FamilySearch continues to add or update its record collections at a fast pace for us to search. For the period of February 1-15, 2026, the added/updated collections are: For a complete list of all added/updated collections, go to https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list I hope that some of these are what you have been waiting for! Good Luck and […]
Author: Kenneth R Marks
Kenneth R Marks was born and educated in the San Francisco Bay Area, receiving a BS in Mathematics in 1968. His career was in Information Technology; with the last 20 Years as a software executive with Boeing, Pearson, and NASA. His genealogy career began in 2004. He is an expert in newspaper research for genealogy, as well as additional genealogy topics. He regularly conducts webinars on the subject and has authored three genealogy books. See the About page for more details.
The Ancestor Hunt, founded in 2008, is focused on helping genealogy and family history researchers of all skill levels to achieve their goals, by providing links to free online genealogy collections, and search tips and techniques, largely via easy-to-understand Quick Reference Guides.
Military service records contain specialized terminology that varies by era, branch, and country. The terms below are commonly found in enlistment papers, service records, pension files, draft registrations, muster rolls, discharge papers, casualty reports, and compiled military service records. Understanding this language helps clarify rank, duty status, unit organization, eligibility for benefits, and the scope […]
Land records aren’t just about who owned a piece of ground. They can reveal family relationships, migration paths, neighbors, and even financial trouble. If you’re skipping deeds and property records, you’re missing a major part of your ancestors’ lives. Why Land Records Matter for Genealogy Key Types of Land and Property Records Genealogy Clues to […]
Burial and cemetery records often contain specialized terminology that can be confusing to modern researchers. The terms below are commonly found in cemetery registers, burial permits, sexton’s records, gravestone transcriptions, church burial entries, and interment records. Understanding this language can clarify burial location, religious affiliation, family relationships, financial status, and record context. Term Meaning Interment […]
Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Lumber workers harvested, transported, and processed timber for construction, fuel, and industrial use. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, lumbering was a cornerstone industry across the Northeast, Upper Midwest, […]
Understanding military records requires knowing what the abbreviations actually mean. Service files, draft cards, pension records, headstones, and even newspaper notices frequently use shortened rank titles. This quick reference guide lists common military rank abbreviations and their full meanings to help you interpret records accurately and avoid misidentifying service level or status. Army / General […]
Land deeds are filled with legal terminology that can obscure valuable genealogical clues. This Quick Reference Glossary explains common terms found in property transactions so you can better understand ownership transfers, family relationships, legal rights, and financial circumstances recorded in deed books. Term Meaning Grantor Person selling or transferring the property Grantee Person receiving or […]
Over 1,500 New titles were added by various Free and Subscription databases in the last month. Here are links to all the updates: Here are links to all the updates: Chronicling America – Not Yet Published Advantage Archives – https://theancestorhunt.com/blog/140-million-historic-u-s-newspaper-pages-now-available-from-advantage-archives/ Veridian – https://theancestorhunt.com/blog/veridian-adds-updates-306-titles-february-2026/ Newspapers dot com – https://theancestorhunt.com/blog/newspapers-dot-com-update-january-2026/ GenealogyBank – https://theancestorhunt.com/blog/genealogybank-adds-updates-15-titles-february-2026/ NewspaperARCHIVE – https://theancestorhunt.com/blog/newspaperarchive-update-january-2026/ British Newspaper […]
This past week (January 30, 2026 to February 5, 2026), the following additions were made to The Newspaper Research Academy: ✅ Free Resources – 0 New Articles were added – 102 Total ✅ Research Guides – 4 New Guides were added – 116 Total ✅ Video Guides – 0 New Videos – 19 Total ✅ […]
Background Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today. Occupation Overview Miners extracted raw materials—coal, gold, silver, copper, iron, and other ores—from the earth to fuel industry, transportation, and settlement. From the early 1800s through the turn of the twentieth century, […]