Previous research can usually be found on any of the documents listed below. If you have the minimum information required to find one of these documents, select the name of that document. The items in the list are ordered from most to least important. If you do not have the minimum information required, read the paragraph below this list.

World Family Tree

One of your distant relatives may have already traced your family tree -- and it could be part of the World Family Tree CDs. They contain a huge collection of actual family trees contributed by Family Tree Maker customers and other family history enthusiasts from the U.S. and abroad. Finding just one of your ancestors in it could instantly reveal entire new branches of your family tree!

Family histories and genealogies

To find your ancestors in a family history or genealogy, you must at least know the surname. In addition, in order to confirm that the individuals described in the family history or genealogy are your ancestors, you need information that can verify the relationship. For example, the name, birthplace, and birth date of an ancestor that you already know about.

Biographies

To find an ancestor in a biography, you must at least know your ancestor's full name. In addition, in order to confirm that the individual described in the biography is your ancestor, you need information that can verify the identity. For example, birthplace, and birth date of your ancestor.

Local histories

To get a copy of a local history, you must at least know the county where your ancestors lived and a surname. In addition, in order to confirm that the individuals described in the local history are your ancestors, you need information that can verify the relationship. For example, the name, birthplace, and birth date of an ancestor that you already know about.

Family manuscripts

To get a copy of a family manuscript, you must at least know the full name of your ancestor.

Genealogical and historical periodicals

To get a copy of a genealogical or historical periodical, you must at least know your ancestor's surname and the approximate area where the family lived. In addition, in order to confirm that the individuals described in the periodical are your ancestors, you need information that can verify the relationship. For example, the name, birthplace, and birth date of an ancestor that you already know about.

Ancestral File

To find your ancestors in the Ancestral File in the FamilySearch computer system, you must at least know the full name of an ancestor. In addition, in order to confirm that the individuals described in the Ancestral File are your ancestors, you need information that can verify the relationship. For example, the birthplace and birth date of an ancestor that you already know about.

For a description of any of the records listed above, see the topic Genealogy dictionary.

To get help finding the minimum information required to locate any of the records listed above, select one of the following items:

Finding the minimum information for family histories and genealogies

Finding the minimum information for biographies

Finding the minimum information for local histories

Finding the minimum information for family manuscripts

Finding the minimum information for genealogical and historical periodicals

Finding the minimum information for the Ancestral File

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