.jpg)
A chronicle is defined as a historical account of events arranged chronologically; in other words, a narrative timeline. Generally, equal importance is given to historically relevant events as well as local events, with the purpose of recording of all events that occurred from the perspective of the chronicler. Chronicles that are arranged by year are referred to as “annals.” Chronicles can provide information on a variety of events or locations, including:
- Military regiments
- Pioneer/Founders/Settlers
- Crime
- A specific location such as a state or a county
- A family history
- School histories
- Historical events
While there are chronicles that focus on a family, they are not the only ones that should be searched. For the genealogist, a chronicle may provide information about an event or local history which can add historical context to an ancestor’s story. For example, a chronicle having to do with the military regiment an ancestor fought in can provide information in addition to acquiring military records. A chronicle about the history of the city your ancestor lived in can provide information that you can use as you follow up in original records. Having a timeline of that place can help to better understand their lives. Unlike a family history book, a chronicle may not provide specific information about an ancestor but that does not mean it is not important to your research.
When using chronicles for genealogy we need to keep in mind where the information comes from. Chronicles are typically written by an individual who experienced the place or event, eye witnesses to the place or event, or oral history. For example, a chronicle about a military regiment might utilize the memories and writings of members of that regiment. Chronicles can include information from your ancestor’s FAN Club (Friends, Associates, and Neighbors).
They do not necessarily contain information that is researched and verified and in fact they can contain legend or embellished stories, passed down from generation to generation by oral tradition.[1] When using a chronicle, as you would any authored source, if the information lacks source citations treat it as a clue and verify it. Even if the information is written by an eye-witness, you need to verify the reliability of the information stated with original records to ensure its accuracy.[1]
Searching chronicles
It is impossible to know how many chronicles exist, as the ambiguities in the definition of the genre make it very difficult to define what should or should not be included. However, the Encyclopedia of the Medieval Chronicle lists around 2,500 items written between 300 and 1500 AD. In general, to find chronicles about your area of interest such as a surname, a location, or an event, you will need to use a keyword or a keyword phrase to search. A keyword is a word or phrase. For example, if you’re interested in a county you would use the keywords for that county such as “Los Angeles County”. Keep in mind that if you use the word “chronicle” and a place name in your search you may receive results that include historical newspapers because many newspapers have used the word “chronicle” as part of their title.
You may also search by your ancestor’s name but you shouldn’t limit your search to just a name or a surname. A chronicle that focuses on a time period or place may be helpful in adding context to your family history even if it doesn’t specifically name one of your ancestors. Keeping a keyword list or words relevant to your ancestor such as a location, religion, occupation, historical event, activity, can help you expand your search and find more information.
Finding chronicles
A search on genealogy website catalogs for your keyword can help you find relevant works. If you search the keyword “chronicle” or “annal” you can find how many items in that catalog have titles using that keyword. Once again, search by the keyword of interest to find relevant items. You can also browse records in the website’s card catalog. In the MyHeritage collection catalog various “chronicles” can be found under subjects ranging from Local and General History to Family Histories, Reference, and Court Records.
Search digitized book websites for relevant titles. Google Books, Internet Archive, and Hathi Trust are just a few of the websites that should be searched. A search using an Internet search engine can also provide relevant results.
Explore more on chronicles
- Chronicles records collection at MyHeritage
- Digital Public Library of America
- Chronicles at the Morgan Library & Museum
- The Medieval Chronicle Society Website