10 Essential Tips for Mastering Ancestry.com
- Laura Elizabeth
- Jan 29
- 2 min read
Ancestry.com is one of the most powerful genealogy tools available, but navigating its vast database can be overwhelming. Even after years of doing research, I'm still finding new ways to search.
These tips will help you maximize your research and uncover your family’s story.
1. Start with What You Know
Begin by creating a family tree with as much detail as possible—names, dates, and locations. Focus on one branch at a time to avoid getting overwhelmed. Make sure you have some time to really focus. If you are like me, getting up to make dinner or stopping to run an errand can easily cause me to forget where I was...
2. Use Filters to Refine Searches
Narrow your results by filtering for dates, locations, and record types. This is especially useful for common surnames.
3. Master Wildcard Searches
If you’re unsure of spelling, use wildcards:
How to use wildcards:
Type the name you want to search for
Add an asterisk (*) or question mark (?) to match any characters
Press Search
Examples:
Ann*: Matches names like Ann, Anne, Anna, or Annabelle
Ann? Matches names like Anne or Anna, but not Ann or Annabelle
Mat*: Matches names like Matthew, Mathew, and Matthiu
4. Explore the Card Catalog
Use Ancestry’s Card Catalog to find specific collections for your research, like Irish parish records or Civil War pensions. Filter by location, time period, or record type. (Search menu/Card Catalog)
5. Check Related Collections
When viewing a record, click “View All Categories” to explore related collections by location or time period—you might find unexpected resources like wills or newspapers.
6. Examine Record Details Carefully
Always view the original document when possible. Marriage records, for instance, might list parents or witnesses, while census records often include occupations and immigration dates.
7. Use DNA to Break Brick Walls
AncestryDNA can connect you to living relatives and help you identify shared ancestors. Use tools like Thrulines to piece together family lines. I highly recommend getting your DNA done, especially if you are researching oversees. The results are really cool!
8. Collaborate Through Member Trees
Search public family trees for leads on ancestors or alternate name spellings. Contact tree owners for more information, but be sure to verify their findings with original records.
9. Search Historical Newspapers
Newspapers can add rich context to your family history. Look for obituaries, wedding announcements, and local news stories. Search for relatives or locations to uncover hidden gems.
10. Stay Organized
Use Ancestry’s “Notes” feature to track sources, questions, or theories. Create folders on your computer for downloaded records, sorted by family line or type. Revisit searches regularly—new records are added all the time.
Bonus Tip
Take advantage of free resources like the 1940 U.S. Census and free-access events during holidays or special anniversaries.
Conclusion
By combining these strategies—filters, wildcards, DNA tools, and more—you can uncover valuable insights and make the most of your Ancestry.com membership. What are your favorite Ancestry tips? Share them in the comments below!
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