genealogy

Genealogy is the scholarly discipline that investigates the ancestry and descent of individuals and families. It aims to identify familial relationships, establish pedigrees, and reconstruct lineages across generations. While closely related to family history, genealogy emphasizes documented kinship and the construction of verifiable family trees.

Researchers rely on a wide range of records and sources. Common materials include civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths; church registers; census schedules; wills and probate records; land and probate deeds; immigration and naturalization papers; military service records; and newspapers. Grave markers, family Bibles, and oral histories can also provide clues. The quality of conclusions depends on critical source evaluation, proper citation, and corroboration across multiple independent records.

Methods and standards have evolved to emphasize evidence-based conclusions. Genealogical practice often involves formulating a problem, gathering and organizing data, assessing each source for reliability and relevance, and documenting a chain of evidence. Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing to supplement documentary research, helping to identify relatives and confirm or challenge proposed relationships. Modern researchers frequently employ software and online databases to manage data, visualize family trees, and share findings, while observing privacy considerations and ethical guidelines.

Organizations and access points for researchers include genealogical societies, archives, libraries, and online platforms that provide record collections, research guidance, and collaboration opportunities. The field intersects with history, demography, and anthropology, and many practitioners pursue training or certification to demonstrate proficiency and adherence to professional standards.