Internet Genealogy » Cyndi's Soapbox

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• Genealogy has many possible sources for data, for learning and for sharing. The Internet is only one of those possible sources. See the list of numerous other tools below.

  • We don't refer to "library genealogy" or "archives genealogy" or "FHC genealogy," so why would we refer to "Internet genealogy?"
  • The Internet is just one of many tools in the genealogical researcher's toolbox. I believe it is the most powerful tool we have because it saves us time and money and helps us spend our research time in a more productive manner.
  • A genealogist cannot use just one research tool and hope for reliable or complete results.
  • Genealogists are only successful when they combine the use of all of their tools and make the most of all available resources -- online and offline together.

• Remember these things:

  • The Internet is not your only starting point for genealogical research.
    (See:

• The Internet is the latest, most powerful tool in our research toolbox, giving us:

  • A learning center (i.e. tutorials, articles, veterans and professionals).
  • A meeting place (i.e. mailing lists, newsgroups, chat rooms, message boards).
  • A place to publish our research questions, concerns, results and advice.

• The tools in our research toolbox include the following (to name a few, and not necessarily in this order):

  • You and your family members
  • Your personal records and family memorabilia at home
  • Libraries
  • Archives
  • Courthouses
  • Museums
  • Churches
  • Cemeteries and funeral homes
  • Newspapers
  • Your local LDS Family History Center
  • Local and national genealogical and historical societies
  • Professional genealogical researchers
  • Genealogy books, CDs, microfilm, microfiche and software
  • The Internet