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Learning about birth records as part of your family history knowledge is important they are referred to as primary sources records because they are usually verified and completed at the time of the birth by someone who was there. This gives them a reduced likelihood of being incorrect or fraudulent and they are therefore considered reliable sources of family history.
Giving is receiving, and family history is a great opportunity to share. Sharing is great but most other family historians want to at least verify the source of the family history information that you’ve shared. Credit should be given when you receive data from someone and then pass it on. It’s only fair that there is an accolade for the sweat and effort that went in to collecting the valuable family history data that you are about to share with someone else.
With a little respect and sometime some pleading you can get family members to loan you family history artifacts like baby books, and wedding albums, divorce papers, funeral cards, awards, diplomas, high school yearbooks, employment information, military records and medical records. Diaries and journals can be an even richer source of family history It’s true that your ancestors really are in your attic.
Census records are critical to your search for extended family history material For your most recent ancestors choose the most recent census you can find and work backwards. In many countries Census’ have been recorded back as far as the 1750’s. Before that time you can use Tax records and other local lists, like parish records. The nature of the records available depends on the country, province, state or subdivision where you are carrying out your family history search. Knowing something about the historical context you are working within, will help you fill in the gaps and find family members. Some libraries and family history societies have census records on microfiche at their family history centers. Or if you prefer to do this in the comfort of your home you have many of the tools and records you will need to carry out a successful family history search.
