Topic- Sources, Record Hints and Tasks
What are sources?
Sources provide evidence of the names, dates, places and relationships shown in Family Tree. There are basically two types of sources: Primary and Secondary.
Primary sources may include birth, marriage, death, censuses, etc. Those record made at the time of the event and recorded by eyewitnesses. As Shaura teaches "They were there and aware." Also look at the originals.
Secondary sources may include old letters, indexes, books, compiled genealogies, etc. Records telling about something that happened previously and is just now being recorded. This would include memories or life histories written later in life. Both can provide valuable information into a person's life.
Why are sources important?
If one is looking to verify a person's existence, residence or relationship, sources provide the evidence of those things.
Always evaluate a source and see if it's a primary source or a secondary source and how or when it was produced or obtained to help identify how much credence you will give to that partial source. i.e. Memory of someone giving their life history later in life compared to a birth record of their sibling. Aunt Ellen might think Johnny was born about 1925, but his birth record clearly is recorded as him being born in 1924.
If records or people disagree about a name, place, event or relationship, sources can assist in evaluating the validity. It is best to have multiple sources to support each piece of information. There might be seemingly several duplicates of the same document in FamilySearch. However, each is a unique source. In some cases the same records have been microfilmed from various repositories. Always attach every source that applies the individual in FamilySearch, even if there is another copy of it already attached.
Additionally, it is hoped that everyone will review the sources attached before making changes to the record. If incorrect sources are attached, it can confuse others as the information doesn’t match the information shown on the record. It also confuses the computer’s search ability as the information from these incorrect sources might also list residences or events to confuse the search algorithms.
What are Record Hints?
According to FamilySearch: "Record hints are historical records that Family Tree finds for you about your ancestors. Family Tree conducts this search automatically. In fact, since we are always adding new historical records to FamilySearch, our hinting system is always looking for new record hints about your ancestors." and "Record hints can help you learn more about your ancestors. You may learn yours ancestor's occupation or find a physical description. A record hint may identify missing children, parents, siblings or other relatives."
How to use Record Hints?
Record Hints can help to provide evidence of things you already know about the person, but can also provide;
- Additional Relationships
- Additional events or facts
- More correct dates
- Name variations
- More complete place names
What are Tasks?
Tasks are lists of the persons in your FamilySearch tree whom have record hints needing to be reviewed and possibly attached. There are differences in the lists between the mobile app and the website, including listing of different persons because of the way each searches the tree.
Tasks also lists those for whom temple work is needed.
There are options to show just the hints or just the temple work needed.
The mobile device scans for 7 or 8 generations of ancestors and any additional lines you have viewed. (including those of other families if you were assisting someone in their tree). It also has the option of expanding to more generations on the pedigree and looking at a person's descendants for 3 to 5 generations.
The website scans for 6 generations of ancestors and one generation of their descendants.
Also note: Not all records that might pertain to your ancestor will automatically shown in the Record Hints section. For each individual whom you are working with, also use the "FamilySearch" search option to see what other records might apply to your individual.
Record hints and tasks are a great ways for persons to get started in FamilySearch.
Additional Helps
Record Hints- FamilySearch Knowledge Article
Tasks - FamilySearch Knowledge Article
Record Seek - FamilySearch Wiki Article and Record Seek website
Sources Tutorial- BYU Family History Tutorials
Handout from Tammy's class on Sources and Unfinished Attachments
Other Options for learning from Family History Guide
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