Searching for your ancestors in databases and websites is not like taking a test, but a “cheat sheet” of sorts may still be helpful. In a word processing document or on paper, keep track of what search tricks you used on a specific website so that you’re not left re-inventing the wheel when you go back and use the site later. For example, does the site allow you to use wildcards (such as *, _, ?, or %)? How many wildcards can be used in each search term? Does putting a + or a – in front of a search term impact the search? Does the site have a series of records between say 1800 and 1895, but appear to be missing the records between 1840 and 1842? […]
We’ve released the recording and handout for my new presentation on the full-text searching of local land deed and probate records at FamilySearch. Details are on our announcement page. Introductory price available–save $7. Presentation can be viewed multiple times. No streaming.
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