Contents
Privacy and Sensitivity
Genealogy often involves uncovering personal and sensitive information about living and deceased individuals. As genealogists, it is our responsibility to handle this information with care and respect.
Respecting Privacy
The privacy of living individuals should always be a top priority in genealogical research and sharing. This includes being mindful of the information you collect, store, and share.
- Collecting Information: When gathering information about living individuals, obtain their consent and inform them about how their data will be used. Avoid collecting unnecessary personal details.
- Storing Information: Securely store personal data to protect it from unauthorized access. Use encrypted digital storage and secure physical filing systems.
- Sharing Information: When sharing family trees, documents, or stories that include living individuals, ensure you have their explicit permission. Anonymize data where appropriate, such as using initials or omitting sensitive details.
Handling Sensitive Information
Genealogical research can reveal sensitive information, such as adoptions, illegitimacy, and criminal records. Handle such information with sensitivity and discretion.
- Consider Impact: Consider the potential impact of revealing sensitive information on living relatives. What might be a historical fact to you could be a deeply personal and painful revelation to someone else.
- Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality for sensitive information that could affect the reputations or feelings of living individuals. Share such information only with those directly involved or with permission.
- Ethical Dilemmas: When faced with ethical dilemmas, seek advice from professional organizations or ethics committees within genealogical societies. Balancing transparency with sensitivity is key.
Copyright and Intellectual Property
Understanding and respecting copyright and intellectual property rights is essential in genealogy, especially when using and sharing historical documents, photographs, and other materials.
Understanding Copyright Law
Copyright law protects the creators of original works, including written documents, photographs, and artistic creations. In genealogy, this means being aware of the legal status of the materials you use [1].
- Public Domain: Materials published before a certain date (typically 1923 in the United States) are often in the public domain and can be freely used. Always verify the public domain status of a work before using it.
- Fair Use: The fair use doctrine allows limited use of copyrighted materials without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Ensure your use qualifies as fair use under the law.
- Obtaining Permission: When in doubt, seek permission from the copyright holder before using a work. This is especially important for photographs, diaries, and other personal documents.
Citing Sources
Proper citation of sources is crucial in genealogy. It not only gives credit to the original creators but also provides context and validation for your research.
- Citation Formats: Use recognized citation formats, such as those provided by the Chicago Manual of Style or Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills. Consistency in citations helps others follow your research.
- Documenting Sources: Document every source you use, including books, articles, websites, and personal communications. Provide as much detail as possible, including author, title, publication date, and page numbers.
- Citing Digital Sources: For digital sources, include the URL and the date you accessed the material. Digital content can change over time, so this information is crucial for future researchers.
Sharing Your Work
When sharing your genealogical research, respect the intellectual property rights of others and clearly identify your own contributions.
- Acknowledging Others: Acknowledge the work of other researchers who contributed to your findings. This can include citing their publications or crediting them in your acknowledgments.
- Creative Commons: Consider using Creative Commons licenses for your work. These licenses allow you to specify how others can use your research while retaining some rights.
Ethical Use of Information
Using genealogical information ethically involves more than just respecting privacy and copyright. It also includes being honest, transparent, and respectful in your research and interactions.
Honesty and Accuracy
Strive for honesty and accuracy in all aspects of your genealogical research. Misrepresenting or fabricating information not only undermines your work but also disrespects the individuals and families you study [2].
- Verifying Information: Always verify your findings with multiple sources. Cross-referencing data helps ensure accuracy and prevents the propagation of errors.
- Acknowledging Uncertainty: Be honest about the limitations and uncertainties in your research. If a fact is unverified or speculative, clearly state this in your documentation.
- Avoiding Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions without sufficient evidence. Genealogy requires a careful and methodical approach to establish accurate family connections.
Respecting Cultural Sensitivities
Genealogical research often crosses cultural boundaries. Respect the cultural sensitivities and traditions of the communities you study.
- Cultural Context: Research and understand the cultural context of your ancestors. This includes learning about their customs, traditions, and social norms.
- Consulting Community Leaders: When researching indigenous or marginalized communities, consult with community leaders and members. Their insights can provide valuable context and ensure respectful handling of sensitive information.
- Avoiding Stereotypes: Be mindful of stereotypes and biases in your research and writing. Present your findings in a way that respects the dignity and complexity of the individuals and communities you study.
Respecting Living Relatives’ Wishes
When researching and sharing family history, it’s essential to consider the wishes and feelings of living relatives. Their cooperation and support are invaluable in preserving and sharing your family’s story.
Communication and Consent
Effective communication and obtaining consent from living relatives are crucial in genealogical research [3].
- Informing Relatives: Keep your relatives informed about your research and how you intend to use and share the information. Transparency builds trust and encourages cooperation.
- Seeking Permission: Obtain permission before sharing personal stories, photographs, or documents that involve living relatives. Respect their wishes if they prefer certain information to remain private.
- Addressing Concerns: Be open to addressing any concerns or objections your relatives may have. Compromise and sensitivity are essential in maintaining family harmony.
Handling Disputes
Disputes and disagreements can arise when dealing with family history, especially when sensitive or controversial information is uncovered.
- Mediation: If a dispute arises, consider involving a neutral third party to mediate. A professional mediator or a respected family member can help facilitate a resolution.
- Respecting Boundaries: Respect the boundaries set by your relatives. If certain topics are off-limits or if individuals do not want to be included in your research, honor their wishes.
- Finding Common Ground: Focus on finding common ground and areas of agreement. Emphasize the shared goal of preserving and celebrating your family’s history.
Sharing Stories with Sensitivity
When sharing family stories, particularly those involving living relatives, approach the task with sensitivity and respect.
- Positive Framing: Frame stories positively, highlighting achievements, strengths, and resilience. Even when discussing challenges or hardships, focus on the lessons learned and the strengths demonstrated.
- Balanced Narratives: Strive for balanced narratives that present a fair and accurate portrayal of events and individuals. Avoid sensationalism and respect the complexity of your ancestors’ lives.
- Family Contributions: Encourage family members to contribute their perspectives and stories. This inclusivity enriches the narrative and ensures that multiple viewpoints are represented.
References
[1] Ethics in Genealogy
[2] Ethical Dilemmas and How To Approach Them
[3] Ethics and Standards
