This lecture is designed to help researchers move past the limitations of general search queries and harness the power of Ancestry’s vast collections more effectively. By understanding the difference between the “collection period” and a more “focused research period” in a genealogist’s career, attendees will learn how to craft well-defined research questions and maintain detailed research logs to avoid duplicating efforts. A primary focus of the presentation is Ancestry’s Card Catalog, where participants discover how to use titles, keywords, and specific filters to access over 33,000 individual databases. The lecture also provides critical guidance on evaluating “hints,” utilizing the member search feature, and reading database metadata to ensure high-quality, accurate genealogical discoveries.

Cari A. Taplin is related to Roy Rogers. Or at least that’s what her family told her. As a result, finding her true heritage has been her focus since the year 2000. She is a native of Wood County, Ohio but now lives in Longmont, Colorado. Cari holds the Certified Genealogist® credential and has served in a wide variety of volunteer and leadership positions for local, state, and national societies. As the owner of GenealogyPANTS, she provides speaking services. She also lends help and shares her expertise as an administrator on the highly popular Facebook Group “The Genealogy Squad.” Cari currently works for Ancestry ProGenealogists. Cari’s personal research focuses on midwestern and Great Lakes states.

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