What is the Difference between Genealogy and Family History?
What is the Difference between Genealogy and Family History? Are they the same thing?
Although the terms Genealogy and Family History are quite often interchanged (as both involve the research of your ancestors) there actually is a difference between the two.
One you could say, is like a simple sketch on a piece of paper, while the other is the same sketch but with the backgrounds, details and colour added, or the full blown completed painting
Genealogy is the actual research and study of a family and the relationships between family members using valid sources. It mostly involves vital dates, such as the date of birth, death, and marriage with the intention of developing a Pedigree Chart.
It can be used to Show Medical Conditions that run in the family or Determine the Right of Inheritance among other things.
Family History, on the other hand builds on, or fills out, the research undertaken by Genealogy.
It fills in and adds colour to the lives of your ancestors, building the life story of each member.
It is the when, the where, and the how of their existence, and can include information on their everyday lives such as their work, their play and their relationships.
It also places these events into the context of the social, economic and historical world in which your ancestors lived.
This research is then documented and shared with other family members and is quite often published as a book.
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