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5 Online Search Strategies Every Genealogist Should Know
Genealogy is a fascinating hobby that can help you learn about your family history and connect with your ancestors. But it can also be a challenging pursuit, especially if you’re not sure where to start. The good news is that there are many online resources available to help you find your ancestors. In this blog post, we’ll explore five online search strategies that every genealogist should know.
1. Start with a Genealogy Website
There are many genealogy websites available, such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com. These websites offer a wealth of resources, including:
- Genealogical databases with millions of records
- Family trees created by other users
- Tools for searching and organizing your research
Many of these websites offer free trials or limited free access, so you can try them out before you commit to a paid subscription. Once you’ve chosen a website, you can start searching for your ancestors by entering their names, birthdates, and other information. You can also use the website’s search tools to find related records, such as marriage certificates, death certificates, and census records.
2. Use a Search Engine
Don’t underestimate the power of a good search engine. You can use Google, Bing, or another search engine to find information about your ancestors. For example, you can try searching for:
- Your ancestor’s name plus the city and state where they lived
- Your ancestor’s name plus their occupation
- Your ancestor’s name plus the name of a relative
You may be surprised by the results you find. You may discover news articles, obituaries, or even family websites that mention your ancestor.
3. Explore Historical Newspapers
Historical newspapers can be a goldmine for genealogists. They can provide information about your ancestors’ lives, such as their births, marriages, deaths, and daily activities. Many historical newspapers have been digitized and are available online. You can search for newspapers by state, city, or date.
Some popular websites for searching historical newspapers include:
- NewspaperArchive.com
- Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
- GenealogyBank.com
4. Check Government Websites
Government websites are another valuable resource for genealogists. They contain a wealth of records, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, census records, and military records. You can access these records through the website of the relevant government agency. For example, you can access U.S. Census records through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website.
5. Connect with Other Genealogists
One of the best ways to find information about your ancestors is to connect with other genealogists. There are many online forums and social media groups dedicated to genealogy. You can join these groups to ask questions, share your research, and get help from other genealogists. You can also attend genealogy conferences and workshops to meet other genealogists in person.
By using these five online search strategies, you can find a wealth of information about your ancestors. With a little effort and perseverance, you can uncover the secrets of your family history and connect with your past.