FamilySearch hosts over 10 billion historical records, making it one of the world's largest free genealogy collections. But finding the right records for your ancestors can be challenging without knowing how to effectively search this vast database. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn expert techniques for navigating FamilySearch's historical records to uncover your family's story.
Understanding FamilySearch's Record Collections
Before you start searching, it's important to understand what types of records are available. FamilySearch categorizes records into several main types:
Census Records
Census records are some of the most valuable resources for genealogists. FamilySearch has extensive census collections from the United States (1790-1950), United Kingdom (1841-1921), Canada (1825-1926), and many other countries. These records provide household information including names, ages, relationships, birthplaces, and occupations.
Vital Records
Birth, marriage, and death certificates are considered vital records. These provide official documentation of key life events. Collection coverage varies by location and time period, with some areas having records dating back to the 1500s.
Immigration & Travel Records
Passenger lists, naturalization documents, border crossings, and passport applications can help trace your ancestors' movements. These are particularly valuable for research in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Military Records
Service records, pension files, draft registrations, and casualty lists provide information about ancestors who served in military forces. These often contain detailed personal information not found elsewhere.
The Basic Search: Getting Started
Begin your search from the FamilySearch homepage by clicking "Search" in the main navigation. The basic search form includes fields for:
- First and Last Name: Enter your ancestor's name as you know it
- Life Events: Birth, marriage, death, or residence information
- Relationships: Spouse, parents, or other family members
Example Search Strategy
Let's say you're searching for John Smith born in 1875 in New York:
- First Name: John (or try variations: J, Jon, Jonathan)
- Last Name: Smith
- Birth Year: 1875 (use range: 1870-1880)
- Birth Place: New York, USA
- Residence: Leave blank initially
Smart Search Tip
When starting a search, begin with broad parameters and gradually narrow them. If you get too many results, add more information. If you get too few, remove some restrictions or try name variations.
Advanced Search Techniques
Click "Advanced Search" to access more powerful search options. Here are key strategies for using advanced search effectively:
Wildcard Searches
Use * for multiple characters and ? for single characters. Example: "Sm*th" finds Smith, Smyth, Smithe, etc.
Exact vs. Close Match
Toggle between "Exact" and "Close" matching for names. "Close" will find phonetic matches and common variations.
Batch Number Search
If you have a Family History Library film number, enter it in the "Film/DGS Number" field to find specific record collections.
Restrict by Collection
Filter searches to specific record types or locations using the collection filter options.
Using the "Match All Terms Exactly" Option
When you're confident about specific information (like an exact birth date from a reliable source), use the "Match All Terms Exactly" option. This narrows results to only records containing all the information you've provided.
Understanding and Using Search Results
After you execute a search, FamilySearch displays results in a list. Here's how to interpret and use them effectively:
Result Categories
- Records: Direct matches from historical documents
- Catalog: References to microfilms and books in the Family History Library
- Research Wiki: Help articles about researching in specific locations or time periods
- Family Trees: Information from user-submitted family trees
Evaluating Search Results
Not all search results will be relevant. Use these criteria to evaluate potential matches:
- Name Match: How closely does the name match your ancestor's?
- Location Consistency: Does the record location make sense based on what you know?
- Time Frame: Is the date within a reasonable range of what you expect?
- Record Type: Is this the type of record you need to answer your research question?
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Don't assume the first result is correct just because it matches a name. Common names like "John Smith" or "Maria Garcia" can have hundreds of matches. Always verify information with additional sources before adding it to your family tree.
Working with Record Images
Many FamilySearch records include digital images of the original documents. Here's how to work with them effectively:
Navigating Multi-Page Documents
Historical records often span multiple pages. Use the navigation controls to move forward and backward through the document. Look for:
- Index Pages: Alphabetical lists at the beginning or end of records
- Header Information: Column headings that explain what information each column contains
- Marginal Notes: Additional information written in margins
Reading Historical Handwriting
Older documents often feature handwriting that can be difficult to read. Use these strategies:
- Zoom in on the image for better clarity
- Compare difficult letters with clearer examples elsewhere in the document
- Use the "Help Us Index" tool to see how others have interpreted the writing
- Consult handwriting guides in the FamilySearch Research Wiki
Specialized Search Strategies
Finding Female Ancestors
Women can be particularly challenging to trace due to name changes at marriage. Try these approaches:
- Search using maiden names when possible
- Look for marriage records that include both maiden and married names
- Search for women in relation to their husbands or fathers
- Check children's birth records, which often include mother's maiden name
Searching for Immigrant Ancestors
When tracing immigrant ancestors, consider:
- Americanizing of names (e.g., "Giovanni" becoming "John")
- Multiple spellings of the same surname
- Ports of entry and departure
- Naturalization records that may include original hometown information
Using the FamilySearch Catalog
The FamilySearch Catalog contains references to all materials in the Family History Library. To use it:
- Go to the Catalog search from the main search page
- Search by location, surname, or subject
- Browse available microfilms, books, and digital collections
- Note the film or book numbers for materials you want to examine
Making the Most of Search Filters
After your initial search, use filters to narrow results:
Collection Filter
Limit results to specific record collections like "United States Census" or "England Births and Christenings."
Date Range
Set specific date ranges for events. Use wider ranges when you're uncertain about exact dates.
Location Filter
Filter by country, state, county, or city to focus on specific geographic areas.
Record Type
Select specific record types like "Birth," "Marriage," "Death," or "Census."
Saving and Organizing Your Finds
When you find relevant records, it's important to save and organize them:
Attaching Sources to Your Family Tree
Always attach records you find to individuals in your FamilySearch family tree. This:
- Preserves the connection between the record and your ancestor
- Helps other researchers find the same information
- Creates a source trail for your research
Using the "To Do" List
FamilySearch allows you to create research "To Do" items. When you find a record that suggests additional research paths (like finding a sibling's record), add it to your To Do list for follow-up.
Creating Source Boxes
Organize your finds into Source Boxes by family line, location, or research project. This helps keep related records together for easy reference.
Troubleshooting Common Search Problems
Problem: Too Many Results
Solution: Add more specific information like middle name, spouse's name, or exact location. Use filters to narrow by record type or date range.
Problem: No Results Found
Solution: Try these strategies:
- Remove some search criteria to broaden the search
- Try name variations and alternate spellings
- Search with less specific location information
- Check if records exist for that time and place in the Research Wiki
Problem: Records Exist But Aren't Showing in Search
Solution: Some records aren't fully indexed. Try browsing record collections directly or searching the catalog for relevant microfilms that might not be searchable by name.
Next Steps After Finding Records
Once you've found relevant records, your research continues:
- Analyze the Information: What does the record tell you? What questions does it raise?
- Correlate with Other Sources: Compare information across multiple records to build a complete picture
- Follow Research Leads: Use information from one record to find additional records (e.g., use parents' names from a marriage record to find birth records)
- Share Your Findings: Attach sources to your family tree and consider writing about your discoveries in FamilySearch Memories
Mastering FamilySearch's historical records search takes practice, but the rewards are immense. Each record you find adds another piece to your family's story, connecting you more deeply to your heritage. With these techniques, you're well-equipped to navigate FamilySearch's vast collections and uncover the records that will help you trace your family history.