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. Click on the case you would like to view.

Each of these cases involved different research needs, methods of searching, and results. They are good examples of how the Wiki can be used to help find information that would lead to the desired results.