Genealogy Resources on the Internet

In the quest to trace our roots and unravel the mysteries of our ancestry, the internet has become an invaluable tool. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just beginning your journey, having access to the right resources and software can make all the difference. We've compiled two essential lists to aid you in your genealogical pursuits: a collection of online genealogy resources and a guide to the best software for creating and managing your family tree.

  1. Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com):
    Ancestry.com stands as a giant in the world of genealogy research. Boasting an extensive database of records, including census data, vital records, and historical documents, it provides a wealth of information for those seeking to piece together their family history.
  2. FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org):
    Operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch offers free access to an expansive collection of genealogical records. It's a collaborative platform where users can build and contribute to a shared family tree.
  3. MyHeritage (www.myheritage.com):
    MyHeritage combines genealogy research with DNA testing, allowing users to discover relatives and build their family tree. The platform also offers access to a vast collection of historical records.
  4. Findmypast (www.findmypast.com):
    With a focus on British and Irish ancestry, Findmypast provides access to an extensive collection of records, including newspapers, military records, and parish registers. It's a valuable resource for those with roots in the UK and Ireland.
  5. Fold3 (www.fold3.com):
    Specializing in military records, Fold3 is an excellent resource for individuals interested in tracing their ancestors' military service. The platform includes records from various conflicts throughout history.
  6. Society of American Archivists (www2.archivists.org):
    Explore Laura Schmidt's guide on effective research in archives and learn about archives, materials, guidelines, and more.
  7. Research Guides for Ship Passenger Lists and Immigration Records (www.researchguides.net)
    Gain guidance and access links for passenger lists from 1820 to the 1950s.
  8. BillionGraves (www.billiongraves.com):
    Utilize their free cemetery database with photos of gravesites and use the app to locate GPS positions in poorly marked cemeteries.
  9. Legacy.com (www.legacy.com):
    Recognized as a global leader in online obituaries, Legacy.com has partnerships across the world. Express condolences and celebrate the lives of your ancestors.
  10. Access Genealogy (www.accessgenealogy.com):
    Access hundreds of genealogical links organized by state or topic.
  11. Find A Grave (www.findagrave.com):
    Explore the world’s largest gravesite collection with over 170 million memorials. Search for free and find added photos and text.
  12. RootsWeb (www.rootsweb.com):
    As one of the first genealogical resources on the internet, RootsWeb offers help with mailing lists, Ancestry Wiki, obituaries, and more.
  13. Afrigeneas.org (www.afrigeneas.org):
    Afrigeneas.org serves as a starting place for African American genealogy with a "Beginners Guide" video. It features forums, chats, and resources for finding vital records and slave data.
  14. Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana (www.genealogycenter.org):
    This library's special collections include African American and Native American resources, making it one of the largest genealogical library collections in the U.S.
  15. Genealogy at the US National Archives (www.archives.gov):
    Gain access to archive databases in the U.S.
  16. JewishGen (www.jewishgen.org):
    Explore this easy-to-use website with record groups and an advanced surname search.
  17. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) (www.nara.gov):
     NARA is a treasure trove of microfilmed, printed, and manuscript records. It's excellent for census records, military history, patents, and more.
  18. Library of Congress (LOC) (www.loc.gov):
    LOC is among the world's largest collections with extensive historical and genealogical materials. It offers a comprehensive directory of city directories, county histories, and copyrighted newspapers.
  19. USGenWeb Project (www.usgenweb.org):
    Access free county/state resources driven by volunteers. Also see WorldGenWeb Project
     for records beyond the U.S.
  20. New York Public Library (NYPL) (www.nypl.org):
     NYPL is second only to LOC in size and scope. Explore divisions like Map Division, Milstein Division, and specialized collections.
  21. Freedman’s Bureau (www.nmaahc.si.edu):
     This federal agency aided freed slaves and poor whites after the Civil War.
  22. U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov):
     Delve into explanations for all federal census years and access original forms. Explore Census Online for state censuses, research tools, and birth year calculators.
  23. Cyndi’s List (www.cyndislist.com):
    Organized links by topics/categories for extensive genealogy resources. A cross-referenced index helps you find specific records easily. Don’t know where to look for specific records? Check Cyndi’s up-to-date list of suggested sources.

Genealogy Software for Creating Family Trees

  1. Gramps (gramps-project.org):
    Gramps is a popular free and open-source genealogy software that provides a comprehensive platform for managing family trees. It includes features for tracking relationships, events, and sources.
  2. Legacy Family Tree (legacyfamilytree.com):
    Legacy Family Tree offers robust software for creating and organizing family trees. It supports multimedia integration and allows users to add detailed information about each family member.
  3. Family Tree Maker (familytreemaker.com):
    Family Tree Maker is a very popular program known for its user-friendly interface. It offers a range of tools for building and customizing family trees and integrates seamlessly with Ancestry.com.
  4. Genbox Family History (gramps-project.org):
    Genbox Family History is a commercial package that offers a 30-day free trial. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for organizing and documenting family history.
  5. GenoPro (gramps-project.org):
    GenoPro is a genealogy software with advanced features for drawing family trees. It caters to users looking for a more intricate and detailed representation of their family history.
  6. Heredis for Macintosh (myheredis.com):
    Heredis for Macintosh is a new alternative on the Mac platform, providing users with a user-friendly interface and tools to create and manage family trees.
  7. MyHeritage Family Tree Builder (myheritage.com):
    MyHeritage Family Tree Builder is a free program available in 12 languages. It offers an intuitive platform for building and sharing family trees and integrates with the MyHeritage database.
  8. RootsMagic Genealogy Software (rootsmagic.com):
    RootsMagic Genealogy Software is another popular choice that offers a free trial. It provides a user-friendly environment for creating and managing family trees with advanced features.
  9. Reunion for Macintosh (leisterpro.com):
    Reunion for Macintosh is a popular option specifically designed for Mac users. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for building and visualizing family trees on the Mac platform.

 

Choose the genealogy software that best suits your preferences and needs. Whether you opt for user-friendly options like Family Tree Maker or delve into advanced features with software like GenoPro, these tools are essential for documenting and preserving your family's rich history.

Embark on your genealogical journey armed with these powerful resources and software tools. Whether you're exploring online databases or creating intricate family trees, the tools and platforms listed above will guide you on your quest to uncover the rich tapestry of your ancestry. Happy researching!