Help for Genealogists and Cemetery Researchers
If you are new to genealogy or cemetery research, here are a few things you will find very important to your success.
​​​Always save your sources! Nothing is worse than finding something wonderful and then not being able to find it again. Set up a logical file system for the digital records on your computer
It is important to understand the difference between primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are more dependable as they are records that were created by someone who made an accurate record at the time of the event. Examples include birth, death, and marriage records, burial records, court documents, and deeds. Even these may not be accurate, especially if transcribed. It is a good practice to do your best to find three sources to confirm each fact.
Secondary sources are information created by someone who has interpreted an event or facts. Examples include obituaries, newspaper articles, tombstones, biographies, books, and public family trees. These provide wonderful hints for research but should always be verified. When using on-line services like Fold 3, Ancestry.com or Family Search.org, never document from the index. Take time to go the original source.
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Online resources for genealogical research for Lucas County
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Organizations that provide personal help for Northwest Ohio genealogical research (PDF)
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Genealogical Proof Standards:
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