Guide 01

Using OCR responsibly

Search OCR for names and places, then verify every result against the PDF image. Expect errors in columns, faded type, hyphenation, and proper names.

Guide 02

Citing an archive record

Record the item title, archive name, record URL, original publication details when visible, and the date you accessed the file.

Guide 03

Evaluating evidence

Prefer primary and near-contemporary records. Distinguish verified facts, supported inference, family tradition, and speculation.

Guide 04

Searching name variants

Try initials, phonetic spellings, married names, OCR errors, and older variants. Search one uncommon term at a time before narrowing.