Understanding the basic terminology and vocabulary associated with genealogy research, such as primary sources, census records, vital records, etc.
Genealogy: The study of family history, tracing lineage and ancestries.
Ancestor: A person from whom one is descended.
Descendant: A person who is descended from a particular ancestor.
Family Tree: A diagram showing the relationships and descent of a family.
Pedigree chart: A diagram that represents a family lineage in a specific graphic format.
Genealogical database: An organized collection of genealogical data.
Cemetery records: Records of burials in a cemetery, including information such as name, dates of birth and death, and relationship to others buried there.
Census records: Records taken at regular intervals of a population, which provide information about individuals, family groups, and addresses.
Immigration records: Records documenting individuals moving from one country to another.
Vital records: Government records pertaining to birth, marriage, and death.
Land records: Records of land ownership, including transfers, descriptions, and boundaries.
Local history: Histories of communities, towns or regions which can help inform genealogical research.
Probate records: Records pertaining to the distribution of an individual's estate after death.
Military records: Records documenting military service, including enlistments, muster rolls, pensions, and discharge papers.
DNA analysis: Genetic testing to determine family relationships and ancestry.
Surname Origin: Understanding the origin of a surname, language, ethnic roots, etc.
Kinship: Understanding the types of kinship relationships, such as parent or child, cousin, uncle/aunt and/or godparent.
Genealogical societies: Understanding the importance of joining and participating in genealogical societies.
Genealogy software: Understanding the benefits and how to use family tree software to input, organize, and analyze genealogical data.
Archival research: Understanding the methods of research in archives, how to plan a visit, access and read archival records.
Ancestor: A person from whom one is descended; someone who came before in a family line.
Descendant: A person who is descended from an ancestor or ancestors.
Pedigree: A record of ancestry or lineage; a chart that shows the relationships between individuals in a family over several generations.
Genealogy: The study of family ancestry and lineage; the tracing of family history.
Family Tree: A diagram or chart that shows the relationships between individuals in a family over several generations.
Lineage: A series of ancestors or descendants linked by blood or marriage.
Kinship: The relationship between members of a family; the state of being related to others by blood or marriage.
Progenitor: An ancestor or forefather; the person from whom a family or line of descent originates.
Gene: The basic unit of heredity; a segment of DNA that carries genetic information.
DNA Testing: The analysis of genetic material to determine ancestry or familial relationships.