HOW TO SEARCH
How to Search

Watch our video to learn how to search for your ancestors in our collections of historical records.


What is a historical record?

Historical records hold fascinating facts about ancestors' cultures, interests and more - and can help you create timelines of their lives.

 

How do records get on Ancestry.com?

We've spent more than a decade and tens of millions of dollars to find records, partner with archives, and scan and transcribe billions of historic records for you to browse right from your computer.

 

What can I learn from a historical record?

Find out how to read census records and learn how these records can help you discover more on Ancestry.com.