1: Get Organized
2: Learn the Basics
3: Form a Strategy
4: Search Ancestry Records (AN)
5: Search Collections (AN)
6: Analyze Search Results (AN)
7: Develop Search Skills
8: Solve Problems
9: Family History Trip
10: Descendants
11: Reading Handwriting
Translation Tips
Music
Project 4: Research
Goal 7: Develop Search Skills
Goal 7: Develop your skills in searching records. Vault
The better your search skills, the more time you are likely to spend looking in the right places, and the better the results.
(2:40)
Choices
AImprove your search techniques.
Class Outlines: Basic | Intermediate
Summary
- Start searches broadly and then narrow them down.
- Search for unique family member names first.
- Small clues can help determine the differences when a person has a common name.
- Apply best practices in the Internet searches you do, such as searching broadly at first and then more narrowly, and searching for unusual names before common names.
FS—Internet Search Tips
BYU—Using the Internet Like a Pro—60:44 - 2020
- Here are some practical tips for searching genealogy databases.
AJC—4 Things to Do when Using a Genealogy Database - 2017
FHF—Easy Tips for Researching in Genealogy Databases Everyone Should Know—13:23- 2023
- Here are tips for getting more accurate results in your searches.
Search Engines and Genealogy: How to Dig up Information Online - 2019
FHD: 6 Tips for More Effective Genealogy Searches - Strategies: Understand where to look for the records you need.
LDS—Keys to Finding Relevant Genealogical Resources
LDS—Searching through Layers of Sources - Here are some additional tips for finding and using documents.
FE—How to Find and Use Genealogical Documents - Learn how to use different strategies for searching different types of records.
AJC: Are You Using the Right Search to Find Your Ancestors? - 2018
Exercises
- * Good: Write down key learnings from this Choice, and then apply them in your own record searches for an ancestor.
- * Proficient: Same as above, for two ancestors.
BUse Google (www.google.com) to conduct effective searches for ancestor names, dates, places, etc.
Vault
Summary
VaultSummary
- Google can be successfully used for genealogy if you pay attention to how you're searching. Key words, spelling variations, and the way a search is phrased can all affect the quality of the results.
- Take advantage of the Advanced Search and Location options Google offers to help you narrow down results.
- Basics: Learn how to use basic search variations in Google.
FMP—Google Your Family Tree - 2021 - Learn how to use and refine Google searches.
RT—The Genealogist's Google Search Methodology - 2019 - Learn about practical tips for doing successful genealogy searches with Google.
TH: Google, Genealogy Style - 2019 - Advanced: Use the options available in the Google Advanced Search screen (www.google.com/advanced_search).
- Learn how to use advanced operators with Google searches.
Advanced Operators Reference, Google Guide - AncestorSearch: Learn about a shorcut tool for Google Ancestor Searches, from the Randy Majors site.
Have you tried AncestorSearch on Google Search? - 2019 - Images: Learn how to do reverse image searches with Google to identify photos and pictures.
Google Reverse Image Search—3:00 - Tools: Learn how to use a variety of Google tools in your research.
FS—Google Tools for Genealogy—18:35 - 2021
TFHG—Google Tools for Research—8:37 - 2023
- * Good: Use Google searched with variations for 5 ancestors.
- * Proficient: Same as above, and use advanced Google searches, for at least 8 ancestors. Also
CUse name techniques in searches to produce better results.
Summary
- Spelling variations are an important concept to understand with genealogical research.
- People were often recorded by their nickname, so learn potential variants of a name. Some may be more obvious than others.
- Wildcards (*) are used in searches to help bring up results that include spelling variants.
- Wildcards: Get an introduction to using wildcard characters in your searches.
FMP—How wildcard searches can help you find your ancestors - 2022 - Use wildcards effectively in FamilySearch searches.
FS—Searching with Wildcards in FamilySearch - 2016 - Use wildcards effectively in Ancestry searches.
AC—Wildcards and Search Options—30:00 - 2014
- Spelling and Name Variations: Account for spelling and name variations as you search records.
AC—Searching with Spelling Variations - Read this article for additional tips on using name variations.
TH—Tips for Finding Alternate Spellings - 2019 - Middle Names: Learn how to use middle names in your ancestor research.
AF—Tips for Doing Middle Name Research - 2022 - Nicknames: Learn to recognize possible nicknames for ancestors.
TH—Matching Nicknames with Given Names
FTM—Female Ancestor First Names and Nicknames - Here are some tips for handling full names, nicknames, and initials in searches.
What’s in a Name: Full Names, Nicknames & Initials - Common Names: Use these tips when searching for ancestors with common (often occurring) surnames.
LDS—Finding Ancestors with Common Names
AJC—3 Tips for Researching an Ancestor With a Common Name - 2016
- * Good: Use name variations and wildcard searches with 3 ancestors.
- * Proficient: Same as above, for at least 8 ancestors.