When it comes to delving into your family history and conducting genealogy research, having access to the right tools and resources is essential. Fortunately, there are several free online resources available that can assist home genealogists in their quest for uncovering their ancestral roots. These sources come in the form of user-friendly apps and websites that provide a wealth of information and features to aid in your research journey.
One of the top free sources for home genealogists is FamilySearch.org, a website operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This platform offers an extensive collection of digitized records from around the world, including birth certificates, census data, immigration records, and more. With its intuitive search functionality and collaborative features, FamilySearch.org is an invaluable tool for any home genealogist.
Another excellent resource is Access Free Genealogy. This is a one-stop shop for free resources on the web. Focused on US research, it has links to hundreds of thousands of free websites where you can research vital, military, cemetery, and census records. The site is well organized both by category and U.S. state. Each U.S. state has its own page with free resources for that state. Likewise, you can select a category, such as military records, and find free resources within that subject. The site offers specialized sections on researching African-American genealogy and Native American genealogy.
Tried and True Online Resources
Free online resources have been the mainstay of home genealogists since the internet began. Some of the original, tried and true resources are still available today.
USGenWeb has been around since the mid-1990’s. It is a network of over 3000 websites created by volunteers. The site provides an excellent resource for unique county and state resources including maps, photos, and historical documents.They also offer research tips and recommendations.
For over 25 years, Cyndi’s List has been a starting point for genealogists. This resource is a comprehensive, categorized, and cross-referenced list of links that point you to genealogical research sites online. Cyndi’ List maintains over 300,000 links in more than 200 categories.
The U.S. Federal government maintains the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website and its millions of records. The website has several searchable catalogs and database. Their online portal contains descriptions of 95% of their records. Not all of NARA’s records are available electronically and not all of its electronic records are available for free online. However, if you are planning a trip to NARA in Washington D.C. or any of their nationwide resource centers, you will be able to view and print copies of records available on microfilm. The NARA website is an invaluable resource for planning your trip!
A bit more specialized but if you are looking for birth/death dates, Find A Grave has the world’s largest gravesite collection with over 238 million memorials created by the community. The database is searchable by name, location, or date. The records will often include a photo of the gravesite, the gravesite’s exact location as well as links to family members’ gravesites.
Social Media Options for Home Genealogists
Lastly, don’t overlook the power of social media platforms like Facebook groups dedicated to genealogy research. These groups provide a space for enthusiasts to share tips, ask questions, and collaborate on various aspects of family history research. Joining these communities can provide valuable insights from experienced researchers or even lead you to previously unknown branches of your family tree.
In conclusion, as a home genealogist looking for free online resources to aid in your research endeavors, these apps and websites mentioned above offer a wealth of information and features to support your journey. Whether you’re building your family tree, exploring historical records, or connecting with fellow researchers, these tools will undoubtedly enhance your genealogical experience.
