Skip to Main Content

Family History and Genealogy

The Duke University Libraries do not provide genealogy research services, but this research guide is useful in pursuing your own genealogical journey.

Charts and forms are available through the AncestryLibrary (free to the Duke community with NetID and Shibboleth, you may need to check with your local library for access, Duke Health employees should pause Zscaler)
Click on "Charts and Forms" in the banner at the top of the page to find: 

  • Ancestral Chart -- An ancestor chart records the ancestors from whom you directly descend--those for whom you intend to compile a complete and correct family unit. It shows at a glance the progress you have made towards this goal and what remains to be done.  Another more interactive ancestral chart, called a "basic pedigree chart", is available from the National Genealogical Society.
  • Census Forms -- Census extraction forms are doubly valuable: not only do they allow researchers to see the format and column headings for various census years (especially if the schedules themselves are hard to read), they also provide a clean and convenient method for extracting and filing important information you find.
  • Correspondence Record -- It is important to keep track of those with whom you have corresponded, the reasons for writing, and whether or not you have already received an answer.
  • Family Group Sheet -- Each piece of information concerning a pedigree ancestor and his/her family is placed on a worksheet. Since the end result of your research efforts will be to compile complete, correct and connected families, the use of family group sheets from the beginning will make the compilation much easier.
  • Research Calendar -- The research calendar gives an account of every record source you have searched and serves as a reminder of what you have already done and where you have found pertinent information.
  • Research Extract -- Use the research extract sheets to summarize information which cannot be photocopied, for which there is no document in your possession, or for things such as deeds which may be time-consuming or difficult to reread quickly when you need information from the copy you have.
  • Source Summary -- It is helpful to be able to refer quickly to information you have found for a particular family and the sources of that information. Keep a separate source summary of information found for each family group.