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Major Databases for Beginning United States Research: Difference between revisions
Major Databases for Beginning United States Research (view source)
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Value of databases, strategies for using them, and a list of significant U.S. genealogical databases on the Internet with brief descriptions of each. | Value of databases, strategies for using them, and a list of significant U.S. genealogical databases on the Internet with brief descriptions of each. | ||
'''Definition. '''A database is a collection of information organized for rapid search and retrieval. This implies the use computer technology, but in a way, even a paper family group record collection could be called a database. Databases can be online, off line, or a combination of both. Some databases are associated with user fees; most are free. Sometimes separate databases partially overlap and contain near duplicate information from the same sources. Most indexes used by genealogists are databases. Search engines like ''Google'', and lists like ''Cyndi’s List'' are not considered databases for this discussion. Various types of American genealogical databases in various media include for example: | '''Definition.'''A database is a collection of information organized for rapid search and retrieval. This implies the use computer technology, but in a way, even a paper family group record collection could be called a database. Databases can be online, off line, or a combination of both. Some databases are associated with user fees; most are free. Sometimes separate databases partially overlap and contain near duplicate information from the same sources. Most indexes used by genealogists are databases. Search engines like ''Google'', and lists like ''Cyndi’s List'' are not considered databases for this discussion. Various types of American genealogical databases in various media include for example: | ||
• ''Family Group Record Collection—Archive Section'' (microfilm) | • ''Family Group Record Collection—Archive Section'' (microfilm) | ||
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• ''New England Historical Genealogical Society Register'' (periodical, and online) | • ''New England Historical Genealogical Society Register'' (periodical, and online) | ||
'''Value of Databases. '''Genealogists use databases to quickly find compiled genealogies and original records. The primary advantage of using databases early in the research process is their ease of use. As a result of the rapid growth of the Internet and genealogical databases, it is likely that the majority of our American ancestors in the 1800s and earlier will be found in at least one database. | '''Value of Databases.'''Genealogists use databases to quickly find compiled genealogies and original records. The primary advantage of using databases early in the research process is their ease of use. As a result of the rapid growth of the Internet and genealogical databases, it is likely that the majority of our American ancestors in the 1800s and earlier will be found in at least one database. | ||
Usually genealogists build a wider search for further non-database original sources on the foundation of information found in compiled-genealogy databases, plus the easy pickings from databases showing images of original sources. | Usually genealogists build a wider search for further non-database original sources on the foundation of information found in compiled-genealogy databases, plus the easy pickings from databases showing images of original sources. | ||
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'''User Beware.''' Genealogical databases must be used with caution, especially those consisting of compiled genealogies. Compiled genealogy databases are often poorly documented. Also, almost all compiled-genealogy databases contain many data errors. Nevertheless, such databases are one of the first places to search for ancestors, provided the user understands the risk that compiled information probably contains numerous annoying inaccuracies. Always verify information downloaded from a database before you add it to your “good” genealogical files. Wise genealogists will always strive to see the original sources with their own eyes. | '''User Beware.''' Genealogical databases must be used with caution, especially those consisting of compiled genealogies. Compiled genealogy databases are often poorly documented. Also, almost all compiled-genealogy databases contain many data errors. Nevertheless, such databases are one of the first places to search for ancestors, provided the user understands the risk that compiled information probably contains numerous annoying inaccuracies. Always verify information downloaded from a database before you add it to your “good” genealogical files. Wise genealogists will always strive to see the original sources with their own eyes. | ||
'''Jurisdictions. '''Many of the larger databases such as FamilySearch and Ancestry combine material from many different sources, jurisdictions, and time periods. Worldwide, national, state or provincial, county, town, and individual family databases exist. Since there are more records from the 1500s to the present, most databases cover all or part of this era. But a few reach back into Biblical times and genealogies.'''<br | '''Jurisdictions.'''Many of the larger databases such as FamilySearch and Ancestry combine material from many different sources, jurisdictions, and time periods. Worldwide, national, state or provincial, county, town, and individual family databases exist. Since there are more records from the 1500s to the present, most databases cover all or part of this era. But a few reach back into Biblical times and genealogies.'''<br>''' | ||
== '''How to Use Databases''' == | == '''How to Use Databases''' == | ||
'''''Search databases early.'' '''Search worldwide, multiple-source databases like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com when you begin research on a family. Also search databases for the states and counties where the family lived. | '''''Search databases early.'''''Search worldwide, multiple-source databases like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com when you begin research on a family. Also search databases for the states and counties where the family lived. | ||
'''''At first enter with only a little search information''.''' When searching computerized databases, enter only a little search information to start. If this results in too many matches, add another piece of search information and repeat the search. Slowly add more information one-piece-at-a-time until the number of matches is reasonable. <br | '''''At first enter with only a little search information''.''' When searching computerized databases, enter only a little search information to start. If this results in too many matches, add another piece of search information and repeat the search. Slowly add more information one-piece-at-a-time until the number of matches is reasonable. <br> | ||
'''''When the first search doesn’t find data . . . | '''''When the first search doesn’t find data . . .'''''If the original search results in no matches, remove most of the details in the search request. Alternatively, try variant name spellings in the search request. Wild card name searches may also be supported in some computerized databases. <br> | ||
== '''Databases Online''' == | == '''Databases Online''' == | ||
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''[http://www.usgenweb.org/ USGenWeb Project]'' Free websites for genealogy research in every county and state. | ''[http://www.usgenweb.org/ USGenWeb Project]'' Free websites for genealogy research in every county and state. | ||
[[Category:United States of America]] | |||