Sources and Corrections

Know what a page supports, what still needs checking, and how to report a problem.

How to use our sources

Guides explain research methods and link to official repositories, record custodians and other relevant authorities. Follow those sources for current coverage and access rules. A guide’s review date describes that guide; it does not certify every outside link or every record mentioned.

County coverage has limits

“Inventory listed” means we have selected series and date ranges from a repository’s description. It does not mean every surviving record is included or available online. “Starting points” means a county-specific inventory has not yet been added. It does not mean that county has no records.

A dated county review identifies its scope: for example, selected categories or a particular inventory. Undated pages say that they have not yet received an individually dated source review. Always confirm gaps, restrictions, fees and access with the record holder.

Examples and conclusions

Teaching examples identify whether they show an actual record or a fictional diagram. A fictional example cannot establish facts about a real family. Indexes, transcriptions and online trees are leads; inspect underlying records, cite them, and resolve conflicting evidence before making a conclusion.

Suggest a correction

Use our contact information to send the page address, the wording or listing at issue, and a source that supports the correction. Please omit private details about living people. Meaningful corrections and additions appear on What’s New.