As someone who has spent countless hours navigating the vast sea of online resources, I’d like to share some of my favorite genealogy tools. These are the tools I use most often in my own research, including the free sites I’ve come to rely on, as well as the paid resource I consider indispensable for my work. If you’re just beginning or looking to take your research to the next level, these tools could be exactly what you need to unlock new branches of your family tree.
1. Find A Grave: Your Go-To for Ancestor Cemeteries and Death Records
When it comes to uncovering your ancestors’ final resting places, Find A Grave is a priceless tool. This free resource allows you to search through millions of cemetery records from across the globe, many of which include not just the basic details (like birth and death dates), but also photographs, obituaries, and links to other family members buried nearby.
I use Find A Grave extensively to track down ancestors who might be "lost" in terms of official documentation but whose gravestones might reveal important clues. The community-driven nature of the site is also fantastic—other researchers often upload photos or detailed family connections that can provide breakthroughs.
Not all information is accurate, though. So be sure to cross-check another source for specifics.
Why it’s valuable:
-
Free access to cemetery records, photos, and more
-
Community-driven content that helps fill in gaps
-
Connects you to other genealogists who may be researching the same family lines
2. WikiTree: A Collaborative Family Tree Community
WikiTree is an exciting platform that blends genealogy research with a collaborative, crowd-sourced approach. It allows you to build and share your family tree with others and access millions of existing trees created by fellow genealogists. The site is completely free and emphasizes "one shared tree"—meaning there’s no need to create a new profile for an ancestor that’s already been researched by someone else.
The collaborative aspect of WikiTree is incredibly helpful for discovering distant relatives and adding sources to your family tree that you might not have found otherwise. The site also has built-in features to help you prevent duplicates and verify sources, which is invaluable when you're working with complex family lines.
Why it’s valuable:
-
Free, global, shared family tree
-
Easy collaboration with others
-
Verifiable sources to ensure accurate research
-
Community forums and projects to aid your research
3. LDS (FamilySearch): The Powerhouse of Free Genealogy Resources
No list of free genealogy tools would be complete without mentioning FamilySearch, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This site is one of the largest and most comprehensive free genealogy databases in the world, offering access to billions of records from around the globe.
FamilySearch is often my first stop when I begin research on a new line. Whether you’re searching for census records, birth and marriage certificates, or even military documents, FamilySearch has an impressive collection, and new records are being added regularly. What I particularly appreciate is their vast network of genealogists who upload family trees and collaborate with each other, making it easier to find long-lost relatives.
Why it’s valuable:
-
Free access to billions of genealogical records
-
Expansive, global database that continues to grow
-
Collaborative family trees to help you trace your lineage
4. National Archives: Digging Into U.S. Government Records
The National Archives is another indispensable resource, especially for those researching American ancestors. The U.S. National Archives offers free access to a treasure trove of documents, including census data, immigration records, military records, and more. I’ve used it extensively for finding naturalization documents, WWII draft cards, and military service records.
One of the best features of the National Archives is the ability to view many records in a digital format (although some older or more sensitive records may require a visit to the physical archive). The site also provides helpful tools for understanding how to search through their vast collection, making it easier for beginners to get started.
Why it’s valuable:
-
Free access to U.S. government records
-
Helpful guides for using and navigating the archive
-
Vital records like military files, census data, and naturalizations
5. American Ancestors: A Must-Have for New England Research
While American Ancestors is a paid subscription site, it’s absolutely worth the investment if you're interested in New England genealogy, especially in tracing the early colonial settlers. One of my favorite resources on the site is the Great Migration Series, which details the lives and journeys of early immigrants to New England between 1620 and 1640. The site also offers rich records on early New England immigrants and their descendants, making it a goldmine for anyone with roots in this region.
I’ve used American Ancestors specifically for breaking through brick walls related to my New England ancestors, especially those who arrived during the early 1600s. The depth of their records and the scholarly nature of the content is invaluable when researching early American history.
They have various levels of subscription, depending on which sources you want to access. There is something for everyone.
Why it’s valuable:
-
Excellent resource for New England research
-
The Great Migration Series is a crucial reference for early settlers
-
Extensive records and detailed biographical information
6. Connecting the Dots Between Tools
As you can see, each of these tools has a unique strength, and the real power comes when you combine them. For example:
-
Start with FamilySearch to gather general information and census data.
-
Use Find A Grave to track down specific burial locations and cross-reference that information with online obituaries or other family trees on WikiTree.
-
Then, dive into American Ancestors if your research leads you to early New England settlers or if you're looking for more in-depth historical context on your ancestors.
-
Throughout all this, leverage National Archives for U.S. military, immigration, and naturalization records to fill in the blanks.
Final Thoughts
The world of genealogy is vast, and thanks to these incredible (and mostly free) resources, tracing your family history has never been more accessible. Whether you’re uncovering grave markers, collaborating on WikiTree, searching through FamilySearch’s massive database, or diving deep into the National Archives, each tool adds a valuable piece to your genealogical puzzle.
If you’re just getting started or feel overwhelmed, don’t worry—start small and explore these resources bit by bit. And if you’re like me, you’ll find that the joy of piecing together your family’s story is well worth the journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment