The study of ancestry is called genealogy.
Here’s a breakdown of genealogy:
- Focus: It’s the research and documentation of a family’s lineage and history.
- Methods: Genealogists use various methods to trace ancestry, including:
- Oral histories: Interviews with family members to gather information about past generations.
- Historical records: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, census records, military records, immigration records, and other historical documents.
- Genetic testing: DNA analysis can reveal ancestral origins and connections to relatives.
Goals of genealogy:
- Understanding your family history: Genealogy can help you discover where your family came from, who your ancestors were, and what their lives were like.
- Connecting with relatives: You might find living relatives you never knew existed.
- Preserving family stories: Genealogy allows you to document your family history for future generations.
Resources for genealogy:
- Genealogy websites: Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, MyHeritage
- Genealogy societies and libraries: These organizations often have resources and expertise to help with your research.
- Genealogy books and articles: There are many resources available to help you learn about genealogy research methods.
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions about genealogy or if you’d like to explore some specific research methods.