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How to Find Descendants in the United States (view source)
Revision as of 14:21, 20 December 2007
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You can often find family histories in libraries in the area where your ancestors lived. The Library of Congress and the Family History Library also have extensive collections of published family histories. | You can often find family histories in libraries in the area where your ancestors lived. The Library of Congress and the Family History Library also have extensive collections of published family histories. | ||
'''''Expert Tip: | '''''Expert Tip:''''' Many histories can be accessed on the Internet. You can also request them at your local library through an interlibrary loan system or they can be sent to a family history center. | ||
The following are great places to start your search for family histories: | The following are great places to start your search for family histories: | ||
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A good place to start your search for family information that has been compiled by others is [http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]. This site has several compiled databases that may help you find information, including the Ancestral File, the Pedigree Resource File, and the International Genealogical Index (IGI.) | A good place to start your search for family information that has been compiled by others is [http://www.familysearch.org www.familysearch.org]. This site has several compiled databases that may help you find information, including the Ancestral File, the Pedigree Resource File, and the International Genealogical Index (IGI.) | ||
'''''Expert Tip | '''''Expert Tip: '''''<nowiki>Your search may result in several sources of information about an ancestor. Focus on records that provide information about other extended family members. These records may not be accurate or complete, but they will give you a starting point.</nowiki> | ||
'''Internet search engines.''' Search engines, such as Google or Yahoo, help you learn if someone has posted information on the Internet about your ancestors or their descendants. Search engines may help you find pedigree charts, family Web sites, cemetery records, personal histories, family Bibles, and so forth. | '''Internet search engines.''' Search engines, such as Google or Yahoo, help you learn if someone has posted information on the Internet about your ancestors or their descendants. Search engines may help you find pedigree charts, family Web sites, cemetery records, personal histories, family Bibles, and so forth. | ||
'''''Expert Tip | '''''Expert Tip:'''''<nowiki> You may find many references to your ancestor in a search engine, especially if he or she has a common name. The following search strategies can help to narrow your search:</nowiki> | ||
''— To search for an exact phrase or name, put quotation marks around your search terms. For example, search on '''"John K. Doe"''' (typing the quotation marks into the search box). Also try putting the surname first and the given name second—'''“Doe, John K.”''''' | ''— To search for an exact phrase or name, put quotation marks around your search terms. For example, search on '''"John K. Doe"''' (typing the quotation marks into the search box). Also try putting the surname first and the given name second—'''“Doe, John K.”''''' | ||
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''— For additional search tips, go to the help section of the search engine.'' | ''— For additional search tips, go to the help section of the search engine.'' | ||
</div> <div class="Section2"> | </div> <div class="Section2"> | ||
=== '''Quick Reference Chart 1 – Where to Look for Previous Research''' === | === '''Quick Reference Chart 1 – Where to Look for Previous Research''' === | ||