Cite My Story

Citing your sources is one of the most important parts of genealogy. It shows where your information came from so you (or anyone else) can verify it later.

Proper citations:

• Build credibility: they prove your research is based on evidence, not guesses.
• Prevent confusion: you will always know which record supports which fact.
• Save time: no more searching for records you have already found.
• Help others: when you share your tree, others can confirm your work.

It makes genealogy citations simple, fast, and accurate.

Built on Jeffry P. La Marca's Simple Citations method, Cite My Story helps you create clear, accurate citations without complicated rules or formatting. Just enter what you know, and the tool handles the rest.

• Simple: Clear fields, helpful tips, and no complicated rules.
• Fast: The tool builds your citation instantly as you type.
• Accurate: Every result is formatted correctly and consistent every time.

Cite My Story is for anyone doing genealogy.

It's ideal for those who want accurate, consistent citations without spending hours on formatting. While professional genealogists may follow Elizabeth Shown Mills' Evidence Explained for advanced documentation, this tool is built for the researchers who want clear, reliable citations they can use immediately.

Most citation systems are overly complex - and that keeps people from using them.

The Simple Citations Method, created by Jeffry P. La Marca, Ph.D., removes the clutter and focuses on what matters: who created the record, what it is, when it was made, where it's found, and when it was found.

Yes. Whether it's a birth certificate, census record, gravestone photo, book, or any other genealogical record, the Simple Citations method will work!

The "Citation" field shows the formal version of your source in proper citation format. The "Citation in Plain English" field is for those who just want an easy-to-read, simple version.

1. Choose your tab - Select either the Census tab, Traditional tab, or Non-traditional tab at the top of the site based on your type of source.
2. Enter what you know - Start with the required fields (marked with a red *), and fill in any extra details you want to include.
3. Copy and paste - Click the Copy button in the Citation output field and then paste directly into your family tree, research notes, etc.

Each field includes a small tooltip explaining what belongs there, with examples for clarity.

If you are still unsure, visit the Simple Citations website for more resources. The Simple Citations book offers in-depth explanations and guidance for unique or complex situations.

Cite My Story is web-based. There is no software to download or install. It works on any browser, operating system, or device with an internet connection.

Yes. Nothing you enter is saved, shared, or made public. All data is processed locally on your computer.