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.