Basics

Evaluate and Cite Your Sources

If you want to establish an authentic family history, it's important to evaluate and cite your sources. Many people make sincere but fantastic claims about their family history that are built on circumstantial evidence and cannot be proven.

If, for example, you find a document indicating that your ancestor was the son of two particular people, don't accept it at face value. Continue looking in other sources for records that will confirm the linkage. Some genealogists argue that it requires at least three pieces of evidence to prove a connection. The challenges associated with the characteristics of Chinese Names can make the task very challenging.

For your own reference and for the sake of future generations (particularly anyone who may continue your genealogical research) it is very important to keep track of exactly where you find the information recorded on your genealogical charts.

Several books explore in greater detail the subject of genealogical standards of evidence and how to cite your sources:

About Genealogical Standards of Evidence: A Guide for Canadian Genealogists, 3rd ed. (2008)
Merriman, Branda Dougall
929.371 M57a2

Cite Your Sources: A Manual for Documenting Family Histories and Genealogical Records (1985)
Lackey, Richard S.
929.1 L14c

Evidence! Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian (1997)
Mills, Elizabeth S.
9229.1 M65e

How Do I Prove It? (2000)
Christensen, Penelope
929.1 C55h

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