BCG Historical Records & Archives Flashcards

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

Answer: Record Group 29

Record Group 29 at the National Archives contains U.S. Census Bureau records, including all surviving population schedules from 1790 onward.

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

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

Soundex is a phonetic indexing system that groups surnames by sound rather than spelling, helping researchers find records when name spellings varied.

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

Answer: Death certificates

U.S. death certificates commonly capture birthplace, parents' names and birthplaces, occupation, and cause of death, making them among the most informative vital records.

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

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

An informant's proximity to the event determines whether the information is primary or secondary, directly affecting how much weight the evidence receives.

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

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

An original record is the first-generation document created at or near the time of the event, before any transcription, abstraction, or digitization has occurred.

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

Answer: The National Archives and Records Administration

NARA holds the official passenger manifests and arrival records for the Port of New York and other U.S. ports of entry as part of its federal immigration record holdings.