Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources in Genealogy Research

By Tammy Biggar

Before verifying genealogical information, it’s important to understand the distinction between primary and secondary sources, a key foundation for accurate family history research.

Primary Sources

A primary source is a record created by an eyewitness to an event. It does not matter whether the person documented the event as it happened or at a later time — as long as they personally witnessed the event, their record is considered primary. However, the time that passes between the event and the recording can significantly impact the accuracy of the information.

Examples of Primary Sources:

• A midwife's journal entry or mother’s personal account of her child’s birth

• A baptism record written by the priest/minister or parish clerk who performed or witnessed the ceremony

• Church Records provide information about births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths recorded by churches

• Wills and Probate Records contain information about a person's assets and how they were distributed after death.

• Letters and Diaries personal writings that offer insights into an individual's life, thoughts, and relationships.

• Family Bibles with handwritten entries about births, marriages, and deaths.

Secondary Sources

A secondary source is created by someone who did not witness the event firsthand. These sources rely on secondhand information, existing records, or the person's general knowledge.

For example, a death certificate is:

✔️ A primary source for the date and place of death

✔️ A secondary source for details such as the person’s birth date or marriage, as that information is provided by others, often many years after the event

Similarly, a daughter or son recalling their parents’ wedding date is offering a secondary source, based on her knowledge or family tradition not on direct, eyewitness experience.

Are Secondary Sources Useful?

Yes — secondary sources can be just as valuable as primary sources if they contain accurate information. That said, primary sources generally carry more weight, especially when recorded at the time of the event.

Weighing Conflicting Evidence

Both primary and secondary sources can contain errors — incorrect dates, misspelled names, or inaccurate locations. When discrepancies arise, researchers should:

✅ Look for the earliest available records from primary sources

✅ Give precedence to primary sources when available and reliable

For example:

• If a census record lists someone as 20 years old in 1850 (implying a birth year of 1830) but a birth record shows 1835 as the birth year, the birth record — as a primary source — is generally considered more reliable.

• However, even primary sources can be incorrect, so cross-checking is always recommended.

Best Practices for Verifying Genealogical Information

• Cross-reference multiple sources, especially when dealing with important life events such as births, marriages, and deaths

• Interview eyewitnesses, or if unavailable, interview individuals who had long, close relationships with the eyewitnesses

• Consult written records, such as journals, letters, or church registers, when possible

• Sample check records in large family trees or oral histories — for example, verify every tenth date, name, or place against trusted primary sources

  
  

When dealing with family events that are contentious, disputed, or open to interpretation, seek multiple perspectives. Ideally, this includes:

• Two or three independent eyewitnesses

• Written records from those present at the event

• Testimony from close relatives or individuals with longstanding ties to those involved

In genealogy, thorough verification protects the accuracy and integrity of your family history — and ensures your research stands the test of time.