Free Genealogy Research: Ultimate Top 20 Websites

Exploring your family history can be a fascinating journey, free genealogy research helps unravel tales of your ancestors and connects you with your heritage. However, this journey can often seem daunting and expensive. Fortunately, the internet offers a wealth of resources that allow you to conduct free genealogy research.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 20 websites that provide free access to genealogical records, and we’ll provide tips and highlight potential challenges you may encounter along the way.

Top 20 Free Genealogy Research Websites

1. FamilySearch

FamilySearch is a vast repository of free genealogy records maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It boasts a collection of over 6 billion records including birth, marriage, death, census, and military records from around the world.

Highlights:

• Extensive Databases: FamilySearch offers a rich collection of digitized records and a family tree feature that allows you to upload and link your own records.
• Learning Center: The site offers an array of tutorials, videos, and guides to help you navigate genealogical research.
• Volunteer Indexing: The community-driven indexing project allows users to contribute by indexing records, making them more searchable for others.
• Trusted Site: I’ve used FS for many years now and have found it to be the best free site available. I’ve used it to find everything from immigration records, census data, to Street guides and city directories.

Challenges: Despite its extensive database, FamilySearch may not have every record you need, especially for regions where record access is limited or restricted.

Tips: Take advantage of the FamilySearch Wiki, a collaborative online encyclopedia, to find detailed information about records and genealogical resources by location.

2. National Archives

The National Archives provides free access to a treasure trove of historical documents and records, including census data, military service records, and immigration files.

Highlights:

• Comprehensive Records: Includes U.S. federal census records, military records, and immigration and naturalization records.
• Digital Collections: The Archives offers digital collections that include scanned copies of documents and photographs.
• Educational Resources: Provides guides on how to use records and research various aspects of genealogy.

Challenges: The interface can be complex, and finding specific records might require some patience and learning to navigate effectively.

Tips: Utilize the “Search Tips” section and the “Getting Started” guides to better understand how to access and interpret records. Also, make sure you don’t forget about the National Archives UK for all your ancestral UK records!

3. Find A Grave

Find A Grave is a user-contributed database of cemetery records. It allows you to search for and contribute information about gravesites from around the world.

Highlights:

• Grave Listings: Provides access to millions of cemetery records, including dates of birth and death, photos of headstones, and often biographical information.
• User Contributions: Allows users to add information, photographs, and GPS coordinates of gravesites.
• Community Support: Offers a forum for discussing genealogy and seeking help from other users.

Challenges: Since it relies on user contributions, some records may be incomplete or inaccurate. I’ve written a few reviews of F-A-G, check them out!

Tips: Verify the information found on Find A Grave by cross-referencing with other records or primary sources whenever possible.

Complaints Ignored As New Find A Grave Site Is Getting Worse

4. Cyndi’s List

Cyndi’s List is a comprehensive, categorized, and cross-referenced list of links to genealogical research sites online.

Highlights:

• Extensive Directory: Features over 300,000 links categorized into more than 200 categories.
• Regular Updates: Continuously updated with new resources and links.
• Free Access: Provides links to free resources and information about how to use various genealogical tools and websites.
• Family History Foundation: We’ve been featured on Cyndi’s List a few times!!!

Challenges: With such an extensive directory, it can sometimes be overwhelming to find the exact free genealogy research resources you need.

Tips: Use the site’s search function to narrow down the list and start with broader categories before drilling down into specific areas of interest.

5. USGenWeb Project

The USGenWeb Project offers free genealogy websites for genealogical research in every U.S. state and county.

Highlights:

• State and County Sites: Provides a network of websites with free genealogical resources for every state and county in the U.S.
• Volunteer-Run: Each site is maintained by volunteers who offer transcriptions of public records, cemetery listings, and other genealogical information.
• Special Projects: Includes specific projects like the Census Project and Tombstone Transcription Project.

Challenges: The quality and quantity of information can vary depending on the volunteer maintaining the specific site.

Tips: Explore the special projects for additional information and records that may not be available through the main state or county pages.

6. Library of Congress

The Library of Congress offers a range of resources useful for genealogical research, including digital collections and research guides.

Highlights:

• Digital Collections: Access to a wide array of historical documents, newspapers, maps, and photographs.
• Research Guides: Offers guides on how to use various collections and conduct genealogical research.
• Chronicling America: A feature that provides access to America’s historic newspaper pages.

Challenges: Navigating the Library’s vast collections can be complex and may require familiarity with the cataloging system.

Tips: Start with the “Genealogy and Local History” section to find resources and tips tailored for genealogical research.

7. Ellis Island Foundation

The Ellis Island Foundation’s website provides access to passenger records of immigrants who entered the United States through Ellis Island. This is one of my favourite free genealogy research sites!

Highlights:

• Passenger Records: Searchable database of ship passenger manifests with information on immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954.
• Interactive Tools: Offers tools to help you search and understand passenger records, including ship images and manifest interpretation guides.
• Educational Resources: Provides historical context and information on the immigration experience.
• Comprehensive Source Records: I’ve used them to uncover my own ancestors, find out how!

Challenges: Limited to those who entered the U.S. through Ellis Island, so it might not be useful for all researchers.

Tips: Use the advanced search features to narrow down results and consider variations in name spelling when searching.

8. BillionGraves

BillionGraves aims to preserve cemetery records by providing an interactive website where users can contribute photos and transcriptions of headstones.

Highlights:

• Headstone Records: Provides access to a growing database of headstone images and transcriptions.
• Mobile App: Allows users to upload photos and transcriptions directly from their smartphones.
• Global Coverage: Includes cemetery records from around the world.

Challenges: Like Find A Grave, the quality of records depends on user contributions, which may vary in accuracy.

Tips: Utilize the GPS feature to locate gravesites and consider volunteering to contribute data from your local cemeteries.

9. Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)

The DPLA aggregates millions of photographs, manuscripts, books, and other historical records from libraries, archives, and museums across the U.S.

Highlights:

• Searchable Aggregates: Provides a unified search platform for accessing diverse collections from across the country.
• Primary Sources: Offers access to a wide range of primary source documents and images.
• Exhibitions: Features online exhibitions that provide context and insight into historical periods and events.

Challenges: The sheer volume of resources can be overwhelming, and finding specific genealogical records might require some searching.

Tips: Use the DPLA’s search filters to narrow down results and explore the educational resources for tips on how to use the collections.

10. RootsWeb

RootsWeb is an Ancestry-owned free genealogy community with forums, mailing lists, and a search tool for genealogical data. Speaking of Ancestry, where are they on this list? Find out why!

Highlights:

• Genealogical Databases: Offers access to a variety of user-contributed databases and family trees.
• Community Resources: Includes forums, mailing lists, and user groups for collaborative research and support.
• Free Hosting: Provides free web space for genealogy-related websites and personal family history pages.

Challenges: The user-generated nature of content means the accuracy and completeness of information can vary.

Tips: Participate in the forums and mailing lists to connect with others researching similar family lines or geographical areas.

11. The Olive Tree Genealogy

The Olive Tree Genealogy offers free genealogy resources, including ship passenger lists, military records, and more.

Highlights:

• Immigration Records: Extensive collection of ship passenger lists for immigrants to the U.S. and Canada.
• Military Records: Access to various military records and resources.
• Historical Context: Provides articles and information on genealogical research methods and historical events.

Challenges: The website can be somewhat difficult to navigate due to its organization and layout.

Tips: Use the search function and navigation menus to locate specific resources and check the “What’s New” section for updates and new records.

12. FreeBMD

FreeBMD offers a searchable database of birth, marriage, and death records for England and Wales.

Highlights:

• Civil Registration Indexes: Provides access to transcriptions of the civil registration indexes of births, marriages, and deaths from 1837 onwards.
• Volunteer-Driven: The project is maintained by volunteers who transcribe records to make them accessible online.
• Regular Updates: Continuously updated with new transcriptions and data.

Challenges: Limited to England and Wales, and the completeness of transcriptions may vary depending on the availability of volunteers.

Tips: Use the “FreeBMD Coverage” feature to understand which records are available and how complete they are for different time periods.

13. GenForum

GenForum is a genealogy message board where researchers can post queries and exchange information about specific surnames, locations, and topics.

Highlights:

• Active Community: Allows users to post and respond to messages, creating a collaborative environment for sharing genealogical information.
• Surnames and Locations: Organized by surname, location, and other genealogical topics.
• Search Function: Provides a search tool to find specific discussions or posts.

Challenges: The site can be less active compared to

other forums, and finding recent or active threads might be challenging.

Tips: Search the archives for older discussions that might contain useful information and consider posting new queries to engage the community.

14. AccessGenealogy

AccessGenealogy offers free access to a variety of genealogical records and resources, including Native American records, military records, and historical documents.

Highlights:

• Native American Records: Extensive collection of resources and records related to Native American genealogy.
• Military Records: Includes transcriptions of various military records and pension lists.
• Historical Documents: Provides access to a range of historical documents, maps, and directories.

Challenges: The site’s organization can be somewhat confusing, and locating specific records may require some digging.

Tips: Use the search bar and explore the site’s various categories to find specific types of records or resources relevant to your research.

15. HeritageQuest Online

HeritageQuest Online is available through many public libraries and offers access to a variety of genealogical and historical resources.

Highlights:

• Census Records: Provides access to U.S. federal census records and other genealogical collections.
• Books and Periodicals: Includes digitized books, city directories, and historical publications.
• Research Aids: Offers tools and guides to assist with genealogical research.

Challenges: Access typically requires a library card or institutional subscription, so it may not be directly available to all users.

Tips: Check with your local library to see if they offer access to HeritageQuest Online and explore their research aids to get the most out of the available resources.

16. Online Searchable Death Indexes & Records

This website provides links to online death indexes, cemetery records, and obituary databases.

Highlights:

• Death Records: Offers links to online resources for finding death records and indexes.
• Cemetery Listings: Includes links to cemetery records and grave listings.
• Obituaries: Provides access to online obituary databases and resources.

Challenges: The site is a collection of links to external resources, so the quality and completeness of the information can vary depending on the source.

Tips: Verify information found through the site by cross-referencing with other records or contacting local archives or repositories for confirmation.

17. WorldGenWeb Project

The WorldGenWeb Project is a non-profit, volunteer-driven project that provides free access to genealogical resources and information for countries around the world.

Highlights:

• Global Coverage: Offers resources and information for genealogical research in various countries.
• Volunteer-Run: Each regional site is maintained by volunteers who provide access to local records and resources.
• Special Projects: Includes specific projects focused on census records, cemetery transcriptions, and more.

Challenges: The quality and quantity of resources can vary depending on the volunteer support for each regional site.

Tips: Explore the site’s special projects and regional pages for additional information and records that may not be available through other sources.

18. New York Public Library Digital Collections

The New York Public Library (NYPL) offers a rich collection of digitized materials, including maps, manuscripts, and photographs, that are useful for genealogical research.

Highlights:

• Digital Collections: Provides access to a wide range of digitized historical materials and documents.
• Photographs and Maps: Includes collections of historical photographs, maps, and atlases.
• Research Guides: Offers guides and tools to help you use the collections for genealogical research.

Challenges: Navigating the collections and finding specific records might require some familiarity with the library’s cataloging system.

Tips: Use the “Genealogy” section of the NYPL’s website to find specific collections and research aids tailored for genealogical research.

19. Genealogy Trails

Genealogy Trails provides free access to genealogical and historical data for each U.S. state and many counties.

Highlights:

• State and County Pages: Offers a network of websites with free genealogy research resources for every state and many counties in the U.S.
• Volunteer-Run: Each site is maintained by volunteers who provide access to transcriptions of public records, historical data, and other resources.
• Special Projects: Includes specific projects focused on cemetery transcriptions, census records, and more.

Challenges: The availability and quality of information can vary depending on the volunteer support for each site.

Tips: Explore the site’s special projects for additional records and consider contributing by volunteering or submitting transcriptions.

20. Open Library

Open Library is a project of the Internet Archive that provides access to millions of digitized books, including many genealogical resources.

Highlights:

• Digitized Books: Offers access to a vast collection of digitized books, including family histories, local histories, and genealogical reference materials.
• Borrowing Program: Allows users to borrow digital copies of books for free.
• Genealogical Resources: Includes a variety of genealogical resources and guides.

Challenges: The borrowing system requires an account, and some books may have borrowing limits or waitlists.

Tips: Use the search function to find specific genealogical books or topics and explore the “Genealogy” section for curated collections and resources.

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General Tips for Free Genealogy Research

**1. *Start with What You Know:*
Begin your research with known family information, such as names, dates, and locations. This will provide a solid foundation for further exploration.

**2. *Keep Detailed Records:*
Maintain detailed notes and records of your research, including sources, dates, and findings. This will help you keep track of your progress and avoid duplicating efforts.

**3. *Verify Information:*
Cross-reference information found online with primary sources or multiple records to ensure accuracy. User-contributed data, in particular, can sometimes be incorrect or incomplete.

**4. *Be Patient and Persistent:*
Genealogical research can be time-consuming, and finding specific records may require patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for right away.

**5. *Join Genealogy Groups:*
Participate in online forums, mailing lists, or local genealogy groups to connect with other researchers, share information, and seek assistance with your research.

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Challenges in Free Genealogy Research

**1. *Incomplete Records:*
Free resources may have incomplete or missing records, especially for certain time periods or regions. Be prepared to use multiple sources and alternate strategies to fill gaps.

**2. *Inconsistent Data Quality:*
The accuracy and quality of user-contributed data can vary widely. Always verify information with primary sources or multiple records whenever possible.

**3. *Navigational Difficulties:*
Some websites can be complex or difficult to navigate, making it challenging to locate specific records or information. Take advantage of tutorials, guides, and search tools to improve your experience.

**4. *Access Restrictions:*
Certain records may have restricted access due to privacy laws, especially for more recent records. Be aware of these limitations and explore alternative resources if needed.

**5. *No DNA Testing Options:*

The other powerful tool missing in free research is the incredible quantum leap that DNA testing allows in reviewing potential matches and linking up with other family historians that you can share your research with. Find out how to unleash the power of DNA tests with my post on “A Fun Guide to Popular DNA Tests” here on the Family History Foundation.

By utilizing these free genealogy research resources and following the tips provided, you can make significant strides in your genealogical research without incurring costs. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or uncovering the stories of your ancestors, these tools will help you on your journey to discovering your heritage.

Still want more? Check out the most comprehensive guide to research genealogy online like a professional! It’s free and it’s right here on the Family History Foundation.

The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Professional Genealogy Research Online