Are Online Vital Records Legitimate? A Guide for FamilySearch Users

Are Online Vital Records Legitimate? A Guide for FamilySearch Users

This guide helps FamilySearch users understand and evaluate the legitimacy of vital records encountered on the platform.

1. Understand FamilySearch Record Types

FamilySearch provides access to vital records primarily through two main methods, each requiring a slightly different approach to assessing legitimacy:

• Indexed Records/Images: These are digitized copies of original government or church records (births, marriages, deaths), often with transcribed data. They are generally considered reliable as copies of originals.
• User-Contributed Sources: Information attached to individuals in the FamilySearch Family Tree by other users, which might cite various online or offline records.

2. Examine FamilySearch Indexed Records and Images

When you find a vital record in a FamilySearch search result or linked to a person in the Family Tree, follow these steps to verify its legitimacy:

• Click on the record to view its full details. Look for the "Document Information" or "Source Information" section, often found at the bottom of the record detail page.
• Identify the Collection Name (e.g., "United States Social Security Death Index," "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records"). This name indicates the original archive or institution FamilySearch partnered with to obtain the record or data.
• If an image of the original document is available, click to "View Original Document". Examine the image itself for signs of authenticity: official seals, governmental forms, signatures, or specific handwriting patterns typical of the period. The direct image of an original record is often the strongest proof of legitimacy.
• Records found in these official collections are typically legitimate copies or indexes of original government records, carefully digitized and indexed by FamilySearch in collaboration with archives worldwide.

3. Evaluate User-Contributed Sources in the Family Tree

While invaluable, user-contributed sources require an extra step of verification:

• Navigate to a person's detail page in the Family Tree and scroll down to the "Sources" section.
• Click on a specific source to expand its details. Pay close attention to the "Source Title" and any provided "Web Page" or "Repository" information.
• If the source cites a FamilySearch indexed collection (as described in Step 2), you can generally trust its legitimacy, especially if an image is provided.
• If the source cites an external website (e.g., another genealogy site, a county clerk's website), consider the reputation of that external site. A reputable site will typically provide clear provenance for its records.
• If the source cites a physical record (e.g., a book, microfilm), check if enough detail (author, title, page number, library/archive) is provided to potentially locate the original.
• Always remember: A user-contributed source's legitimacy hinges on the legitimacy of the original source it cites. Strive to trace any user-added source back to an original record or an image of one.

4. Look for Comprehensive Source Citations

For any vital record you encounter on FamilySearch, whether from an indexed collection or a user-contributed source, the presence of a detailed citation is a strong indicator of legitimacy:

• A legitimate record will typically include specific details such as the Collection Name, the Original Repository (the physical archive or institution holding the record), and often a Film or Image Number.
• This level of detail allows for potential cross-verification with the original holding institution, ensuring the record's authenticity.