BCG BCG Historical Records & Archives

Question 1

Which U.S. federal record group at the National Archives contains population schedules from the decennial census dating back to 1790?

Accepted Answer

Record Group 29

Answer

Record Group 15

Answer

Record Group 60

Answer

Record Group 75

Question 2

What is a 'soundex' code and why is it used in genealogical research?

Accepted Answer

A phonetic coding system that groups surnames with similar sounds, used to index records like the 1880–1920 U.S. censuses

Answer

A digital index of military service records

Answer

A standardized citation format for archival documents

Answer

A method for transcribing handwritten vital records

Question 3

Which type of U.S. record typically provides the most detailed information about an individual's birthplace, parents' birthplaces, and cause of death?

Accepted Answer

Death certificates

Answer

Voter registration records

Answer

Tax lists

Answer

Land grants

Question 4

Under BCG standards, why must a genealogist evaluate the informant's knowledge when assessing a vital record?

Accepted Answer

To assess whether the informant had firsthand knowledge of the facts recorded, which affects the reliability of individual data points

Answer

To determine whether the record can be cited

Answer

To comply with state privacy laws

Answer

To calculate the record's age and eligibility for public release

Question 5

What does 'original record' mean in BCG's evidence terminology?

Accepted Answer

The first-generation record created at or near the time of an event, as opposed to a derivative

Answer

The oldest known copy of a document

Answer

A record stored in a government archive

Answer

A handwritten document as opposed to a printed one

Question 6

Which U.S. repository holds the largest collection of passenger arrival records for immigrants entering through the port of New York?

Accepted Answer

The National Archives and Records Administration

Answer

The Library of Congress

Answer

The New York State Archives

Answer

The Ellis Island Foundation Archive