Articles About Searching for Records

Ancestry Search: Improved Collection Filters

As we mentioned last month, we will be launching a series of filters in new search with the aim of giving the experienced searcher a lot more control over his searches and therefore making it much easier to understand search results. Early on Thursday Feb 11, we will be launching our improved Collection Filters, which… Read more

New 1950 U.S. Census Substitute

Last week we posted a new 1950 U.S. census substitute.  These records can serve as a great starting point for learning more about people who were born or grew up after the 1930 U.S. Census. To protect the privacy of living individuals, U.S. censuses are not released to the general public until 72 years after… Read more

Ancestry Search: Controlling your results with filters

We believe that 2010 is going to be an exciting year for Search at ancestry.com. As you know, we launched expanded wild card functionality at the beginning of this year. But that was only the start of things to come. Having spent much of last year listening to what you wanted, we will be launching… Read more

Ancestry Search: Improved Wildcard flexibility

Improved Wildcard flexibility has been one of the our most requested feature updates. So to start out 2010 on a happy note, we’ve updated our wildcard functionality. Previously, you had to use three characters and then either a * or a ?. We’ve made a few changes: Now you can put a wildcard first, such… Read more

Improved Data Collection Search Pages

Over the coming months, we’re going to be looking closely at a number of aspects of Search, and listening to your feedback to improve them where appropriate. In particular we’ve heard that you want to have more control over how you search and browse into our data collections. Tomorrow, December 16th, we’ll be launching the… Read more

Saving Records and Images

Hello Everyone,

I think it is time for a quick review on saving images and records and using the shoebox. I’ve seen some questions on where the shoebox is located and if you can save images to your thumb drive. So let’s review the saving methods on Ancestry.com.

Enhanced U.S. Census Collection

In a survey of Ancestry.com members last year, top on your wish list was improved images for U.S. Federal Censuses. As you know, the U.S. Censuses are one of the richest sources of information for family history searches. So, improving this collection has been a top priority at Ancestry.com throughout 2009. We’ve enhanced six new… Read more

Video: Behind the Scenes at Ancestry.com

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at Ancestry.com? Take a look at the people and thinking behind our company and how Ancestry.com helps you easily discover your story online.

State and Country Pages in Old Search

Currently the State and Country Pages in old search (the pages you get to when you click on the maps on the search home page) are not listing data collections as they usually do. We are aware of the problem and are working on fixing it quickly. Both old and new search are working correctly,… Read more

Refine your searches in fewer steps in new search

After listening, researching and testing with members, we decided to make the hot key experience in new search the default method for refining searches. (Note: I got my dates wrong, it’s Tuesday, November 10th…so just a little more waiting.) This change will happen on Monday, November 9th, sometime during the day. The information you enter… Read more