Find an ancestor using Historical Records

From FamilySearch Wiki

Revision as of 18:32, 19 November 2012

WHERE DO I LOOK?

When searching for records, we may not know how to find the records we need. 

We may not even be aware that they exist.

• You will want to know as many of the following as possible:

• Name of the Record/Collection/Topic
• Location or area covered by the Record
• Time the record covers.

• Other Actions that may help to search the Wiki
  • Use different ways to search and browse

• Example:

• Carlisle Indian School Records

Can you help me?

Looking for  answers to my Family History Questions, I came to the Family Search Wiki and  asked "Can the Wiki help me?"

• By going to the wiki and following many of these steps we can often find sources that help.

How do I find the Carlisle Indian Industrial School?

1. We went to the Main Page

2. Browsed by county/ state or country and found:

• (example: Pennsylvania). Also we can browse by topic
• (example: Carlisle Indian Industrial School (Pennsylvania) Picture at left)

3. Clicked on a county/state or country page or topic page that would lead to possible pages.

• You may find Topics on the right side of the page with many items to search:

• (example American Indians)

4. Clicked and searched.

• At the resulting page you should find a list of sources:

• (example: Indians of Pennsylvania)

5. Then within these sources you may find the item that you need:

• (example: Carlisle Indian Industrial School (Pennsylvania))

Further Help for Beginners

• Principles of Family History Research
• Family History for Beginners
• Help:Keys to success using the Wiki
• FamilySearch Wiki:Success Stories