Mastering Genealogy Citations: Ancestry.com's Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Citations in Research
3. How Ancestry Provides Building Blocks for Citations
4. Creating a Citation with Ancestry
   • 4.1. Death Record Citation Example
   • 4.2. 1870 US Federal Census Citation Example
   • 4.3. Dawes Census Card Citation Example
5. Advantages of Using Ancestry for Citations
6. Limitations of Using Ancestry for Citations
7. Tips for Crafting Accurate Citations
8. Best Practices for Using Ancestry in Research
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Importance of Building Accurate Citations on Ancestry.com

Citations are crucial in research as they provide the necessary information to locate and verify sources. When conducting research on Ancestry.com, although the platform does not generate full citations automatically, it provides several building blocks that enable users to create accurate citations. Understanding how to utilize these building blocks can save researchers time and effort and ensure the credibility of their work.

1. Introduction

Researching family history is a popular pursuit for many individuals worldwide. Ancestry.com, one of the most widely used genealogy websites, offers a vast array of resources for individuals to trace their lineage and discover information about their ancestors. While the site provides a treasure trove of valuable records and information, it is essential for researchers to properly cite the sources they find to maintain the integrity of their work. This article will guide users on how to create accurate and effective citations using the building blocks provided by Ancestry.com.

2. The Importance of Citations in Research

Before diving into the specifics of creating citations on Ancestry.com, it is essential to understand the significance of proper citations in research. Citations serve several purposes:

• Giving Credit: Citations acknowledge the original authors or creators of the information, giving them proper credit for their work.
• Verifiability: Citations provide the necessary information for readers or other researchers to locate the sources used. This allows them to verify the accuracy and validity of the information provided.
• Building on Existing Research: Citations enable researchers to build upon previous work and contribute new insights to the field.
• Avoiding Plagiarism: Proper citations prevent plagiarism by clearly distinguishing between original ideas and borrowed information.

3. How Ancestry Provides Building Blocks for Citations

Ancestry.com offers users a range of building blocks to construct accurate citations. While the website does not generate full citations automatically, it provides valuable information that can be incorporated into citations. These building blocks include:

• Source Citation: Located at the bottom of each record, the source citation provides details about the record's source, such as its origin and location.
• Source Information: This section offers additional information about the source, such as the database or collection name.
• Original Data: Ancestry.com often includes the original data source of a record, such as microfilms or vital statistics records.

By utilizing these building blocks, researchers can construct comprehensive citations that include information about the source's origin, the specific data being referenced, and the location of the records.

4. Creating a Citation with Ancestry

Creating a citation on Ancestry.com involves gathering the necessary information from the provided building blocks and assembling it into a coherent and accurate format. Let's explore a few examples to illustrate this process.

4.1. Death Record Citation Example

Imagine we have found a death record for Charles Turner in Kentucky. We can start by copying and pasting the source citation from Ancestry.com, indicating that we found the record online. We then add specific details, such as Charles Turner's full name, death date, and the location within the Kentucky death records database. Additionally, we identify the original data source, such as Kentucky birth, marriage, and death records microfilms. Finally, we can include the date of access to the Ancestry.com database if desired.

4.2. 1870 US Federal Census Citation Example

Suppose we come across Charles Turner (misindexed as "Tumor") in the 1870 US Federal Census. We start by noting the census year, location (in this case, Bardstown, Nelson, Kentucky), and the corresponding microfilm and NARA (National Archives and Records Administration) film numbers. We then add "Ancestry" to indicate the source and specify the particular household information, such as dwelling and family numbers.

4.3. Dawes Census Card Citation Example

Another scenario involves citing a Dawes census card for Archie Corn. We mention that the information originates from the National Archives at Fort Worth, Texas, specifically the enrollment cards for the Five Civilized Tribes. We include the Dawes enrollment number and census card numbers to facilitate easy retrieval of the specific entry. Again, we indicate that we found this on Ancestry.com.

5. Advantages of Using Ancestry for Citations

Utilizing Ancestry.com for generating citations offers several advantages:

• Efficiency: Ancestry.com's building blocks provide users with the necessary information to create citations quickly and easily.
• Accuracy: By relying on the provided information, researchers can ensure the precision and completeness of their citations.
• Consistency: Following the same format for citations from Ancestry.com creates a consistent and organized reference list.
• Verifiability and Reproducibility: Including detailed citations allows others to verify the sources and reproduce the research independently.

6. Limitations of Using Ancestry for Citations

While Ancestry.com provides valuable building blocks for citations, it's important to be aware of the limitations:

• Missing Components: Ancestry.com may not include all the information required for a complete citation, necessitating additional research or the need to consult other sources.
• Formatting Options: Ancestry.com does not provide standardized citation formats. Researchers must ensure they follow the appropriate citation style guide (e.g., APA, MLA) when creating citations.
• Data Accuracy: Researchers should exercise caution and cross-reference the data obtained from Ancestry.com with other reliable sources to ensure accuracy.
• Source Reliability: Not all sources on Ancestry.com are equally reliable. Researchers should critically evaluate the credibility of the sources used.

7. Tips for Crafting Accurate Citations

To create accurate citations on Ancestry.com, consider the following tips:

• Be Comprehensive: Include as much relevant information as possible, such as names, dates, locations, and original sources.
• Follow Citation Style Guidelines: Ensure your citations adhere to the specific formatting rules dictated by the citation style guide you are using.
• Double-Check Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of data obtained from Ancestry.com by cross-referencing with other trustworthy sources.
• Track Your Sources: Maintain a record of the sources used, including citation details, to facilitate future verification or expansion of your research.

8. Best Practices for Using Ancestry in Research

When conducting research on Ancestry.com, it is beneficial to follow these best practices:

• Begin with Known Facts: Start your research with verified information about your ancestors to establish a foundation for further exploration.
• Explore Multiple Collections: Ancestry.com offers a vast array of collections and databases. Take full advantage of their resources to gather a comprehensive picture of your family history.
• Collaborate and Share: Connect with other researchers on Ancestry.com, collaborate, and share information to expand your research and uncover new avenues of exploration.
• Verify Information: Always verify the information you find on Ancestry.com through cross-referencing and utilizing additional trustworthy sources.
• Maintain Proper Citations: Create accurate and detailed citations using the building blocks provided by Ancestry.com to keep track of your sources and facilitate future reference.

9. Conclusion

Accurate citations are essential in genealogical research to ensure credibility, enable verifiability, and facilitate further exploration. While Ancestry.com does not generate full citations automatically, it provides valuable building blocks that users can leverage to construct accurate citations. By understanding how to utilize these building blocks effectively and following best practices, researchers can enhance the quality and reliability of their work.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I simply copy and paste the source citation from Ancestry.com as my citation? A: While copying the source citation is a starting point, it is important to augment it with specific details, such as names, dates, and locations, to create a complete and accurate citation.

Q: Are there any specific citation styles I need to follow when citing sources from Ancestry.com? A: Yes, it is crucial to follow the appropriate citation style guide, such as APA or MLA, when creating citations. These guides provide specific rules and formatting guidelines for different types of sources.

Q: How can I ensure the accuracy of the data I find on Ancestry.com? A: It is always recommended to cross-reference the information obtained from Ancestry.com with other trustworthy sources to verify its accuracy. This helps prevent the propagation of errors and misinformation.

Q: Can I use Ancestry.com as my sole source of information for genealogical research? A: While Ancestry.com provides a wealth of resources, it is advisable to consult other reliable sources to ensure a comprehensive and accurate understanding of your family history. Relying on multiple sources can help mitigate potential errors and biases inherent in any single source.

Q: Are there any limitations to using Ancestry.com for genealogical research? A: While Ancestry.com is an invaluable tool for genealogical research, it is important to acknowledge that not all sources on the platform are equally reliable. Researchers should exercise critical thinking and evaluate the credibility of each source before incorporating it into their research.