A starting place for people new to genealogy and family history research. This section covers foundational concepts, common records, beginner terminology, research strategies, DNA basics, and practical guidance for building and understanding a family tree.
Genealogy Definition What Is an Occupation? Occupations help genealogists understand how ancestors earned a living, experienced daily life, moved through society, and participated in the communities and industries surrounding them. Short Definition In genealogy and historical records, an occupation refers to a person’s job, trade, profession, or type of work. Occupation records can reveal important … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is a Household? Households help genealogists understand how ancestors actually lived together, revealing family structure, economic realities, community relationships, and everyday life within a single home at a specific moment in time. Short Definition In census records, a household refers to the group of people living together in a single home or … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is a Maternal Line? Maternal line research helps genealogists trace ancestry, migration, DNA inheritance, and family identity through generations connected by mothers and maternal ancestors. Short Definition A maternal line is the direct line of ancestry connected through a person’s mother. In genealogy, a maternal line usually follows the chain of mothers … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is a Paternal Line? Paternal line research helps genealogists trace surnames, ancestry, migration, DNA inheritance, and family identity through generations connected by fathers and paternal ancestors. Short Definition A paternal line is the direct line of ancestry connected through a person’s father. In genealogy, a paternal line usually follows the chain of … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is a Pedigree Chart? A pedigree chart helps genealogists organize direct ancestors across generations, making it easier to visualize family lines, identify research gaps, and understand how ancestral branches connect over time. Short Definition A pedigree chart is a type of family tree that shows a person’s direct ancestors across multiple generations. … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is a Family Tree? A family tree helps genealogists organize and visualize relationships across generations while connecting ancestors, relatives, migration patterns, and family stories into a larger historical framework. Short Definition A family tree is a visual representation of family relationships across generations. In genealogy, family trees are used to organize ancestors, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is a Collateral Ancestor? Collateral ancestors and relatives help genealogists move beyond a straight parent-to-child family tree and understand the wider family networks that shaped an ancestor’s life. Short Definition A collateral ancestor is a relative connected to your direct ancestors, but not someone you directly descend from. In genealogy, collateral relatives … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Is a Direct Ancestor? Direct ancestors form the main line of descent in a family tree and connect you generation by generation to the people you descend from directly. Short Definition A direct ancestor is someone you are directly descended from, such as a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, and the generations that came … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Does Paternal Mean? In genealogy, paternal refers to the side of your family connected through your father and helps researchers organize family lines, surnames, and DNA connections. Short Definition In genealogy, “paternal” refers to the side of your family connected through your father. Your paternal line includes your dad, his parents, grandparents, … Read more
Genealogy Definition What Does Maternal Mean? In genealogy, maternal refers to the side of your family connected through your mother and helps researchers organize family branches, DNA matches, and ancestral stories. Short Definition In genealogy, “maternal” refers to the side of your family connected through your mother. Your maternal line includes your mum, her parents, … Read more