
Genealogy is a bit like detective work—you follow clues, sift through records, and piece together the story of your ancestors. But just like any good detective, you need the right tools to crack the case. While passion and curiosity will get you far, the real key to effective genealogical research is knowing where to look and how to use the resources available. From online databases to local archives, each resource has its unique role in helping you discover your family history.
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Online Genealogy Databases
If genealogy were a treasure hunt, online databases would be the map. They are the cornerstone of modern genealogical research, giving you access to millions of records from the comfort of your home. The key is knowing which databases to use and how to get the most out of them.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is one of the largest and most comprehensive genealogy databases available. With billions of records, ranging from census data to immigration and military records, it’s a go-to for many family historians. Ancestry also has a large user-generated family tree section, allowing you to connect with other researchers working on similar lines.
The site’s DNA testing service is another powerful tool for finding relatives and tracing your ethnic roots. While a subscription is required, it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about building your family tree.
FamilySearch.org
Run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch.org is a free resource with billions of genealogical records from around the world. FamilySearch also offers a collaborative family tree where users can contribute and edit information.
One of the site’s strengths is its collection of parish records, which are invaluable for researchers looking to trace ancestors back before civil registration. If you’re not ready to pay for a subscription, FamilySearch is an excellent starting point for genealogical research.
- Tip: Take advantage of FamilySearch’s digitized microfilm collection, which includes documents that may not be indexed or searchable through other means.
FindMyPast
If you have ancestors from the United Kingdom or Ireland, FindMyPast is an excellent resource. The site offers access to British and Irish census records, parish registers, and military records. It also includes a rich collection of historical newspapers, which can offer fascinating glimpses into your ancestors’ daily lives.
FindMyPast is a subscription service, but like Ancestry, it offers a free trial period, allowing you to explore its resources before committing.
Vital Records: The Backbone of Genealogical Research
Vital records—birth, marriage, and death certificates—are the building blocks of any family tree. These documents provide concrete details about your ancestors, like names, dates, and locations, making them invaluable for constructing a reliable genealogical timeline.
Where to Find Vital Records
Many vital records are available online through genealogy databases, but some may require a bit more digging. Here are a few key places to look:
- State and local archives: Most states and counties keep their own vital records, and many have digitized their collections. Visit their websites or contact them directly for access to these documents.
- VitalChek: For those hard-to-find documents, VitalChek is a service that allows you to order official birth, marriage, and death certificates from the appropriate state or county agencies.
Tips for Using Vital Records
When using vital records, make sure to collect as much information as possible. Sometimes, a marriage certificate will include the names of parents or witnesses, giving you additional leads. Death certificates often list the cause of death and the names of next of kin, which can help verify family relationships.
Census Records: A Snapshot in Time
Census records are a treasure trove of information, providing details about where your ancestors lived, their occupations, family members, and more. They can be particularly useful for tracing migration patterns and seeing how families grew or changed over time.
Key Census Resources
Most countries conduct censuses every 10 years, and many of these records are now available online. In the U.S., census records from 1790 to 1950 are accessible through websites like Ancestry, FamilySearch, and the National Archives.
- Tip: Don’t just skim the census for your ancestor’s name—look at the neighbors, too. Families often lived near one another for generations, and you might find relatives living just next door.
Understanding Census Records
Census records typically include the following information:
- Names of household members
- Age, birthplace, and gender
- Occupation
- Marital status
- Number of children (for women)
- Immigration status (in later censuses)
While census records are a great resource, remember that they aren’t always perfect. Spellings of names can vary, ages might be misreported, and some family members could be missing. It’s important to cross-reference census data with other records to ensure accuracy.
Land Records and Wills: Discovering Property and Legacy
Land records and wills can provide surprising insights into your ancestors’ lives. They show what kind of property your family owned, how it was passed down through the generations, and can even reveal previously unknown family members who were mentioned in a will.
Using Land Records
Land records, including deeds, grants, and patents, help you pinpoint exactly where your ancestors lived. They can also reveal business partnerships, family relationships, and even financial standing.
Many land records are available through county courthouses, state archives, or online databases like the Bureau of Land Management’s General Land Office Records.
Wills and Probate Records
Wills are invaluable for genealogists because they often list heirs and their relationships to the deceased. If your ancestor left a will, it’s likely preserved in the probate records of the county where they lived. These documents can be found at local courthouses or on websites like Ancestry and FamilySearch.
- Tip: When reading a will, pay attention to who the executors and witnesses are—they were often family members or close friends, giving you more people to add to your research list.
Newspapers: A Window Into Daily Life
Newspapers are an often-overlooked resource in genealogical research, but they offer a wealth of information. From birth and marriage announcements to obituaries and news stories, newspapers can help you fill in the details of your ancestors’ lives that aren’t found in official records.
Finding Newspaper Archives
Several online resources offer access to historical newspapers, including:
- Newspapers.com: One of the largest online collections of digitized newspapers from across the U.S. and beyond.
- Chronicling America: A free service provided by the Library of Congress, with thousands of digitized newspapers from 1789 to 1963.
What to Look for in Newspapers
Obituaries are one of the most useful types of newspaper records for genealogists. They often include not only the date of death but also a summary of the person’s life, names of surviving relatives, and funeral arrangements. Beyond that, you might find your ancestors mentioned in local news stories, wedding announcements, or business advertisements.










