Genealogy-Geneology.net - Queries

Geneology Search

Queries

A query is a request for information about your ancestor. The advent of the internet and the global reach it brings has made a simple "query" a very powerful tool. However, to fully utilize this power you need to learn how to post effective queries.

Your query may ask for information on such things as:

• Location
• Events
• Research problems
• Places of birth
• Maiden names
• Surnames

How to Write an Effective Genealogy Query

• Focus on one topic - you will get the best results if you limit your query to one surname or question.

• Make sure your subject line reflects the information you are seeking .i.e do not write "Can someone answer my question?"

• The first paragraph should contain the who, what, when and where of your query. This will help you get a greater response rate.

  In the second paragraph state what you already know. This will help those responding cut down on unnecessary suggestions.

• Only include one surname or question per query. Listing too many surnames or questions will decrease your chances of receiving a response.

• It is a good idea to include your name and email address at the bottom of each query.

• Read your query at least once before posting it. Make sure all the necessary information is included.

• Keep a research log of the places where you post your queries. This makes tracking progress easier.

• Include all information pertinent to the surname, family, or individual. Be as specific as possible. Include dates and locations.

  This is an example of a good query:

  I am conducting a one-name study of the WAGNER family in Germany for the years 1850-1910. Most of the family settled in MUNICH. If you have information on WAGNER's of that time, I'd be happy to share information.

• As you can see in the query example above, the surname and location are typed in CAPITAL letters. By typing the SURNAME and LOCATION in capitals you are making the most important information stand out to those reading it. However, as mentioned in the newsgroup chapter, never write all words in capitals, doing that just makes it hard to read.

Places to post your queries

Note: In addition to the sites listed below, you should also try posting your queries to the alt.surname* and soc.surname* newsgroups, and surname specific mailing lists.

You can also try typing +query +yoursurname into a major search engine in order to find a query site dedicated to your surname.

Online Query Sites

• USGenWeb
  http://www.usgenweb.org/

  The USGenWeb website is one of the best places for US researchers to post queries.

  In order to post a query on USGenWeb follow these steps:

  - Click on "The Project's State pages" under the heading "State Pages for the Project"

  - Click on either "Graphical Map" or "Table of States"

  - Click on the appropriate State

  - Click on the appropriate County

  - You should then see a "Query" link on the county homepage. Sometimes you have to email your query to that counties Query-Co-ordinator and they post the query. Some counties use Rootsweb.com and Genconnect message boards.

• WorldGenWeb
  http://www.worldgenweb.org/

  Every country is represented on WorldGenWeb, and every country has a message board where you can place queries.

  To post a query follow the following steps:

  - Scroll down until you see a "Country Index" link under the heading "Resources".

  - Click on the appropriate country link.

  - Click on the "Message Board" link down the left hand side.

  Or you can link directly to the region specific GenWeb sites below :)

  The Asia GenWeb Project

  The British Isles GenWeb Project

  The Carribbean GenWeb Project

  The CenEuro GenWeb Project

  The East Europe GenWeb Project

  The Middle East GenWeb Project

  The North American GenWeb Project

  The Pacific GenWeb Project

• RootsWeb
  RootsWeb Boards

  Rootsweb has numerous message boards to post queries. You can select a message board according to surname, location, or topic directly from the message board homepage.

• GenForum
  http://www.genforum.com/

  GenForum has over 8,200 "forums" that contain messages on surnames, states, counties, and genearal topics.

  To post a message you can select a forum by using the search function, or by selecting from the surname, location, or general topic index. From there you can read the messages already posted by fellow researchers or post queries of your own.

• FamilyHistory.com
  http://www.familyhistory.com/

  FamilyHistory.com provides over 118,000 surname, state, county and general message boards.

  You can find message boards by typing your surname into the "Find a Message Board" search field at the top of the homepage. Alternatively you can browse the alphabetical surname index directly beneath the search field.