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Stuff Every Genealogy Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Genealogy merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Genealogy Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Principles and Documents

What does the word genealogy mean?

Short answer: The study of families and family history

Genealogy is the study of families, family history, and tracing lineages.

Groan of the day: This topic has deep roots!

Sources: Genealogy

What is an ancestor?

Short answer: A person from whom you are descended

An ancestor is someone in your past from whom you descend, like a grandparent.

Groan of the day: Ancestors really are the roots of the family tree!

Sources: Scouting America: Genealogy

What is a descendant?

Short answer: A person born from a particular ancestor

A descendant is someone who comes from an ancestor, such as a child or grandchild.

Groan of the day: Descendants are the branches growing from the family tree.

Sources: Scouting America: Genealogy

What is an oral history in genealogy?

Short answer: A story recorded from someone's spoken memory

Oral histories are spoken memories and stories collected from people.

Groan of the day: Oral histories are worth listening to!

Sources: Genealogy

What is a census record?

Short answer: A government count of people living in an area

A census records people living in a place at a certain time.

Groan of the day: Census records really count!

Sources: Genealogy

What is an original source?

Short answer: A source not based on another source

An original source stands on its own rather than copying another record.

Groan of the day: Original sources are one of a kind!

Sources: Genealogy

What is a derivative source?

Short answer: Information taken from another source

Derivative sources copy or summarize information from other sources.

Groan of the day: Derivative sources are copies with a twist!

Sources: Genealogy

What is the informant on a record?

Short answer: The person who provided the information

The informant is whoever supplied the details written in the record.

Groan of the day: Informants inform the record!

Sources: Genealogy

What is indexing in genealogy?

Short answer: Transcribing records into a searchable database

Indexing turns record details into searchable digital entries.

Groan of the day: Indexing makes records easy to find!

Sources: Genealogy

What is a GEDCOM file used for?

Short answer: Sharing genealogical data between programs

GEDCOM is a standard format for sharing family data between software.

Groan of the day: GEDCOM gets your data talking!

Sources: Genealogy

What is a patronymic name?

Short answer: A name based on the father's name

Patronymics identify a person through the father's name, like Olafsson.

Groan of the day: Patronymics are a family name game!

Sources: Genealogy

Why is occupation useful in genealogy?

Short answer: It can help tell two people with the same name apart

Occupation helps distinguish people and understand their lives.

Groan of the day: Occupations work hard for your research!

Sources: Genealogy

What is a vital record?

Short answer: A record of birth, marriage, or death

Vital records document major life events like births, marriages, and deaths.

Groan of the day: Vital records are vital to know!

Sources: Genealogy

What does Y-DNA trace?

Short answer: The direct male line from father to sons

Y-DNA is passed from father to sons along the direct male line.

Groan of the day: Y-DNA is a guy thing!

Sources: Genealogy

What is autosomal DNA useful for?

Short answer: Finding relatives from any branch of the family

Autosomal DNA comes from both parents and can reveal relatives on any branch.

Groan of the day: Autosomal DNA covers all the branches!

Sources: Genealogy

What is a lineage society?

Short answer: A group for people who share a proven ancestor

Lineage societies welcome members who can prove descent from certain people.

Groan of the day: Lineage societies share a common root!

Sources: Genealogy

What is a family history center?

Short answer: A place where volunteers help people trace ancestors

Family history centers offer volunteer help with tracing ancestors.

Groan of the day: Family history centers are full of helpful people!

Sources: Genealogy

What is a one-name study?

Short answer: Research focused on a single surname

A one-name study specializes in a particular surname.

Groan of the day: One name can keep you busy for ages.

Sources: Genealogy

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • Genealogy is the study of families, family history, and tracing lineages.
  • An ancestor is someone in your past from whom you descend, like a grandparent.
  • A descendant is someone who comes from an ancestor, such as a child or grandchild.
  • A family tree shows relationships between people across generations.
  • A family group record lists parents and their children with details about each person.
  • Starting with what you know and moving back links each generation reliably.
  • Oral histories are spoken memories and stories collected from people.
  • Recording what you learn keeps details accurate for later research.
  • Open-ended questions invite stories and details rather than short answers.
  • Physical resources include documents like census records found in archives.
  • Digital resources include websites that host searchable historical records.
  • Marriage records are often kept by government offices or churches.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What does the word genealogy mean?
    • The study of families and family history
    • The study of rocks and minerals
    • The study of weather patterns
    Show the answer

    The study of families and family history. Genealogy is the study of families, family history, and tracing lineages.

  2. What is one example of a digital genealogical resource?
    • A paper diary
    • A website with historical records
    • A stone monument
    Show the answer

    A website with historical records. Digital resources include websites that host searchable historical records.

  3. What is the informant on a record?
    • The person who printed the paper
    • The person who filed the record away
    • The person who provided the information
    Show the answer

    The person who provided the information. The informant is whoever supplied the details written in the record.

  4. What is a patronymic name?
    • A name based on the father's name
    • A name based on the weather
    • A name based on a favorite food
    Show the answer

    A name based on the father's name. Patronymics identify a person through the father's name, like Olafsson.

  5. What does Y-DNA trace?
    • Your favorite foods
    • The direct male line from father to sons
    • The mother's line only
    Show the answer

    The direct male line from father to sons. Y-DNA is passed from father to sons along the direct male line.

Now make it stick

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This guide covers the 50 free cards. The other 34 are in the game for members.

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