Don’t Forget to Cite Your Source
December 27, 2025
Many of you may have gotten DNA tests as gifts this holiday season. You need to attach your results to a tree to make the whole DNA thing work, so you might as well get started now and not wait for your results to get back.
Whatever company you used, open the account with them if you have not done so already. Start to build out your tree, using yourself at the starting point and go backwards. As you add more information to each person, you should start seeing hints popping up. These hints are just that...hints. They are not guaranteed to be your family. You need to look at the hint, open the record up and carefully review all the information on it. Don't rely on the transcription since there can be errors. If it is correct, then and only then, should you accept it. If you are not sure, just leave it be. Maybe you will be able to discern the validity at a later date. But, if it is definitely wrong, reject it.
Accepting the document does not save it to your computer though. It only saves the link to the record on that site. You should really download that record to your computer in case the link no longer works or you do not renew your subscription. When you download your record, it is very important that you document where you found the record. If you don't, you most likely will not know where you found it when you go back to it a later date.
Case in point, I had downloaded a potential marriage record for a great grandaunt in Ireland around 1840. I carefully named the document "Possible marriage record for Margaret Callahan and Thomas Halloran 1840." Months later I went back to it and realized I never put where I found the record! In terms of documentation citations, a BIG NO-NO! I spent a few hours checking out places I could have found it before I finally got it.
As to how to save the citation, it is really up to you. Different program have different ways of saving that type of information. It could be used in the metadata. Maybe adding another page to the document that is blank and adding it there works best for you. You can add it to the notes section of the person in your tree (my favorite and easiest way). I don't believe in one size fits all, so you can play around and find the one that works best for you. But whatever one you choose, just remember to save those citations!
A great resource to help you make correct citations is by Elizabeth Shown Mills and it is called “Quick Sheet: Your Stripped-Bare To Citing Sources” available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/497rYm4 (paid link)
Full disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.