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Standards for Sound Genealogical Research
Recommended by the National Genealogical Society
Remembering always that they are engaged in a quest for truth, family history
researchers consistently—
- record the source for each item of information they collect.
- test every hypotheses or theory against credible evidence, and reject those that are not
supported by the evidence.
- seek original records, or reproduced images of them when there is reasonable assurance
they have not been altered, as the basis for their research conclusions.
- use compilations, communications and published works, whether paper or electronic,
primarily for their value as guides to locating the original records.
- state something as a fact only when it is supported by convincing evidence, and identify
the evidence when communicating the fact to others.
- limit with words like "probable" or "possible" any statement that is
based on less than convincing evidence, and state the reasons for concluding that it is
probable or possible.
- avoid misleading other researchers by either intentionally or carelessly distributing or
publishing inaccurate information.
- state carefully and honestly the results of their own research, and acknowledge all use
of other researchers’ work.
- recognize the collegial nature of genealogical research by making their work available
to others through publication, or by placing copies in appropriate libraries or
repositories, and by welcoming critical comment.
- consider with open minds new evidence or the comments of others on their work and the
conclusions they have reached.
ã 1997 by National Genealogical Society, Permission is
granted to copy or publish this material provided it is reproduced in its entirety,
including this notice.
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