Ancestry.com is a database that most of use rely on everyday in our genealogical research. A couple years ago we were advised to learn their new search engine, as the older search engine was being phased out. Some of you may be like me and did not heed their warning, so recently when the “old search” was taken off Ancestry, panic and frustration set in as the research came to a new frontier. Of course, while my first reaction was to blame Ancestry for all my frustration, I must take some responsibility as I never took the time to learn the “new search” and its capabilities.

After throwing my “genealogical temper tantrum” which got me no where in my research, I decided I needed to learn Ancestry as “not using” it was not an option. Their databases are much too valuable to not have it available when doing family research.

I did receive messages from friends who were also Ancestry representatives who let me know they were there to help me which was great. Their support relieved some of my fears. I also contacted Ancestry, let them know I missed my dear friend, the old search, and the problems I was having. They sent me a link to some information that was helpful. I am hoping that information, along with some other information I found might help you as well in this new adventure of the “new search” on Ancestry. Note: I have heard from many that they are having absolutely no problems with the new search, and for them I am glad they have caught on so fast. This is for those who are struggling to learn; as knowing how to utilize the search engines are vital in discovering our ancestors and the databases they will be recorded in.

• Finding success with Ancestry's Primary Search Engine
• How to simulate old search using category exact mode
• Start Small, Go Big — Using Sliders in Search
• Spelling Didn’t Matter To Our Ancestors — Wild Cards to the Rescue
• Want to See Records Just from the US? The UK? Canada?
• A Rose By Any Other Name Might be Rosey — Name Filters Will Catch That
• Controlling Location in Your Searches
• Michael John Neill has webinars on the ”new search” that might help
• Michael Hait, CG has written some tips, Using Ancestry.com’s “New Search”
• Mondays with Myrt has a live demo of the “new search” with Amy Johnson Crow

I have decided to try to take a more positive approach and take some time to review the above and learn how to utilize the resources that Ancestry has. Join me in the genealogy forum and let me know how you are doing. Have you discovered an article or tip that will help others, please come share it!

I give a personal special thanks to those at Ancestry that contacted me in private to see if they could help me and never chastised me for my complaints. (They know who they are!) It has made the difference in my “attitude” and willingness to give it another more positive approach.