Family History   

Find more genealogy records and clues for your ancestors, faster, when you use special Google search techniques. Learn how to find your ancestors’ surnames in uploaded documents, books and PDF files; how to find books on specific places, and more. We will also discuss Google Books, Alerts, Images and possibly Google Earth. Be sure to print the handout ahead of class so you can follow along as the instructor demonstrates — live online — the techniques listed.

While FindAGrave.com is not a “records” database like the major genealogy sites, the website has many less-known features that can be powerful tools for your genealogy work. Learn how to maximize this powerful database of names and places to improve your genealogy research. Includes 6-page handout.

The United States federal census, which started in 1790, is a key records collection for anyone doing genealogy research. While the accuracy of the information can sometimes vary (for reasons explained in this presentation, with many examples), censuses are a must-use resource where you can count on finding valuable information on your ancestors. Includes 10-page handout.

FamilySearch.org is the largest free genealogy records archive on the internet, a goldmine with more than 7 billion name-searchable records from around the world: vital records, census, military, land, probate, and more. Learn why you need to search Records, Books, the Catalog AND Historical Images. We will discuss the new “All Categories Search” feature. Includes 10-page handout.