Why I Love The FamilySearch Wiki For My Genealogy Research

As a professional genealogist, I have subscriptions to many paid sites. But I always go back to a freebie…FamilySearch. The amount of information I can find for my genealogy research (and that of my clients) is amazing.

In this blog post learn why the FamilySearch Wiki is one of the tools I love to use everyday.

If you’re passionate about genealogy like I am, you know that finding reliable, comprehensive resources is important. One resource I can’t recommend enough is the FamilySearch Wiki. The amount of information you’ll find is incredible, and best of all, it’s completely free! Whether you’re just starting your family history journey or you’re a seasoned researcher, the FamilySearch Wiki has something valuable to offer.

Here are ten reasons why I love it and why you should consider making it a go-to tool in your genealogy toolbox.

Comprehensive Resource

Like the name implies, the FamilySearch Wiki is like having a giant encyclopedia dedicated to genealogy. Right from the homepage you can see the options you have for starting any genealogy research project:

Whether you want to click on a country, or enter a locality or topic in the search bar, it all starts here. From the United States to Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, the Wiki is packed with valuable information. This site becomes one-stop shopping for researching your ancestors all over the globe.

Free Access

One of the best things about the FamilySearch Wiki is that it’s free. In a world where many genealogy resources come with hefty subscription fees, the Wiki stands out by offering high-quality information at no cost. This means you can do your research without worrying about expenses. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional genealogist, having free access to such a comprehensive resource is a huge help.

To sign up, go to www.familysearch.org and click on the link at the top right. Follow the prompts and you’re on your way to finding more about your family.

Collaboration

The FamilySearch Wiki is all about collaboration. Its built by a community of people who are passionate about genealogy, just like you. This includes both experts and everyday hobbyists who contribute their knowledge and expertise on many different topics.

If you would like to contribute to the Wiki, check out this tutorial: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Help:Wiki_University_Tutorial. It will walk you through all the steps so that your expertise can help others.

Step-by-Step Guides

For those just starting out in genealogy, the FamilySearch Wiki offers step-by-step guides that are easy to follow. These guides break down complex projects into simple, manageable steps. Whether you’re learning how to trace your family tree from scratch or searching for specific records, these guides provide clear instructions. This can be incredibly helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin.

You can access them from the homepage in three ways:

First, if you’re interested in finding vital record information (birth, marriage and death) you can start by finding this box on the right side of the homepage:

From here, you’ll be able to click through to a page that will give you locality options. The United States Guide looks like this:

Click on a state and then select either birth, marriage, or death and follow the links.

Second, type a place or topic in the search box at the top of the homepage.

Third, select a continent name and then continue to click until you reach your desired location.

Each state/province page will provide you with staggering options:

This section isn’t just for genealogy newbies. Even as a professional, I’m not knowledgeable about every location. So when I start a genealogy research project in a place I’ve never researched before, the FamilySearch Wiki is where I come first to get to know a locality quickly.

Extensive Record Listings

One of the most useful features of the FamilySearch Wiki is its large lists of available records. Having these lists all in one place makes it much easier to find the documents you need.

Instead of searching through multiple websites or archives, you can start your search on the Wiki and quickly see what records are available and where to find them. This can save you a lot of time and effort, making your research more efficient and productive. And we all want that!

As of this blog post there are over 3300 record collections at FamilySearch. If you want to see this list click here.

I wrote a blog post on how FamilySearch helped me find an original marriage record for my 3x great-grandparents. You can read that here.

Research Tips And Strategies

The FamilySearch Wiki offers practical tips and strategies for overcoming common research challenges. Genealogy can sometimes be tricky. The Wiki can offer advice that will help you navigate these challenges more effectively.

Whether you’re dealing with incomplete records, language barriers, or hard-to-find information, the Wiki’s tips can help you keep moving forward in your genealogy research.

Each state page will have a section on tips and strategies, like this one from Maine:

Or, as another example, if you’d like help with German handwriting, naming patterns, or customs, the Germany Genealogy page has a section that can help with that:

Up-to-Date Information

Because the FamilySearch Wiki is regularly updated by a community of genealogists from around the world, it stays current with the latest research techniques and available records. This means you’re always getting the freshest information and the most up-to-date advice. As new records become available or new research methods are developed, they’re quickly added to the Wiki.

Historical Context

Understanding historical context is an important part of genealogy research. The FamilySearch Wiki provides background information on historical events, migrations, and local customs that can impact your research project.

Knowing the history behind the records you’re searching can help you understand your ancestors’ lives better. The Wiki’s historical context can help answer questions like why your ancestors moved, what challenges they faced, and how they lived.

If available, each state/province page, will have historical information to help you learn about that location quickly.

If that section is not available, find links on the right side of the state/province page to see what applies to your research question.

Links To Other Resources

Besides the amazing amount of information on the Wiki itself, it also connects you to other valuable resources and databases to help further your genealogy research. These links can lead you to new discoveries and places you might not have thought to look.

For example, staying in Nova Scotia, the bottom of the right-hand column leads to libraries and archives:

Or further down the page you’ll find links for additional resources:

Supportive Community

Researching in the FamilySearch Wiki means becoming part of a supportive community. You can share your findings, ask for help, and learn from others who share your passion for genealogy. This sense of community can be incredibly motivating and encouraging. When you hit a roadblock or feel stuck, knowing that there are others who can offer advice and support can make all the difference.

You can find the FamilySearch Community by clicking here.

Finally

I hope I’ve shown you how powerful the FamilySearch Wiki can be. Its resources, expertise, and community make it easier and more enjoyable to discover your family’s history. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been researching for years, the Wiki offers something for everyone.

Genealogy tip: The only way to get know the FamilySearch Wiki is to play around in it. You’ll be amazed at the wonderful discoveries you’ll make to further your genealogy research.

I’d love to help with your latest project. If you’ve tried researching yourself, but find you’re stuck or want someone to do the research for you, click below. Let’s find your ancestors together.