FamilySearch continues to add or update its record collections at a fast pace for us to search. For the period of August 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.
Are you doing Arkansas genealogy research and looking for Free Online Arkansas Genealogy Records? Click on a link for your desired category’s free collection links: NewspapersYearbooksBirthsMarriagesDeathsBMD RecordsAlumni RecordsCemetery RecordsChurch RecordsCoroner RecordsCriminal RecordsDigital ArchivesDirectoriesDivorce RecordsImmigration RecordsInstitutional RecordsMilitary RecordsMortuary RecordsNaturalizationsObituariesPhotosProbate and WillsSchool RecordsTax RecordsVoter Records Good Luck and Happy Hunting! Want All of Arkansas’ Genealogy Resources in […]
Your ancestor may not have moved—but the county lines might have. One of the easiest ways to miss important genealogy records is to search only the county that exists today. County boundaries changed constantly as populations grew and new counties were created. An ancestor who lived on the same farm for fifty years may appear […]
Given Name Abbreviations Historical records, newspapers, and family documents often use abbreviated given names rather than the full name. Understanding common English given name abbreviations can help you locate records that might otherwise be overlooked. Name Abbreviation Abigail Ab. Abigail Abig. Abraham Abm. Abraham Ab. Abraham Abr. Abraham Abra. Adam A. Adelard Ad. Adrian Adr. […]
Are you doing California genealogy research and looking for Free Online California Genealogy Records? Click on a link for your desired category’s free collection links: NewspapersYearbooksBirthsMarriagesDeathsBMD RecordsAlumni RecordsCemetery RecordsChurch RecordsCoroner RecordsCriminal RecordsDigital ArchivesDirectoriesDivorce RecordsImmigration RecordsInstitutional RecordsMilitary RecordsMortuary RecordsNaturalizationsObituariesPhotosProbate and WillsSchool RecordsTax RecordsVoter Records Good Luck and Happy Hunting! Want All of California’s Genealogy Resources in […]
Family stories often contain a grain of truth—but not always the whole truth. Family stories are one of the greatest gifts passed from one generation to the next. They preserve memories, traditions, and clues that might otherwise have been lost forever. But memories change over time. Stories are simplified, details are forgotten, names become confused, […]
Are you doing Connecticut genealogy research and looking for Free Online Connecticut Genealogy Records? Click on a link for your desired category’s free collection links: NewspapersYearbooksBirthsMarriagesDeathsBMD RecordsAlumni RecordsCemetery RecordsChurch RecordsCoroner RecordsCriminal RecordsDigital ArchivesDirectoriesDivorce RecordsImmigration RecordsInstitutional RecordsMilitary RecordsMortuary RecordsNaturalizationsObituariesPhotosProbate and WillsSchool RecordsTax RecordsVoter Records Good Luck and Happy Hunting! Want All of Connecticut’s Genealogy Resources in […]
Many genealogy breakthroughs happen one search after most researchers quit. Every genealogist eventually encounters a brick wall. A record cannot be found. An ancestor seems to disappear. Search results come back empty. After repeated unsuccessful attempts, it is tempting to conclude that the records simply do not exist. In many cases, they do exist—but they […]
Are you doing Virginia genealogy research and looking for Free Online Virginia Genealogy Records? Click on a link for your desired category’s free collection links: NewspapersYearbooksBirthsMarriagesDeathsBMD RecordsAlumni RecordsCemetery RecordsChurch RecordsCoroner RecordsCriminal RecordsDigital ArchivesDirectoriesDivorce RecordsImmigration RecordsInstitutional RecordsMilitary RecordsMortuary RecordsNaturalizationsObituariesPhotosProbate and WillsSchool RecordsTax RecordsVoter Records Good Luck and Happy Hunting! Want All of Virginia’s Genealogy Resources in […]
The right family in the wrong place is still the wrong family. Many towns, counties, and even states share the same or very similar names. Without paying close attention to geography, it is easy to attach records belonging to someone who lived somewhere entirely different. Genealogy research depends on placing ancestors in the correct location […]