Genealogy Websites: Expanding Your Family History Research Beyond FamilySearch

Genealogy Websites: Expanding Your Family History Research Beyond FamilySearch

This guide helps you discover how to leverage FamilySearch.org to find valuable information on other genealogy websites, allowing you to broaden your research beyond the FamilySearch platform itself.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with a Known Ancestor: Begin your search on FamilySearch.org with an ancestor you already know. This ensures you have a solid foundation to build upon.
2. Navigate to the Person Page:
   • Log in to your FamilySearch account.
   • Search for your ancestor using the search bar in the top navigation.
   • Click on their name in the search results to access their person page.
3. Examine the "Details" Tab:
   • On the person page, click on the "Details" tab. This section contains crucial biographical information like birth, marriage, and death dates, as well as locations.
4. Note Key Information: Carefully review and document the information presented. Pay close attention to:
   • Full Name (including variations)
   • Birth Date and Place
   • Marriage Date and Place
   • Death Date and Place
   • Names of Parents, Spouse, and Children

   Having accurate information is essential for searching effectively on other genealogy websites.

5. Check "Sources" and "Memories": The "Sources" and "Memories" tabs on the person page often contain links to external websites or citations that can lead you to additional resources.
   • Click on the "Sources" tab. Review the sources attached to your ancestor. Sometimes these sources may be from sites like Ancestry.com, FindAGrave, or other databases. Note these resources.
   • Click on the "Memories" tab. Look for photos, documents, or stories that might mention other family members or provide clues about locations or events.
6. Use the "Search Records" Feature (Indirectly): While FamilySearch’s “Search Records” search won’t send you to other sites, analyzing the indexed information found there can give you the information needed to search elsewhere.
   • Click on the "Search" tab in the top navigation.
   • Enter the information you gathered in previous steps. Be sure to use variations on the name, dates, and locations.
   • Review the search results. Even if you don't find a direct match, note the suggested locations or record types. This information will be invaluable as you broaden your search to sites beyond FamilySearch.org.
7. Leverage Information for External Searches: Take the refined information you've gathered (names, dates, locations, relationships) and use it to search on other genealogy websites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, FindAGrave, or specific county and state archives websites.

By utilizing FamilySearch.org to gather accurate details and then leveraging those details to search on other platforms, you can significantly expand your family history research.