Here are some resources to help get you started with your research. This list is by no means comprehensive.
Make sure you check with your local library. Many libraries provide free access to newspapers, Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, HeritageQuest, and other databases.
WEBSITES
This is a free site that helps you share your family history with your family or the world. There are several ways to create privacy within 1000memories.com. You can create a family tree here, upload pictures, videos, stories and more. Just create a free account and get started. Then tell family about it and let them follow you on 1000memories.com to see what new information you have been working on.
This site is a paid website which allows users to build and share their family trees; conduct online research in Census Records, Vital Records, Ship Manifests, Military Records and more. There are some free databases available to search. This website also has tips, forms, experts, and message boards. You can sign up for a free 14-day trial.
You can get free research forms to download and print on Ancestry’s site.
- Get free Census forms on Ancestry’s site for the 1790 – 1930 Censuses. The 1940 comes out in April 2012!
- Ancestral Chart/Pedigree Chart
- Family Group Sheet
- Source Summary
- Research Calendar
Website full of links to genealogy and history resources around the world.
Research your ancestors’ ship logs for free on this site. You can also learn about the history of Ellis Island, the immigrant experience and download free genealogy charts.
Free records not only for the U.S. but all over the world!
Paid site focusing on military records.
A listing of genealogy blogs across the net updated weekly. This site also lists upcoming conference information.
Free resources for beginning genealogy, maps and migration, wars and military, general history resources, and more!
A must see website for all researchers. Search a surname, county, military unit and see what books are listed. There are some full version books available and others which have partial views. If you find a book in which you are interested, check with your local library to borrow it or request it through inter-library loan.
This is a family tree website where you can upload a tree or create a tree, add photos, connect and share with family and more.
The National Archives website has many searchable database, help areas, ways to order records and a calendar of classes and events.
The Newberry Library is located in Chicago but houses a vast collection of genealogical data not only for Chicago but the United States. Their website contains Genealogical Guides, an online catalog, course listings and more.
- Teacher’s Guide
- Free Charts such as Family Tree chart, Family Group Sheet, Research Questions, Research Log, Source Notes, Record Selection Guide, Timeline Page, Home Source Checklist, Activity Sheets
Rootsweb has been around for years and houses many links, free databases, tools and more for every level of researcher.
Learn about one child’s story of immigration from Poland to the United States. Take a tour of Ellis Island and publish your oral history stories online.
This is a genealogy software program that helps you organize your photos and documents with notes and source citations. This is a great product for all levels of researchers but kids will definitely benefit from the ease of use.
Free and run by volunteers, this goal of this website is to house links and information for all States and Counties in the U.S.
©2012, copyright Jennifer Holik