FamilySearch Wiki:About Us

= Finding my ancestor using the wiki =

The Wiki can be a useful tool in locating our ancestors. Although it is not a place where you will find a specific name, going through a process of searching and following links can lead researchers to the needed information.

Excellent advice for this process and information for a researcher can be found on:


 * Help:Keys to Success using the Wiki.
 * Success Stories
 * Rookie Mistakes
 * Family History for Beginners

To use the Wiki in searching for an ancestor,


 * Think about what you want to know about the ancestor
 * Consider the location where that event may have happened
 * Think about other records that may possibly contain the information you need
 * Work backward, rather than forward (look for a death record before searching for a marriage record)
 * Think about the record trail that we all leave behind


 * It is helpful to know:


 * A time period
 * A possible location

One of the following articles can help you decide where to look first for a puzzling:


 * Name Variation
 * Date
 * Place
 * Easiest to Research Person and Event
 * Record Type to Use

Search Examples
The following case studies show how researchers used the Wiki to lead them to further information about their ancestors.