Making the Most of Record Hints

One of the most important features of today’s genealogy platforms is their ability to suggest records that may match your ancestors. These “Record Hints” (sometimes called “Hints,” “Matches,” or “Smart Matches,” depending on the site) are automatically generated links between a person in your family tree and records in that platform’s collections. Used wisely, record hints can save you countless hours of searching, guide you toward new discoveries, and help you build a well-documented family tree. Used carelessly, however, they can introduce errors, propagate false connections, and lead you astray.

Record hints are generated by algorithms that compare the details in your family tree (names, dates, places, relationships) against digitized records in that company’s databases. If the algorithm finds similarities, it presents the record to you as a potential “hint” or “match.” It’s important to remember that these hints are suggestions, not proof. The computer doesn’t know your ancestor; it only recognizes patterns. As a genealogist, it is your job to evaluate each hint carefully to determine whether it truly pertains to your family.

FAMILYSEARCH

FamilySearch provides free access to a global, collaborative family tree, and record hints are a central part of its design. When you view a person’s profile or your pedigree chart, you may see a blue icon indicating available record hints. These are drawn from the vast collection of digitized records at FamilySearch, ranging from U.S. census schedules and parish registers to immigration and military records, and more.

Because the tree is shared by all users, hints you confirm or dismiss affect everyone working on that same ancestor. This makes careful evaluation especially critical. Start by clicking on the hint to view the record. This will bring up a list of all the hints. To see the details for that record, click on the record name.

Compare the record’s details (names, dates, locations, relationships) with what you know about the person by clicking on “Review & Attach.” Watch for discrepancies: Is the age plausible? Is the location consistent? Does the record mention relatives that match? Consider the context: Is the record from the right time and place? For example, a baptism in the same parish where you already know the family lived is a stronger match than one from 200 miles away.

If you decide the record belongs to your ancestor, you can ”Add” and then “Attach” it to the tree. If the record is clearly not relevant, you can “Dismiss” the hint, which removes it from the suggestion list.

BEST PRACTICES ON FAMILYSEARCH

1. Check existing sources first. You don’t want to create a duplicate record if one already exists.
2. Add notes. Use the reason statements to explain why you accepted or rejected the hint. This helps other researchers working in the collaborative tree.
3. Be careful! Avoid the temptation to attach every record with a similar name; only attach those that clearly fit your ancestor’s identity. In my family tree, I descend from a Jotham Stewart. As I researched him, I found two men named Jotham Stewart, both born about 1830, and both living in Maine. I had to carefully separate the two to make sure they didn’t get confused. This is even more important when dealing with common given names and surnames.

ANCESTRY

On Ancestry, record hints appear as green leaf icons. Because most trees on Ancestry are private to the account holder, your evaluation affects only your own research (unless you share your tree with others). The hints draw from Ancestry’s subscription-based collections, which include many records not available on FamilySearch, such as U.S. city directories, newspapers, and certain international vital records.

Ancestry also includes tree hints – suggestions from other users’ public family trees. These can be useful leads but should be treated with great caution, as they often contain unverified or incorrect information. They are not distinguished from the record hints, so check the title of the source very carefully.

Start by clicking on the green leaf and opening the Hints. Notice the difference between hints in other public trees and hints from historical sources. Choose a hint and click “Review” to compare every detail carefully. If you are looking at a historical record, review the image if it’s available. Transcriptions sometimes contain errors, so always check the original image. Check the source citation. Ancestry provides collection details; make sure the record comes from a reliable set.

If you accept a record, you can attach it directly to your tree. Ancestry will automatically transfer the indexed data (like dates or locations) into your ancestor’s profile. Before saving, you have the option to edit or merge the data with your existing information. Be mindful: if you simply click “Save,” you may overwrite carefully researched details with indexed data that could be incomplete or misinterpreted. Always review each field before saving.

BEST PRACTICES ON ANCESTRY

1. Prioritize record hints over tree hints. Records are primary sources; trees are only other people’s theories.
2. Control the data flow. Don’t allow the algorithm to overwrite your existing information without review.
3. Attach media. Save images of the original record to preserve context and allow for future re-evaluation.

MYHERITAGE

Like Ancestry, MyHeritage uses two main types of hints: (1) Record Matches – suggested connections to records in their collections; and (2) Smart Matches – suggested connections to individuals in other users’ trees. Record Matches are indicated by a brown circled paper icon, while Smart Matches use a green circled arrow icon. Like Ancestry, your tree is private to you, so your choices don’t alter anyone else’s tree.

When you click a Record Match, you will see a list of all the record matches the algorithm found. Select one by clicking on “Review match.”

MyHeritage provides a side-by-side comparison between your ancestor’s profile and the suggested record. This visual layout is helpful in spotting discrepancies quickly. For Smart Matches, MyHeritage highlights the differences between your tree and the other user’s. While these matches can reveal distant cousins, they can also propagate errors if not carefully vetted.

To confirm a Record Match, click “Confirm Match.” To reject, simply click “reject it,” at the bottom of the record. With Smart Matches, you have the option to contact the other tree owner, which can be a valuable way to collaborate.

BEST PRACTICES ON MYHERITAGE

1. Focus on Record Matches first. These are the most reliable sources of new information.
2. Use Smart Matches for collaboration. Treat them as invitations to connect with cousins rather than as evidence.
3. Check translations. Many MyHeritage records are international; use the site’s translation tools but verify spellings and context.

Record hints on FamilySearch, Ancestry, and MyHeritage are powerful tools that can dramatically accelerate your research. They bring records to your attention that you might not have thought to search for, and they can open doors to new discoveries. But they are only as reliable as your own evaluation. And remember not all relevant records will generate hints. It’s important to continue to perform your own searches in catalogs, as well as indexed and unindexed collections. We’re all excited when we find new information on an ancestor but go slow! Don’t merge too quickly. Take time to evaluate every field before allowing automated systems to alter your data. I always ask myself, Am I absolutely sure this is my person and not another person with the same name in the same place? Can I prove it before a jury? If not, I need to do more research first.

Treat hints as starting points, not conclusions. Scrutinize each one with the same care you would give to a record you found through your own searching. By combining the efficiency of record hints with the rigor of sound genealogical methodology, you can build a family tree that is both rich in detail and solid in evidence.

If you need help evaluating your family tree and need some expert help, Price Genealogy can help! Contact us today.

Emily