Changes

'''Genealogy''' is the study and research of [[family]] heritage.

'''Genealogy''' is the study and research of ones [[ancestor]]s and [[family]] heritage.

It can be difficult to explore, since before the nineteenth century, most people did not have accurate, useful records kept about their marriages and children.  Luckily, local [[church]]es tend to be a repository of useful documents holding this information.

Genealogy can be challenging to research, since before the twentieth century, government records such as birth certificates and identification cards were not commonly issued, and much of family history was passed down via [[oral tradition]] which may or may not have been completely accurate.  Luckily, local [[church]]es tend to be a repository of useful documents holding this information, such as [[baptism]]al records.  Other sources of genealogical information include [[census]] records, and books on the history of family names.  The [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] maintains a large database of genealogical information which is open to the public.  Other more specialized records include [[school]] records, [[immigration]] records, [[ship]] registries, old [[telephone]] books, and newspaper [[obituary|obituaries]].

The ultimate reality of genealogy is that we all are descended from people who lived in [[Africa]].

People studying their genealogy often start with the present generation and work backwards to construct their family tree.

[[category:genealogy]]

[[category:genealogy]]