Genealogy is all about facts. They underpin the very essence of what we do  as genealogists and family historians.

Created by Julie Goucher 2018 using wordclouds.com

We follow the route as we aim to prove each hunch we have, to provide substance for the facts we identify. We record where and when we found the evidence to support our genealogical claim.

We become familiar with the words and writing of:

• Citations,
• References,
• Sources,
• End notes
• Foot notes

Image created Julie Goucher 2020 using wordclouds.com

We become knowledgeable and aware of what to use, when and why. We become familiar with the differences between an online data provider and a repository. knowing when to use what and why.

We explore books, websites, magazines, and listen to podcasts and webinars or Zoom meetings so we can expand our knowledge and add context to the facts we uncover. We may undertake an online course (or two) where we can not only learn around our offline lives, but connect with other students and share our learning experiences.

If we are very lucky we might even stop researching and bring together the facts and context and we have discovered, producing a meaningful article or blog post to share our findings and hopefully connect with others.

So whilst genealogy is all about facts, it is also about more than that. It is about the context of our ancestors lives. It is about fleshing out their bones and redeveloping their lives, considering what we know AND what we do not know.

It is about understanding them in their place and their time.