Websites for Family History Beginners

Introduction

There are many family history web sites that can help a beginner with their research. This article will list websites that can be used at the Family History Library, Family History Centers, from home, or wherever one has access to the Internet such as cyber cafes or libraries.

Electronic Family Trees and Family Websites

1. FamilySearch The FamilySearch website.
2. RootsWeb

Research Aids

3. FamilySearch Wiki: The FamilySearch research Wiki is similar to Wikipedia in nature. It is a place to search for any genealogical information to help you with your research. This page is a part of the FamilySearch Wiki.
4. BYU Guides and Tutorials:

Genealogical Directories

5. ProGenealogists
6. Cyndi's List: Select a location, or topic, then select a a category of records or topics, and scroll to the specific record or topic desired.
7. Family Genealogy and History Internet Education Directory
8. A genealogy guide for finding vital records:

Original Records

9. FamilySearch Record Search
10. Ancestry or Ancestry Institution $: Ancestry is a paid site, but if you are in the Family History Library or a Family History Center you may have the Family History Library access. This access is called Ancestry Institution.
11. HeritageQuest $: The Family History Library has access to this web site. Check with your local public or academic library for free access to Ancestry or HeritageQuest.
12. Footnote.com $: Free access available at many Family History Centers.