As of few weeks ago, when I crafted this post, there were 150,162 articles under this Resource Guide on the FamilySearch.org website. So what is the Wiki anyway?
The Research Wiki is a tree, online genealogical guide that lists websites and resources to help you find your ancestors from countries around the world. The Wiki is a community project where anyone can contribute.
What can you find on the Wiki?
- Genealogical databases and online resources
- Genealogy research strategy and guidance
- Explanation of genealogy record types and their uses
- Locality pages for countries, states, counties and parishes with relevant resources.
- Topic pages about genealogy, such as Organize Your Genealogy, or Gazetteers.
Pro tips for navigating the Wiki:
- Don't search by name; individuals are NOT listed in the Wiki but you will find links to databases or other resources that may contain the information you seek.
- Do search by location; search by location, smallest to largest (parish/town, county, state, country).
- Do check for pertinent records in each jurisdiction.
Recommendations:
- For the country, or state, and/or county of your interest, consider printing out those pages for better study; keep them in your research notebook.
- Do check for specific topics: Land records, Military Records, Church Records, Emigration, Immigration, etc. Such sites give you an overview while a locality search gives you specifics to that locale.
- When you learn the European (or other) country of your ancestors' origins, go to that country and print out/really study that material....... your own personal self-help guide.
The bestest advice I can give you today is to grab a hot or cold drink, set a timer for a full hour, and go explore the FamilySearch Wiki! That's the "bestest" way to learn how to really utilize this fantastic FREE resource.
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