When most of us “do” genealogy it’s usually by going to our favorite database, typing in an ancestor’s name, birth date, and place, and hitting the search key. That works a lot of the time, but have you ever just looked at what the database has to offer? Do you even know what databases are out there to search?
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use FamilySearch’s “Browse All Collections” feature. You’ll learn how to find some record sets that aren’t always obvious with a simple search.
Whether you do genealogy as a hobby or professionally, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut researching the same record collections. You know there’s more, but you just don’t know where to look. Let’s take a broader view of what FamilySearch can offer.
FamilySearch
FamilySearch is a free website. You’ll find it at www.familysearch.org. If you have an account, sign in. If you don’t, then follow the prompts to get your free account.
Once you’ve signed in from the top menu, click Search and then Records (your top choice). This is what you should see:
Normally, you would type in what you know about the ancestor you’re researching, but I don’t want you to do that. Scroll down the page until you see this:
On the left under “Find a Collection” I want you to click Browse All Collections. When you do you’ll see a high number of results that might intimidate you, but don’t let it. We are going to whittle our way down to something manageable. As of this post date, the number of collections is 3,390. Woohoo!!
It’s Time To Browse
You could scroll through all 170 pages or you can use the filters on the right-hand side. For example, today I want to see if there are state census records for my Campbell ancestor in Kansas. Some states (not all) had a census taken in between federal census years. It’s a treat when you can find who you’re looking for every 5 years instead of every 10 (using both federal and state census records).
In the filter list, click on Censuses & Lists:
You’ll notice the collection automatically changed to reflect those 358 record sets. Now there are only 18 pages of results…much better! You could filter even further with place and time, but you want to find out what’s available, so just browse.
Take a few minutes to scroll through those 18 pages and see if your state or place of interest is there. Notice there are many collections from outside the U.S.
I’m interested in the Kansas State Census, 1865.
There are over 149,000 records with images (camera icon) and this collection was last updated on 14 June 2024. Click either the collection title or the camera and you’ll see
You may be tempted to start typing in your ancestor’s information, but I want you to do something else first. Click How To Use This Collection. This will bring you to information about how to browse efficiently and what kind of information is contained in these records. Every database will give you an option like this. It’s always a good idea to look and learn.
Two Ways To Use These Records
Now, you’re ready to search. You can do it two ways…typing in what you know or browsing even further.
If I know I’m looking for my Campbell ancestor and he lived in Salina, Kansas, I can type that in:
I didn’t get a hit. That’s okay. Let’s try the other way.
Click on Browse All 4701 Images.
Don’t worry…you won’t be looking at all of them. You’ll get a list of counties to choose from. My Campbell ancestor was in Saline County, so I click Saline, then Salina Township.
This census only has 3 pages, so it’s easy to look through. Right on the first page, I find
Now that I know Kansas has several state census record collections, from the FamilySearch home page, I can type in the words “Kansas State” in the “Collection Title” box and go right to what I want.
Why Browse Genealogy Collections?
Browsing might sound time-consuming, but it’s worth it. You’ll access records that otherwise you may never find. This method works especially well for:
- Uncommon surnames that might be misspelled in an index.
- Location-based searches, like finding everyone in a specific town or parish.
- Brick walls, when you’re not finding results through traditional searches.
Tips For Effective Browsing
Browsing takes patience, but these tips can make it easier:
- Use the Waypoints: Many collections are divided into sections by location, year, or record type. These waypoints help you skip ahead to the parts you need.
- Look for Familiar Names: Even if you don’t find your ancestor, spotting neighbors or relatives can confirm you’re on the right track.
- Take Notes: Record the image numbers and details you’ve found. This saves time if you need to come back to the collection later.
- Be Creative with Spellings: Surnames might be recorded differently. Don’t skip over similar-sounding variations.
Genealogy Categories Worth Exploring
Census Records – Census records give you a snapshot of your ancestor’s household, including names, ages, and relationships (depending on census year). Remember to look for state census records, too.
Church Records
Church registers can reveal baptisms, marriages, and burials. They’re particularly valuable for periods before civil registration.
Land and Property Records
These records can place your ancestor in a specific location and give clues about occupation, family, or migration.
Finally
Not all record collections are digitized and some that are online are not indexed. Sometimes you have no choice, but to go page by page looking for your ancestor. But that can be a good thing. It slows you down and forces you to pay attention. Take the time to do this. Your genealogy research will be better for it.
I love FamilySearch. Here are two more blog posts to help you through other features found on this wonderful website:
Why I Love The FamilySearch Wiki For My Genealogy Research
The Exciting World Of AI: FamilySearch Full-Text Search
Genealogy tip: Whenever you are digging deeper into a record set, always right-click and open the image in a new tab. This keeps the main database open, so you don’t lose your place or need to start over.
Still looking for that perfect holiday gift? Finding your ancestors and presenting them in a beautiful family tree or a book is something your loved ones will cherish forever. To get started on your genealogy project, click below and let me know how I can help.
