Are you checking the major genealogy databases regularly for newly added records? If not, you may be missing valuable clues that could help you find your ancestors and break through difficult research problems.
Early in my genealogy research, I missed several important clues and spent far more time than necessary searching in the wrong places. The reason was simple: new records had been added to genealogy databases such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch, but I did not realize they were available.
That is an easy mistake to make, especially when you are focused on one ancestor, one location, or one stubborn brick wall. However, genealogy databases are constantly growing. If you are not checking for new and updated record collections, you could overlook the exact record that answers your next family history question.
Let’s Talk About the Genealogy Databases
Genealogy researchers often refer to FamilySearch, Ancestry, FindMyPast, and MyHeritage as “The Big 4” genealogy databases. These large genealogy websites regularly add new historical records and update existing collections as more records are digitized, indexed, or made searchable.
The good news is that these companies usually announce their newest record collections. You do not have to guess what has been added. You simply need to know where to look and make checking those updates part of your regular genealogy research routine.
FamilySearch
FamilySearch publishes updates about its newest historical record collections in its online newsroom. These updates are released each week on Mondays.
For example, in the March 30, 2020 entry, FamilySearch announced 1.7 million new records for English ancestors and 4.8 million additional records for countries including Brazil, Germany, South Africa, and more.
Millions of U.S. records have also been added over time. In one update, new North Carolina records appeared, including more than 17,000 records from North Carolina, Center for Health Statistics, Vital Records Unit, County Birth Records, 1913-1922. This collection includes birth and delayed birth certificates from all 100 counties. For anyone researching North Carolina ancestors, that is the type of collection worth returning to and searching again.
Each week, review the new FamilySearch record collections and ask yourself whether any locations, time periods, surnames, or record types connect to your current research. Even a small update can contain the clue you need.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry lists new and updated genealogy records on its Recently Added and Updated Collections on Ancestrypage.
When reviewing Ancestry’s updates, I usually look at the new databases first. For example, the South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964 collection was added to Ancestry. That type of probate collection can be extremely useful for researching Southern ancestors, especially when trying to identify family relationships, property, heirs, or migration patterns.
Updated collections matter, too. If you searched a database months or years ago and found nothing, an update may change the results. In the example above, South Carolina death records had also been updated, giving South Carolina researchers another reason to revisit their searches.
After identifying new or updated collections that apply to my family history, I add them to my genealogy research plan. This helps me avoid random searching and keeps my work organized.
Ancestry also includes a useful Coming Soon section. When I see a future collection that may help with my research, I make a note on my calendar to check back later. I do not rely on memory, because it is far too easy to forget which records are coming and when to look for them.
FindMyPast
FindMyPast announces new record additions each Friday on the What’s New? page of its blog.
FindMyPast has added records such as 19th-century Scotland records, UK newspaper editions, Irish family records, and Jamaican records. A common misconception is that FindMyPast only has UK records. While it is especially strong for British and Irish research, it also includes U.S. and world records and continues to expand its collections.
Add a reminder to your calendar to check FindMyPast each Friday so you can stay current with its latest genealogy record additions.
MyHeritage
New record collections added to MyHeritage are announced on the MyHeritage blog. MyHeritage also publishes monthly roundups of recently added historical records.
For example, in February 2020, MyHeritage added 815 million records, including U.S. city directories, inventors of historical patents, Canadian newspapers, 1752-2007, and Minnesota birth and death indices. That variety shows why it is worth checking database updates even when you are not expecting to find something relevant.
The MyHeritage blog is also useful for learning about site features and reading family history stories. Make it a habit to check monthly for new genealogy records that may support your research.
How To Use Genealogy Databases to Think “Outside of the Genealogy Box”
Once you know where to find newly added genealogy records, you can use those updates for more than routine searching. They can also help you discover record types you may not have considered before.
To break through a genealogy brick wall, researchers often need to move beyond familiar records such as census records, birth certificates, marriage records, death records, and wills. The challenge is knowing what other records might exist for a specific place, occupation, event, or group of people. If you do not know a record type exists, it is difficult to include it in your research plan.
That is why I regularly browse the new record lists from all four major genealogy databases. I am not only looking for a specific surname or county. I am also watching for unusual collections that might spark new research ideas.
Take a look at this abbreviated list of Ancestry’s new and updated record collections as of April 1, 2020.
Notice the records in the red boxes. These are not the usual genealogy records many researchers search first. In fact, they may not be records you would think to check at all.
If you discover railroad workers in your family tree, personnel files may become an important resource. A Congressional Medal of Honor Society Recipients list may be relevant for some family histories. Prison records could reveal details about ancestors who appear in court or correctional records. If your ancestors worked as miners, mining accident lists may provide valuable clues.
The key point is this: take a few minutes to review what is being added to genealogy databases. Use those lists to generate fresh research ideas and identify uncommon genealogy resources. New record collections can help you search more creatively, revisit old problems, and find ancestors in places you may never have thought to look.
Other Posts of Interest
- Uncommon Genealogy Resources – 6 “Outside of the Genealogy Box” Resources!
- How To Research “Out of the Box” Genealogy – (Round 2)
- 31 Days of “Out of the Box” Genealogy Tips – Volunteer! – Check out the whole 31 Day series!
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