the correct cost ► Determine the correct address, phone number and name ► Supply as much information as possible ► Enclose payment ► Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope ► Be patient for your reply, can take 2 or 3 letter to complete the process

Using the information found ► Always use the information given exactly as it is in the original source. Especially the spelling. ► Make any notes on your logs. ► Do not make assumptions about any data. ► Make sure you file the information found in the correct folder or binder. ► Place a copy of your source in your filing system.

Secondary Sources ► 2 fundamental rules  Document your sources, write down the identifying source, even if you find nothing, note that  Verify any information, use of compiled sources can lead you to the original source

Examples of Secondary Sources ► Family histories and local histories  Does the book contain relevant information to your project  How is the book structured  Does the book have an index of names or places  If the book does not have an index, use patience and perseverance

Organization of histories ► Take time to skim the contents  How was the work organized  Who is the key person  What format does the book use  When was it published  Who is the author  Is there and index ► Learn the numbering system used in the book ► Verify all information found

Town and County Histories ► Virtually every village, town, city, county or state has had someone write a published history.  Historical context  Day-to-day life, which allows you to have a glimpse of what the townspeople did for a living, where they shopped, how they farmed and where they paid their taxes  They can even provide a history of the people  They can provide births, deaths and marriages that occurred in that area.

Libraries worth checking ► Family History Library ► Library of Congress in Washington D.C. ► State Libraries (usually located at the state’s capital) ► Heritage Quest (use your library card to access)

Genealogical Dictionaries ► Multi-volume sets of books  DUP “Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude”  “Heart Throbs of the West” ► Frequently female family members are left out ► Check the card or computer catalog at the library for these general sources

Assorted Compiled Sources ► Family association Newsletters ► Genealogical Society Newsletters ► Historical Society Publications ► Ethnic Society Publications ► Newspaper Obituaries ► Published Cemetery Inscriptions ► Biographies ► College Yearbooks

Primary Secondary Primary Secondary Death Certificate Date of Death, name of decedent, residence at time of death, cause of death Birth date of decedent, birthplace, parents’ names and birthplaces Birth Record Name of child, date and place of birth, parents; names, residence at birth Parent’s ages and birthplaces Census Records Names of person, relationships, residence, occupation at the time Birthplaces of adults, parent’s birthplaces, year of immigration Obituary Name of person, current residence, survivors at the time, burial information Parent’s birth date and place, migration information, early occupations Passenger list Name of person, date of arrival, previous residence, destination Birthplace

Web Sites ► Primary & Secondary Sources ► How to cite your sources ► Genealogy help web site ► Use the “Printed Sources” book pages 4-12 (most libraries have this book, or see Cathie’s copy)