RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 1, 2013
KINSEARCHING
by
Marleta Childs
P. O. Box 6825
LUBBOCK, TX 79493-6825
[email protected]
Looking for a “stocking stuffer” for the genealogist in your family? Just in time for Christmas, another addition to the popular “Genealogy at a Glance” series is now available: Ancestry.com Research by George G. Morgan. The new guide provides information about one of the most recognized names in the field of family research. Constantly being expanded, Ancestry.com is the largest commercial genealogy database in the world.
In his “quick facts” section, Morgan emphasizes several valuable insights. For example, Ancestry.com has more than 30,000 databases with more than 11 billion records; more than 2 million new records are added daily. In addition, the Learning Center furnishes articles and training videos, as well as access to an archive of recorded webinars. By using the Family Tree Maker software, you can synchronize information with your online Ancestry.com family tree.
In the beginning of the text, he states that the databases are divided into eight distinct geographical versions: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Since many genealogists are familiar only with English, Ancestry.com has a user interface in the native language for specific databases in those areas. Morton points out that the majority of historical records are accessible only by paid subscription. However, he also stresses that a large number of resources are free to the general public.
Next, he discusses the arrangement of the databases into various categories. The Historical Records section includes collections pertaining to birth, marriage, and death; censuses and voter lists; immigration and travel; military; schools, directories, and church histories; tax, criminal, land, and wills; reference, dictionaries, and almanacs; family trees; stories, members, and histories; and photographs and maps. Under each main category, he mentions some specific resources appearing as subcategories. Further on in the text, he describes more fully the message boards, the Learning Center and its resources (for instance, the Family History Wiki), and the Family Tree Maker software. In addition, he tells about the meaning and use of source citations in your research.
The major part of the guide focuses on searching the vast holdings. In order to navigate the collections successfully, Morton explains in detail how to utilize the various search options. Among the topics he covers are searching all records, applying exact matches, exploring by location, using the card catalog to locate specific databases, utilizing wildcards, and revising your search. Morton also provides seven additional research strategies, such as entering forenames and surnames in reverse; this helpful hint should catch references to individuals whose names may have been recorded or indexed in reverse.
Like the other items in the “Genealogy at a Glance” series, this publication presents an incredible amount of information. Even persons who have experience using the website may find valuable tips for obtaining more results. Therefore, Ancestry.com Research will help genealogists at all levels of expertise make better use of their time online.
Following the standard format of the series, the manual condenses its fundamental material into four laminated pages. To the guide's price of $8.95, buyers should add the cost for postage and handling charges. For U. S. postal mail, the cost is $4.50 for one item and $2.50 for each additional copy; for FedEx ground service, the cost is $6.00 for one copy and $2.50 for each additional item. The guide (item order 3890) may be purchased by check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa from Genealogical Publishing Company, 3600 Clipper Mill Rd., Suite 260, Baltimore, MD 21211-1953. For phone orders, call toll free 1-800-296-6687; fax 1-410-752-8492; website www.genealogical.com.