A citation is a route back to the evidence. It should let another relative find the same record, understand what you viewed, and decide whether it supports the family-tree claim. Perfect punctuation matters less than consistently capturing enough information before a tab closes or an original returns home.
Capture the five essentials
Record the creator or issuing body, title or record type, date, place or jurisdiction, repository or website, collection and item identifiers, page or image number, URL, access date, and the specific information used. Save the image according to the provider's terms and connect the citation to the relevant person or relationship.
Cite interviews and family-held materials
For an interview, record the storyteller, interviewer, date, location or method, format, file name, custodian, and permission level. For a photograph, letter, Bible, program, or certificate, identify the item, approximate date, people, original owner, current custodian, and who supplied the description.
Describe databases and derivative sources
State both the database you searched and the underlying record collection when available. A transcript, index, memorial page, or online tree may contain errors, so locate the image or original record where practical. Note when only a derivative source was available.
Connect each citation to a claim
A record can support one statement while conflicting with another. Write a short note explaining whether it supports a name, date, place, relationship, residence, occupation, or event. Preserve conflicts rather than choosing the convenient value silently.
Frequently asked questions
Do family interviews need citations?
Yes. Identify the storyteller, interviewer, date, format, file location, and permission so relatives can evaluate and revisit the account.
Is a website URL enough?
No. Pages move. Include the site, database or collection, record details, image or item number, URL, and access date.
Should an unsourced online tree be cited?
It can be cited as a clue you consulted, but its claims should not be treated as proven until supported by reliable evidence.