When You Can't Find a Birth Record | Ancestry

We all know the importance of finding documentation about the facts we put into our family tree. But, what happens when you can't find the records you need? Join Crista Cowan for a look at alternative places to find birth information.
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When You Can't Find a Birth Record | Ancestry
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[@NikkoYM]

My Great Grandmother was born in Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, NY; and essentially born out of wedlock. I called the City Hall to get a copy of her birth certificate - only to find out that a fire in 1924 burned down the City Hall, and all vital records from 1820's to 1906. My Great Grandmother was born in 1874. Especially tricky, because I want to find out for 101% who the father was. I think I know, but want to be 101% certain.

[@joacuff1290]

This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Thank you soooooomuch!!!

[@kathyl6677]

My brick walls: I have a British ancestor who was born in Gibraltar 1842, and I'm seeking his parents, though I do have a lead. Long story short, he ended up in ND. It is said that he wore a patch over one eye. I'd love the story behind that. Another ancestor ran away to join the Royal Navy at age 12. I"m looking for his parents, also. I know he was born in Boston, Lincolnshire. My really thick brick wall, however, is my 3x grandmother (the sailor's wife) whose father was a wagon master on the Oregon Trail. I do have her maiden name, and she was born either in Ohio or MI.

[@barbaragalliera9846]

This is a Gold Mine. I’ve been doing Ancestry for 3 or 4 years and still stuck on a couple of things. Birth of Grandparents mostly

[@sr2291]

Family Search and the LDS Church have access to microfilm containing Birth Records.

[@debbiemorell4549]

I REALLY enjoyed this topic & I was so happy that I took notes so that I can continue to try to search for my paternal Grandfather's family, as NO ONE knew them & it has been bothering me for decades ! Thank you for all of those tips !

[@moweaquas]

It would be great to have a video about requesting records. Social security, NARA, etc.

[@ruthwright6247]

Thank you so much....I do have several family bibles that have Genealogy chart from my maternal side. Great information. ....thank you so much !

[@patriciajrs46]

Lucky you.

[@amandaestellehugo8139]

Thank you so much.I have a family bible but the front pages were missing and someone covered the bible.I then had an idea to loosen the back cover and voila!My ancestors records from 1840 when the migrated north from the Western Cape to The Transvaal republic.I am so excited.

[@GBSheridan]

Wow!

[@janicegreen7212]

Amanda Estelle Hugo I

[@dsstewbaby9]

I have nothing to help me concerning birth certificate. I am 73 yrs. old my mother died n childbirth . Help me please..

[@threeicys]

Helpful information. I already have results after pausing the video and looking at State indexes! Woo-Hoo!

[@c.r.p.968]

Do you have any suggestions for researching in Ireland before 1901? I know most records were destroyed in a fire in Dublin, so there are very few records from the 1800's.

[@Corsina]

Can you please update this video? It's 6-1/2 years old and you don't have the Red Book and other things anymore.

[@pattyhundley346]

Loved this video. Lots of great information. I have been stumped on my great grandmother so this gave me a couple of new ideas.

[@bearpawz_]

I agree Patty.. that was an informative video. I'm stumped too on a great grandmother. Here's hoping that we both eventually locate them!! :D

[@mirandablack7730]

baltasar montano- - - - i have been doing family history on my family for 18 years and just finished one book, and all most done with my sec. one. my family comes from the great state of new mexico, rio arriba ,county. i can go back to 1600 on both montano, and Sanchez .

[@123gorainy]

Thank you so much, I didn't even finish the video yet and I was able to back and actually FIND the birth record I was looking for.

[@AncestryUS]

That's absolutley wonderful to hear, we're delighted to know that you were able to find the record you were looking for. We wish you the best of luck as you continue on your family history journey!

[@Aperegrine90]

I’m amazed that English and Welsh records aren’t digitised like they are in Scotland. The system seems laborious and frustrating.

[@rubynibs]

What? VERIFY our ancestors are who someone we've never met says they are? (I've found information on an online genealogy site, added by someone I've never heard of, about close family members. That information was a MESS. Imagine the records of ancestors we've never met.) The information in this video is gold! Verify, verify, verify, and get the documentation, or it didn't happen.

[@AncestryUS]

We're glad you enjoyed it, Ruby! We completely agree, it is so important to verify all information you put into a tree, especially if that tree is public. Best of luck with the rest of your own research. 😊

[@tt2524]

Thank you for the tips Can you please do a segment of tip to use for the Caribbean. Thank you

[@CristaCowan]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@LarryNathanielPhoto]

Chronicling America from the National Archiv s is also a great source for Newspaper articles. I have learned intimate details about some ancestors through this resource.

[@winigalloway9431]

I have been trying to find my fathers last name. He was an adopted child. I have no information about him prior the age 17 y/o. Without his birth name I just feel like I am running in circles. Thanks for any ideas or suggestions you my have. He was killed in WW11 and I was17 months old at that time. Thank you Paulette Galloway

[@sinjun1973]

My dads side my great grandfather was from Iowa and great grandmother Minnesota then there's nothing on the other side they just appear out of nowhere. No records at all and since her mother abandoned the family shortly after she was born there's nothing from her. No one really talked about the past. They knew I was interested and a history buff to boot but there just weren't those stories.

[@patriciajrs46]

I'm sorry about your brick wall. I, too had an ancestor, or two, that were tight lipped, and told no stories. Good luck to us all.

[@angieanderson5788]

Thank you for this great information! This gave me some valuable information to find birth dates! You mentioned requesting copies of data from the National Archives - how do we order that info?

[@dhowe2242]

Thank you so very much for you valuable information. It will be helpful. However, I do have a question. Now, my father never had a birth record. He was born at home in 1937, he shows up in the census at age 3 or 4. Then again some time later, but has him as a female. When it was time to receive SS benefits for my father, they had to create his benefits for him, based on his work history. No he didn't have a problem with working as he was using the SS# that was given to him sometime when he was 18 years of age. The government did their research and was also not able to find his birth record. I'm able to locate his mother's death record and find her and her mother on the tribal roll. Would you know what I can do from here? I have been trying to do my family tree for my father before he leaves this earth. Only because he never knew his mother. She die when he was 2, so therefore, there's not a lot of information. No Bible. Help please. Thank you

[@dawnhubley3900]

Thanks Crista, I have looked at all of the ideas you gave me and found nothing.

[@patricksmith3135]

I enjoyed this greatly. Thank you so much. I am doing some new work these days and your tips are going to be used. Can't wait!

[@AncestryUS]

You are so welcome!

[@patriciajrs46]

Do these counties still have some of their own records in their county's archive?

[@pattyskipper9779]

Do I need a different software I hear u talking about family search and wiki I don’t see it in my ancestry

[@AncestryUS]

You can now find the Ancestry Wiki here: wiki.rootsweb.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

[@briebriefrench]

I can’t find my birth certificate and I was born in the 1980’s. I just got a copy of my certificate recently, so I don’t know why I can’t find it on Ancestry. Any hints that could help?

[@subterranea9095]

please do not seek to use birth certificates. it's not yours to begin with. you didn't make it. and the people that would hand them to you are working to alienate people according to birth. bloodlines and territorial birthright discrimination should not be encouraged. these 1900s birth certificates should be rejected and thrown in the trash!

[@patricial.6758]

@@subterranea9095 what are you saying cause it sounds like gibberish. Alienate how? Because of a document issued as proof of birth?

[@fayeprice5500]

@@subterranea9095 Your post is quite disturbing and confusing. Please repost or would some one comment to explain.

[@elmo1119]

But what if you don’t know if the person was born here in the states or in another country. I’m interested in finding out more about my great-grandmother on my dad’s side. Not even sure what her exact birth date was. My grandmother never really talked about her mom that much. Which makes me think that maybe my great grandmother was an orphan? Would assume she was born in 1800’s

[@blkraindouglas2921]

How do I find birth certificate and you don't know persons name? I have their date of birth. The city and state of their birth. It was my child that given away through adoption.

[@AncestryUS]

Every state has different laws regarding adoption records and availability of information.

[@chillax96]

Great video, thank you Crista.

[@123gorainy]

Hi thanks again, you are so very helpful. You mention "putting your digitized family Bible" online for others to enjoy.. HOW do I do this and where do I do this? I do have a real gem to put up. I rescued it from an old shed 40 years ago, it is from the early 1800s.Thank you.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi there, and thanks so much for watching! If you have a family bible that you'd like to upload to our site, you can scan the images within it on to your pc, or take photos of the pages, before uploading those photos onto our site. We'll include a step by step guide for uploading photos and media files onto your tree. We hope this helps a little! Link: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Uploading-Photos-or-Documents

[@janetmeils9641]

I live in Kansas, and the records aren't public. Here's what it says: "Birth, stillbirth, death, marriage, and divorce records (vital records) in Kansas are not public records. Certified copies of vital records are released to the person named on the record, immediate family, a legal representative, or anyone who can prove a direct interest, such as a named beneficiary or someone who jointly owns property with the person whose record is requested. The record must be necessary for the determination of personal or property rights. Proof of legal representation, direct interest, or written authorization is required if the requestor is not named on the record or an immediate family member." What do I do?

[@AncestryUS]

If you are trying to obtain vital records for 1911-now, these rules apply. For records prior to 1911, you can contact the Kansas State Historical Society here: www.kshs.org/p/genealogy-vital-records-in-kansas/11313 (Crista)

[@janetmeils9641]

Thanks!! :)

[@donastrong6240]

Christa, what about Children that were put in Orphanages in late 1800's? The 1930 Census said My Grandmother got married at 15 so I don't know her Surname. All records point to about a 12-year span of different birthdates. She always told me she was born in Knoxville Tn. However, the 1900 Census where "I think" i found her shows her in an orphanage in Buncombe NC. That is a long journey for a small child. I did find a bastardly bond that "Might" tie that together. I have everything from 1890-1904 for her birthdates. I am sure of nothing until she got married Nov 1912 to my Grandfather who I never met as he was shot - mistaken for a game warden as he was wearing new overalls. I have written to Social Security to get a copy of her Application. It has been almost a year now. First check was sent back as it was for too much $. So, I reapplied with CCard. Received that back saying I didn't send proof of her death. Seriously....born in 1890?? Are they messing w/ me? So the woman said, lets do it online with no one handling the paperwork. They did charge my card now...so fingers crossed I will get this information in just over a year. (Covid delay) I will try getting a copy of her birth certificate too...Imagine if that is all I had to do?!!! She probably had to get that at some point to get her Social Security benefits. After listening to your presentation I am going to try this too. Do you have other suggestions? Dona Strong

[@johntimmins759]

Hello,what is a bastardly bond?

[@virginiajaramillo397]

I am not able to register for wiki using the link you provided to Patty Skipper 6 months ago. Is there a new link? If so, please send to me. I am trying to find my own birth record and cannot find it, even though I have my official birth certificate.

[@marilynmorrison2495]

Israel Pierce born 1824 He lived in Log Cabin, NC For the 1790 census for Terrell county North Carolina, Israel Pierce was a free person of color My great great grand mother Annie Mariah Simmons Pugh has the following facts or clues She appears on a the 1850 census for Beaufort County North Carolina in a household headed by Elizabeth Simmons. Annie is age 13. Annie was born December 7, 1837 in Pantigo North Carolina. Annie lived in the Pungo River district. Smith Pugh (born about 1824 ) in May 7, 1857 married Annie. In 1915, Annie Simmons was interviewed by Frank Speck, an anthropologist, who indicates” I personally trace the descendants to Israel Pierce a Pongo river Indian. This confirmed that Annie was the granddaughter of Israel Pierce as she stated to Frank Speck. Annie’s Simmons Pugh’s death certificate lists her father Asa Simmons and mother Elizabeth Simmons. Because death certificate only lists Elizabeth’s married name (Simmons), we have been asked to validate with primary source documents to prove that Elizabeth Simmons is Elizabeth, Pierce, Simmons and daughter of Israel Pierce. Israel Pierce is also Revolutionary War Patriot. Elizabeth Pierce Simmons is the daughter of Israel Pierce. How do we prove this hypothesis ?

[@Atagrl_13]

I know this is an old video and maybe ancestry has changed their platform but I don't have all the tool bar selections you show. Especially, the family wiki. Can you do an updated video? Thanks

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and suggestions with us, we will be happy to forward this to the appropriate department. If you would like to share additional suggestions or feedback with us, please click here: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Providing-Feedback-About-Ancestry

[@5sweetiepie]

Very helpful information.

[@Gmaw1958]

Why does everyone charge you for birth records, news paper info., and other things that need to be search

[@richardewan2593]

Can you (or Ancestry) also do videos that cover records that are UK relevant please

[@maureentaphouse5206]

Find My Past is so much better for our records . Their shows are so helpful especially as they are good at answering our questions

[@richardewan2593]

@@maureentaphouse5206 I use find my past but hadn’t realised they had produced any shows so thank you for the tip, I’ll check them out.

[@juliegifford5510]

Would people born in mt?Other then showing proof of birth.Would we have to of been enrolled by our parents?On any Indian reservations?Or,can we just show proof,at what ever age?I hadn't thought about,this before.My dad was born in Idaho.Lemhi,Idaho.Would we of been quailified to enrolled?His mother was born in mt.I am curious,if she was enrolled.Last name maiden name was Hibbs.Each one of us siblings were born in mt.Last name was Adams.

[@sazzamittendorf1651]

Is this just for Dead family??? I need to find my husband birth record. 1950 in missouri mother Norma Jene Mattox

[@lynnthomas7275]

I'm in the UK, have you done a similar series covering the UK? I'm watching your videos with interest but the vast majority of the people I'm searching for were UK based

[@fmboss2191]

Just found your helpful videos. Working with Windows XP. My tool bar in Ancestry dosen't look like yours. How do I find learning center? Looking for that option.

[@AncestryUS]

The Ancestry site underwent some major changes about a year and half ago. So, many of the screen shots in some of these older videos are outdated. The Learning Center was retired at that time. New help materials can be found under the HELP menu on Ancestry.

[@fmboss2191]

Thank you.

[@jeanneh1247]

I googled using the terms "Ancestry" and "wiki" and found the Ancestry wiki still online. The Source and The Red Book are both there.

[@pinkstar1356]

I will try this. I also could not find any married annoucenents . How could I find this out? I am still researhing . Claudette Floyd.

[@brendascott4191]

I have a copy of my greatgrandpas birth document how do I translate it it’s in italian

[@truthhurts5158]

How do you find Lithuanian Birth records and Census records on here please

[@d3faultuser474]

All the menus you have, do not appear on my page when I log on. There is no radio button fro the learning center

[@AncestryUS]

We have recently made some changes to the menu structure on Ancestry. You can find the Learning Center here: learn.ancestry.com

[@tinaranghelli7795]

What do you when you're adopted? I only have a last name that I was told may or may not be real. When I was adopted in 1950's they did not require the mother's social security number or even name of biological father. What do I do?

[@AncestryUS]

Have you taken an AncestryDNA test? If so, how much DNA do you share with your three highest matches?

[@no1975]

Guess what my husband was adopted also,social service sent us what the biological Mom filled out and half of it wasn't true.

[@pamelaspooner8335]

It would be helpful and a lot of saving of time if Only you would say in the title that it pertained to the USA. Please.

[@patriciajrs46]

I haven't found access to the FamilySearch wiki. Or the card catalog.

[@AncestryUS]

Hey Patricia. Thanks so much for checking out one of these older videos from deep in our archives. We hope you learned one or two great tips but please note that some of the information provided here may be a little dated. Nevertheless, you can call on our team anytime you need our assistance. Unfortunately, we would not be able to advise you on third party resources such as FamilySearch but hope you will find the answers you seek in time. If you're interested in learning how to master our card catalog search tool then this guide will give you all you need to learn the ropes :support.ancestry.com/s/article/Using-the-Card-Catalog?language=en_US . We hope this will allow you to explore what collections we have available but please call on us here again should you need any support. 🌳

[@patriciajrs46]

@@AncestryUS Thank you.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Patricia. Thanks for getting in touch. We're so sorry to hear that you're having a problem finding the Card Catalog. We're happy to help you with a link to the Card Catalog. If you want to find the FamilySearch wiki, you'll have to contact Family Search. Best of luck to you. support.ancestry.com/s/article/Using-the-Card-Catalog?language=en_US

[@gardenbie]

So stalled in the first 5 minutes: where on the "New Ancestry" does one find the learning center or this wiki?

[@gardenbie]

+gardenbie Nevermind. Just googled it. Can't get to it from my main page but got here from google. Not a fan of new ancestry.

[@AncestryUS]

+gardenbie We are currently revamping the Learning Center so have removed it from the homepage. You can still locate it (like you did through a web search or) by going to the Ancestry Support Community and scrolling down to More Resources on the bottom right. (Crista)

[@jennifertiffany363]

Did they eliminate this? It's not working for me and I can't seem to just view the records to look for a name myself. My father in law isn't coming up in any search so I want to look at actual records myself.

[@CristaCowan]

Ancestry mostly contains records for deceased people. If the person is still living, depending on which state or country they were born in, those records might not yet be public record.

[@lovehippieg6054]

I have a relative who died In 1997 why do public records show that his last residence was in 2003? Is it possible another person could have used his name and parents address In 2003?

[@josephvega7369]

I can’t find my Grandfather birth place either in Texas or Mexico. My Aunt & Uncle tell me that my Grandfather was born in in Spain but I don’t have any proof of that. How can I find his birth place? If anyone point me in the right direction it would be very helpful.

[@thedeterminedgenealogist3835]

great points i love this

[@d3faultuser474]

Thank you for the link

[@amysamin]

Do you have an suggestions for finding a birth (or death) record for a small child, DOB abt 1898 in New York City? All I have is one census listing from 1900. No one in the family ever heard about this child.

[@RichardWerbin]

Birth & death records for NYC can be found at the NYC Archives on microfilm. 31 Chambers St, NY, NY. The index for these records are now at ancestry.com. But they may not come up in a simple search. Look at the card catalog. If you find them at ancestry. they will have instructions on how to obtain the original certificate, Also go to www.stevemorse.org to search. Remember to check the 1892, 1905, 1915 and 1925 New York State Census.

[@JoeWagnerATIUQ89]

Love you Crista

[@amandasullivan9140]

I can't find this anywhere under my account, there is no learning center, or family history wiki

[@AncestryUS]

The Family History Wiki can now be found here: wiki.rootsweb.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

[@Berniegraph]

These videos are good, but clearly aimed at US subscribers. Any chance of some videos for UK users?

[@AncestryUS]

Hi! Yes, you're welcome to check out our UK playlists for more UK-specific videos: kzbin.info/aero/PL0xuz8BBkD4hmLjqj9gNuvM07zHifUFIa We're constantly adding new content, so if there's anything in particular you'd like to see, just let us know!

[@Berniegraph]

@@AncestryUS Thanks for that 👍

[@wizzobabe50]

I don't have a learning center on my home page? Where do I find that?

[@AncestryUS]

It is now found under HELP | Support Center.

[@barbaragalliera9846]

How do you contact NARA?

[@ardocon1268]

What about India? My grandmother identified as Irish but she was born in India.

[@nancyc4271]

I do not have the Learning Center button on my bar. So how do I find the Family History Wiki from my home page? Thank You!!

[@AncestryUS]

This video is several years old and we made some changes to the website about a year and a half ago. So, some of the screen shots are a little outdated. Sorry about that, Nancy. You can still access the wiki here: wiki.ancestry.com.

[@nancyc4271]

Awesome! Thank You!!

[@exdus235]

Thank you.

[@jeanneh1247]

I googled using the terms "Ancestry" and "wiki" and found the Ancestry wiki still online. The Source and The Red Book are both there.

[@rjb6327]

My Ancestry doesn't have a "Learning Center". I guess I have to "upgrade" for that?

[@bjjensen3792]

It's not an upgrade. I've got the whole kit and caboodle membership and I can't find a Learning Center either. I have Ancestry Academy, but that's more "how to..." videos, not a wiki. This video needs to be updated to where things are located now since Ancestry went through and redesigned the web page.

[@elliecoleman6900]

Trying to find records for my birth Mother. She left 13 Children though out her life. The only record we can find she was adopted by a Family and those people are dead. How can we get Adoption records.

[@bulldog3209]

hi i looking for my dads birth records cant find them if he was born at home will i find any record where do i look now

[@sr2291]

The state vital statistics office where he was born.

[@MariE-bz2eq]

I know this is going to be difficult, but wouldnit be possible to find grand parents that never came to the U.S.. My father was born in Equatorial Guinea. His father was born in Spain and his mother in Equatorial Guinea. I was never able to contact that side of the family since my father died when I was 3.

[@AncestryUS]

Spain has excellent genealogical records. Unfortunately, Equatorial Guinea does not. If you know your paternal grandfather's name and when/where he was born, you should be able to get a copy of his birth record from the archives in Spain.

[@florenceperez8280]

They don't have Puerto Rico Newspaper?

[@mriver2906]

I agree I been looking.

[@dawnhubley3900]

I can't trace an ancestor from Canada back to England. I have a name and an approximate birth in England but that is it. I am trying to find his parents names but they are not on the marriage certificate so what options do I have. Thanks Dawn

[@AncestryUS]

1. Find a death certificate or obituary to see if parents' names are listed there. Does it list a specific place in England where he was born? 2. Locate him in every Canadian census you can find. Look at everyone on the same page. Could any of them be siblings or his parents? 3. Do the census records give you a clue about when he immigrated to Canada? Was he a child who would have come with his parents or was he a young adult who could have come alone? All of this information will give you some of the clues that you need to discover more about your family in England. (Crista)

[@arlenerice4639]

He was born in the fall - winter of 1925

[@ralphwhitaker8761]

what is my option if my state cannot locate my birth record even though i am a born citizen who took birth at home

[@AncestryUS]

Depending on when and where you were born, it is possible that no birth record exists.

[@ralphwhitaker8761]

Ancestry what action can I take

[@AncestryUS]

What is it that you are trying to accomplish?

[@ralphwhitaker8761]

Ancestry how to go about getting my birth certificate

[@AncestryUS]

If the state couldn't locate your birth record, it is possible that one does not exist. If you were born at home, someone (usually a parent) would have had to report your birth to the state. If they did not, there would never have been a birth certificate issued. Now, if you want a birth certificate, you would have to file with the state for an issue of a delayed birth certificate. They will require an affidavit from someone present at your birth (or with first hand knowledge of when and where you were born).

[@VisitBeforeHumanPollute]

How to find my தமிழ்(Tamil) ancestor birth record please help to me madam

[@AncestryUS]

Birth records, when they exist, are typically held by the local government. Contact the town hall or vital records office where the person was born to request a copy of the birth record.

[@bgalavizful]

My ancestor was born 1914. In New Mexico or Colorado. Where can i find his info?

[@AncestryUS]

+bgalavizful You should be able to find him on a 1920, 1930 and 1940 census record. You should also be able to find some type of death record for him (certificate, index, obituary or Social Security index record) that gives his birth date. Counties in New Mexico were required to start keeping birth records in 1907. So, you could contact the county where he was born to get a copy of that record. Statewide registration of birth in Colorado began in 1907.

[@mariagarza7612]

The State of Arizona in Phoenix is unable to locate my birth certificate. I have a social security card, voter's registration card and receiving an Arizona state pension. The only copy that I have is a, "Notification of Birth Regustration". Please advise. Thank you.

[@CristaCowan]

Can you send the state vital records office a copy of your notification of birth registration to see if that helps them find your original birth certificate? Assuming, of course, that an original birth certificate was ever created. Depending on when you were born, there might not be one.

[@mariagarza7612]

@@CristaCowan I will. Thank you .

[@missprissy59]

It's so disappointed that black people can trace their ancestor because of slavery and named are not listed. I think this whole ancestry/DNA thing is descriminatiing to us. I can't find birth certificates of them. Your videos are very educating, but you NEVER, or I have not yet saw one that educate black people how to find their ancestors. So, why should I pay for any DNA Test in hopes to trace my ancestors? I'm glad those who have the privilege to do this, but for myself, it makes me cry...

[@AncestryUS]

E' Lisa, Although researching African American ancestors has its challenges, related to lack of records, it's not impossible so don't give up! African American historian and researcher Henry Louis Gates Jr., recently wrote a blog post about the possibilities for African American's interested in using AncestryDNA within their research and he provides some reasons why you may want to consider using DNA testing as part of your family history research, here's the video: ancstry.me/2aG5t8w Additionally, we have an entire KZbin playlist dedicated to African American research here: ancstry.me/1IuObcj. Also, you may want to look up you local Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) here: www.aahgs.org/, not only do they provide in-depth education, you can also meet others who can offer you guidance. One researcher in particular, Sherri Camp is an expert on tracing slave ancestors and provides some helpful tips on how she's discovered clues in her ancestors story in this video: ancstry.me/2aveoOV - Let us know if you have any further questions!

[@douglasvilledarling2935]

Lisha Fischer I don't know how much this has changed in the last year, but I have found much information for black people. Census reports, death certificates, military info, tombstones

[@kaleahcollins4531]

Lisha Fischer im african American and ive found alot so far though yes some dead ends for now but i got to at least a 1840 census and land manifest for a farm for my mothers paternal line. So far that side was free and making $ b4 emancipation stopped looking for a while but i also did my children's paternal lines and they're related to the spanish royals(fathers paternal lines) and are eligible to belong to the daughters of the revolution fathers maternal lines

[@Kelli_D.]

Lisha Fischer Seriously? You're using the discrimination card on genealogy! REALLY!! Do you see Native American Indian's (me being one of them) screaming discrimination due to Ancestry DNA not finding Native American blood in our spit, unless we're from a specific area of Native Americans (which I can't recall which ones it was now).. Or that I can't find a single Native American Ancestor's information on Ancestry, NO , because I knew from the get go it would be extremely hard to find anything to do with Native American's , and it's not Ancestry or any Genalogy's fault. It's how records were kept or lack of keeping that makes it hard to find information. By the way I find information on Black people all the time and I'm not even looking for Black people no one in my family is black, we're white and Native American some where down the line. And you couldn't of found a better way to word your ending than "Those with the privilege" - again using the typical racial card over some dang genealogy!

[@ibkristykat]

it's not inherently discriminating. it's unfortunate, but it's not discriminating on purpose. it just works out that way and looks discriminatory. It's the way the cards fall because of lack of names on records. :/

[@Kelli_D.]

For Baptism/ Christening records - I keep coming across some that everything matches - Parents Names, ancestors names, but the year of the baptism is way off of the birth year, one was even 100 years after the birth of the person.. But The Main facts Match perfectly, I've been hitting Maybe on those. Is there some way to figure out if it's correct or if it's actually just for some one else with all the same names?, which doesn't really seem plausible, I just don't see a lot of people with all the same names - For an example one of the ones that keep coming up like this for me is on ancestors from England - I can't remember the exact baptism date for this one but it was at least 40 years after his birth but one I was searching last night is for Sir Richard Hawkins who was born 16 Mar 1562 - His parents were: Sir John Hawkins and Dame Katherine Gonson - this all matched to a T His name, his parents name, the area of England they lived in. however the year of the baptism was way off from his birth year . also I'll have many baptism records come up for the same person only the baptism dates are all different, like if I have 4 come up for Sir Richard, all 4 will have different dates, some being 10 yrs after his birth, some have been before his birth, some even further off of his birth. It just confuses me why they keep coming up for them if it's not for them - and this isn't the only ancestor I've came across this problem with. just the most recent one i was working on so i had some notes by me.

[@AncestryUS]

If the baptism years are off there are two possibilities: 1. This is not the same person just someone with the same name. (This is more common than you might think.) 2. The baptism year was transcribed incorrectly. To verify this, locate the original parish register to see for yourself.

[@LG-kw1in]

Can birth records have inaccurate Information? I found my grandmas birth records. It has her dad listed as 35 yrs old & her mom listed as 36 yrs old. My great grandfather was born in 1905 and great grandma 1897. They would have been 30 and 38 yrs old in 1935. Is it possible that they put in wrong Information because of language issues. My great grandma didn't speak english, and great grandfather spoke both english and spanish.

[@AncestryUS]

Or, your great-grandmother was trying to make herself younger and her husband closer to her age. ;-)

[@LG-kw1in]

The records also had names spelled wrong, wrong birth place and race. On my great aunts records she's listed as Male. I did just find a document showing my great grandmother corrected aunts Info In 1967. I remember my grandma telling me aunt had problems proving her Identity so It was corrected. My aunt was accidentally listed as male because she had a twin who died at birth. The Records had Antonio and Antonia born In 1931. Antonio records show deceased and listed female, and Antonia records had her as male.

[@barbaracobby4351]

David Edwin Llewelyn

[@kidrhl8867]

Hi i am half chinese and half filipino. My grandfather were pure chinese, but died here in the Jolo, Sulu Philippines. Since i wasn't born at that time he died, i didn't get a chance to know his full name. And my mother were already passed away, so please help me to find my relatives in china. My grandfather's family name is LEONG.

[@sheilabarron5532]

Thank you for your information to help people just was stund to see on my birth certificate that my Mama birthplace is not where She was supposed to be born She said She was born in Il but on my oldest Brother and mine it says Montana other Sister Mama birthplace is Il.3 more siblings say Il. Called to Helena Montana and information I gave was right except Mama birthday even my Brother that has Mama born in Motana says his is wrong but I just don't get how my Brother is 11 yrs older than I and him and mine have the same birthplace for Mama the same and there are one child older than Brother and 3 in the middle of Brother and I that Mama's birthplace is Il. Can't get them to understand that is something weird going on Its Wonderful that you are trying to help So many people God Bless Ya Be Safe✌❤

[@crystalowens431]

my page doesn't look like yours so I was unable to follow...is there a way my page can look like yours

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Crystal, This video is about 3 years old so there have been some changes since then. If you are looking for the Wiki, you can find it here: wiki.ancestry.com. If you are looking for the Card Catalog, it can still be found by clicking on the SEARCH menu. If there is something I missed that you still need to learn how to do, just let me know and I will point you in the right direction. -Crista

[@douglasvilledarling2935]

Ancestry I really like the changes they made. Even if we need to pay more for the memberships. Not sure what the costs were back then. I also love the findagrave where many people post pictures. Having a ball then I will get serious lol

[@sarasarah723]

I don’t see this option anymore

[@sandralimpert8516]

Ancestry.com got rid of the Family History Wiki...so where is the Red Book and how can we find it?

[@AncestryUS]

You can still access them through Wiki.Ancestry.com.

[@c.a.carpenter639]

when i typ ein wiki.ancestry.com it just brings me to support page. no wiki, no red book.

[@ieshanyokeh2127]

My family are from Barbados and I cant find any documents..why!

[@AncestryUS]

These are the records that are available on Ancestry for Barbados: www.ancestry.com/search/collections/catalog/?title=barbados

[@michaemarshman3868]

If I order a birth certificate of my mother who was born in England in 1915 what information is on the actual certificate ?

[@AncestryUS]

Typically, you will find the names of her parents (including her mother's maiden name) and their address at the time of her birth. It will also likely list the father's occupation. All of these pieces of information are important. They establish that you have identified the right person and not just someone of the same name born around the same time and place. It also provides you with clues about what to pursue next in your family history discovery.

[@michaemarshman3868]

@@AncestryUS Thank you so much for the reply. The only problem is she was adopted. I do know the name of her real mother but the father has been hard to track down. Thanks again.

[@anitarobinson4234]

In fla it just takes me to naturalization

[@julieap121]

I don't see "learning center"....... is there something else to look for???

[@AncestryUS]

+julieap121 You can find the Learning Center at learn.ancestry.com

[@jeanneh1247]

I googled using the terms "Ancestry" and "wiki" and found the Ancestry wiki still online. The Source and The Red Book are both there.

[@DakotaSmith971]

Why can’t I find my own birth records when I try to help my daughter build her tree? Do I even exist?

[@AncestryUS]

Mark, You'll have the most success with Ancestry records by searching for people who were born before 1940 or searching for individuals who have passed away. Due to privacy laws, there are very few records in our databases for living individuals. That's likely why you're not finding information about yourself. Start your tree with yourself and enter your parents and you'll probably start receiving hints for your parents and grandparents. Let us know if you run into any issues!

[@imhotepboyking3536]

Port Wentworth ga

[@lizhaydon2250]

Must be careful with the death records. I have found some that were years off in birth information. It was the correct person, but the informant, his son, was 15 years off on his dad's birthday.

[@AncestryUS]

Hi, Liz. Thanks for your comment. We think it's always smart to double check all records to make sure they're correct. If you find a record that isn't correct, you may want to add a correction to the record. If you don't know how to submit a correction to a record, please take a look at this article. support.ancestry.com/s/article/Correcting-a-Record?language=en_US

[@kaleahcollins4531]

Census records are good for that

[@lbfaith]

I know that in my search that states are different. PA so far is the best bc they give you their parents names and where they were born. And then another I think Alabama or Virginia give you just the people getting married and the date. The bare minimum.

[@subterranea9095]

the very first thing that's said in the united states declaration of independence is that nobody is born into any country: all people are born in nature, under nature's god, with liberty and equal station. in the 1800s, an amendment was added that said people are no longer free to choose their country and that they will be forced to represent countries according to birth. in the 1900s, birth certificates were added to make it even worse. now people are put into prison or relocated according to their birth or birth certificates. please throw birth certificates in the trash and encourage others to do the same. citizenship should be born naturally and not artificially controlled through certificates according to bloodlines and territorial birthright. those things are part of the old world and our new world of freedom should have nothing to do with them.

[@brendascott4191]

How did I find pastena birth records

[@AncestryUS]

Thanks so much for your comment, Brenda! We'll attach all the birth records we have for the region of Lazio here if you'd like to take a look: www.ancestry.com/search/collections/catalog/?category=123_34&location=30564_5118_1652381 For more information on researching Italian records, we'll include a guide here for you: support.ancestry.com/s/article/Researching-Italian-Records We hope this helps a little and we wish you the very best in your research!

[@jordankirkbride4612]

Can’t find my birth certificate. I’m only 23. Indication I am adopted?

[@CristaCowan]

Birth records for many states are private for 50-100 years after the birth occurred. So, you won't find them online. Contact the County Health Department where you were born and they should be able to provide you with a copy.

[@jordankirkbride4612]

@@CristaCowan I’m from UK :/

[@9095Steve]

Do you ever help those who are internet illiterate? I have traced my grandfather, Amos Story, birth to Sept 1795, but can not obtain who his parents were. Amos was a Quaker, born in Philadelphia, but I have not been able to solve the issue of his parents for 30 years. With that record, I can tie back into many completed story records. Can anyone help?

[@AncestryUS]

You should contact the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to see if they can assist you. hsp.org/

[@faithreid4624]

So I actually have a question reguarding a birth certificate to find out who my great great grandmother was because my great grandmother was the product of an affair and no one speak of who she was and I can find one looking online and she was born in 1946 so how do I locate a birth certificate they done want you to find

[@AncestryUS]

Hi Faith, thank you for the question. Have you tried using the Card Catalog? With this handy tool you can narrow your search down by location, time period and record collection. You can learn a bit more about the Card Catalog here, support.ancestry.com/s/article/Using-the-Card-Catalog?language=en_US

[@arlenerice4639]

Fathers name is Earl Charles Cummer, I don't know my father's parents name.

[@AncestryUS]

Thank you for sharing!

[@CristaCowan]

Have you tried search for him on Ancestry? I put his name and birth year into the search on Ancestry and it came up with Canadian border crossing records that list his birth date and place and his mother's name.

[@southerncharmer143]

My husband's son was adopted and he's been looking for him I cannot find his birth record any where he was born in 2004

[@AncestryUS]

Hi SouthernCharmer143 . We appreciate you stopping by to check out this video from our archives. We hope it helps you both and provides useful information on birth records. Thank you again and please reach out anytime you need us.🌳

[@sr2291]

Two women in our family lied and said they were 19 to get married. One was 13 and one was 14.

[@marah3298]

That’s wild!

[@sr2291]

@Mara H The second couples marriage was denied in her county due to her age so they went to another state and she lied to get married.