Alabama Search Strategies: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States]]  [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Alabama]]  [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Alabama_Search_Strategies|Search Strategies]]''  
''[[United States]]  [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Alabama]]  [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Alabama_Search_Strategies|Search Strategies]]''  


This set of Wiki pages describes major sources of information about families from [[Alabama]]. As you read these Wiki pages, study the [[United States]] Research Wiki pages, which will help you understand terminology and the contents and uses of genealogical records.  
Strategies for research in Alabama will vary depending upon the amount of identifying information that is already known about an ancestor (such as relationships and places of residence), record availability, and the time period of interest.  


=== Records of the Family History Library  ===
=== Overall Search Strategies ===
 
Follow these steps to better locate a record you need:
#Gather what you know.
#Choose what you want to learn.
#Find a record.
#Evaluate what you’ve found.
#Share your new information.
 
More information about each of these steps is presented in the series of online videos, [https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/results.html?q=5%20minute%20genealogy 5 Minute Genealogy], found under FamilySearch's [https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/home.html Learning Center].
 
The wiki article [[United States Basic Search Strategies]] presents further information on similar steps to research.


Some of the sources described in these Wiki pages list the Family History Library’s book, microfilm, microfiche, and compact disc numbers. These are preceded by ''FHL'', the abbreviation for [[Family History Library]]. These numbers may be used to locate materials in the Family History Library and to order microfilm and microfiche at [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|Family History Centers]].
=== Research on the Internet  ===


The computer Internet is growing in importance to genealogists. Sources found on the Internet are cited in these Wiki pages with blue links to each.
Many genealogical records are now available on the Internet. Consider using these resources first before you attempt a visit to a local archival institution.


=== FamilySearch™  ===
Often, '''compiled Family Trees''' containing user-submitted family information will contain sources about an ancestor. These collaborative sites are continually being updated by individual contributors, so review them frequently. The following list is only a sampling of what’s available:<br>


'''''FamilySearch at Family History Centers'''''. FamilySearch is a collection of computer files containing millions of names. FamilySearch is a good place to begin your family history research. Some of the records come from compiled sources, and some have been extracted from original sources. The [[Family History Library]] and many [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers|Family History Centers]] have computers with FamilySearch.  
*[https://www.familysearch.org/tree FamilySearch Family Tree]: A one-tree database that strives to be the world's family tree, often with FamilySearch sources attached to an ancestor
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1030 Ancestry.com Public Member Trees]: ($) Contains numerous user-submitted trees, often with Ancestry.com sources attached to an ancestor
*[http://www.wikitree.com/ WikiTree]: Contributors control the access to each individual they add
*[http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ RootsWeb World Connect]: Over 640 million names on family trees with sources, pedigrees, family groups, and submitter contact data.  


Family History Library and Family History Center computers with FamilySearch have access to the Internet, computer on-line services, networks, or bulletin boards. Those services are also available at many public libraries, college libraries, and private locations. Limited access to the Internet is available on a few computers in the Automated Resource Center in the Family History Library.  
Once you have determined what sources are already known, consider searching '''online record databases''' for other sources. Some of these databases are listed below, followed by what records to search for.


'''''FamilySearch™ Internet Genealogy Service'''''. The Internet site at www.familysearch.org allows you to preserve your genealogy, order Family History Library publications, learn research strategies, and look for information about your ancestors in the following resources:
*[https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch.org]: One of the world's largest databases of Western Hemisphere and European records
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/default.aspx Ancestry.com]: Also one of the world's largest databases of Western Hemisphere and European records
*[http://search.findmypast.com/search/world-records FindMyPast.com]: The world's premiere database for European records, also contains many Western Hemisphere records


*[[Ancestral File|''Ancestral File'']], a file of over 35 million names organized into families and pedigrees.  
When first starting your search, consider looking for census or vital records.
*[[International Genealogical Index|''International Genealogical Index'']], an index of over 600 million names extracted out of vital records primarily from the British Isles, North America, and northern Europe.  
*''Census''. Visit [[Alabama Census]] for help searching census records from Alabama.  
*[[Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog|''FamilySearch Catalog'']], a description and classification of over 2 million microfilm reels, and hundreds of thousands of genealogical books. You can search the catalog by family name, locality, author, or book or film number.
*''Vital Records''. Visit [[Alabama Vital Records Online]] for help searching vital records in Alabama.  
*''FamilySearch Research Wiki'', how-to advice by the genealogical community for the community.


=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
=== Records of the Family History Library ===
Most of the records at the Family History Library are available online. However, there may be some that are still only in print. Consider browsing through the [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=356&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Alabama%22 Alabama records listings] for possible records.


The library’s records are listed in the [[Introduction to the FamilySearch Catalog|FamilySearch Catalog]] available at the library and at each Family History Center, and on the Internet at: www.familysearch.org/Search/searchcatalog.asp. To find a record in the FamilySearch Catalog, look in the Place Search for:  
To find a record in the FamilySearch Catalog, look in the Place Search for:  


:*The ''place'' where your ancestor lived:
:*The ''place'' where your ancestor lived:
::'''UNITED STATES''' – CENSUS  
::UNITED STATES – CENSUS  
::'''ALABAMA''' - VITAL RECORDS  
::ALABAMA - VITAL RECORDS  
::'''ALABAMA, LEE''' - LAND AND PROPERTY  
::ALABAMA, LEE - LAND AND PROPERTY  
::'''ALABAMA, LEE, AUBURN''' - CHURCH RECORDS
::ALABAMA, LEE, AUBURN - CHURCH RECORDS


:*The ''record type'' you want, such as:
:*The ''record type'' you want, such as:
::UNITED STATES – '''CENSUS'''
::UNITED STATES – CENSUS  
::ALABAMA - '''VITAL RECORDS'''
::ALABAMA - VITAL RECORDS
::ALABAMA, LEE - '''LAND AND PROPERTY'''
::ALABAMA, LEE - LAND AND PROPERTY
::ALABAMA, LEE, AUBURN - '''CHURCH RECORDS'''
::ALABAMA, LEE, AUBURN - CHURCH RECORDS


The page titles in these Wiki pages match the names of record types (subject headings) used in the FamilySearch Catalog.  
The page titles in these Wiki pages match the names of record types (subject headings) used in the FamilySearch Catalog.  
=== See Also ===
*[http://www.archives.alabama.gov/searchcoll.html Alabama Department of Archives and History]
*[http://algensoc.org/ Alabama Genealogical Society, Inc.]
*[http://www.alabamagenealogysearch.com/ Alabama Genealogy and History Guide]


{{Alabama|Alabama}}  
{{Alabama|Alabama}}  


[[Category:Alabama|Search Strategies]]
[[Category:Alabama|Search Strategies]]

Revision as of 17:30, 25 October 2014

United States  Gotoarrow.png  Alabama  Gotoarrow.png  Search Strategies

Strategies for research in Alabama will vary depending upon the amount of identifying information that is already known about an ancestor (such as relationships and places of residence), record availability, and the time period of interest.

Overall Search Strategies[edit | edit source]

Follow these steps to better locate a record you need:

  1. Gather what you know.
  2. Choose what you want to learn.
  3. Find a record.
  4. Evaluate what you’ve found.
  5. Share your new information.

More information about each of these steps is presented in the series of online videos, 5 Minute Genealogy, found under FamilySearch's Learning Center.

The wiki article United States Basic Search Strategies presents further information on similar steps to research.

Research on the Internet[edit | edit source]

Many genealogical records are now available on the Internet. Consider using these resources first before you attempt a visit to a local archival institution.

Often, compiled Family Trees containing user-submitted family information will contain sources about an ancestor. These collaborative sites are continually being updated by individual contributors, so review them frequently. The following list is only a sampling of what’s available:

  • FamilySearch Family Tree: A one-tree database that strives to be the world's family tree, often with FamilySearch sources attached to an ancestor
  • Ancestry.com Public Member Trees: ($) Contains numerous user-submitted trees, often with Ancestry.com sources attached to an ancestor
  • WikiTree: Contributors control the access to each individual they add
  • RootsWeb World Connect: Over 640 million names on family trees with sources, pedigrees, family groups, and submitter contact data.

Once you have determined what sources are already known, consider searching online record databases for other sources. Some of these databases are listed below, followed by what records to search for.

  • FamilySearch.org: One of the world's largest databases of Western Hemisphere and European records
  • Ancestry.com: Also one of the world's largest databases of Western Hemisphere and European records
  • FindMyPast.com: The world's premiere database for European records, also contains many Western Hemisphere records

When first starting your search, consider looking for census or vital records.

Records of the Family History Library[edit | edit source]

Most of the records at the Family History Library are available online. However, there may be some that are still only in print. Consider browsing through the Alabama records listings for possible records.

To find a record in the FamilySearch Catalog, look in the Place Search for:

  • The place where your ancestor lived:
UNITED STATES – CENSUS
ALABAMA - VITAL RECORDS
ALABAMA, LEE - LAND AND PROPERTY
ALABAMA, LEE, AUBURN - CHURCH RECORDS
  • The record type you want, such as:
UNITED STATES – CENSUS
ALABAMA - VITAL RECORDS
ALABAMA, LEE - LAND AND PROPERTY
ALABAMA, LEE, AUBURN - CHURCH RECORDS

The page titles in these Wiki pages match the names of record types (subject headings) used in the FamilySearch Catalog.

See Also[edit | edit source]


v • d• e
Links to Alabama-related articles
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