|
| |
Some of the following is taken from "A Guide to Genealogy
Resources on the Internet" published by the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation.
Introduction
Who were our parents' parents? Where did they come from?
What were the important events in their lives? For many of us,
tracking down our ancestors is a rewarding and challenging pastime that
builds personal connections to the past. For others, learning about
their family histories provides critical medical or legal information.
Vast amounts of historical material are accessible through online
records, genealogical search engines, mailing lists, newsgroups, message
boards, and people finders. Some genealogy Web sites provide tools,
charts, and forms to help you organize your research.
Sites Listed:
The following sections are included on this page:
Selection Criteria
When conducting genealogical research on the Web, it is important to
know your information sources are reliable, accurate, and timely.
The sites included in this guide were selected using the following
criteria:
 | The Web site publisher is clearly identified and can be contacted
from the site. |
| The Web site's purpose is stated in writing and is obvious when
looking at the content. |
| The information provided is comprehensive or uniquely important to
family history research. |
| The Web site is well known in the genealogical research
community. |
| It is cited in multiple subject resources, both print and online. |
| The information provided is current and regularly updated.
Revision dates are posted on the site. |
| The Web site is well organized and easy to use. Multimedia
features enhance, rather than distract from the content offerings. |
| The Web site includes search or index functions for easier
navigation. |
| Beginner's
Guide to Family History Research
From a book by the same name, this site provides an introduction to
genealogical research -- what it is, how to do it, and what to expect
-- along with tips for collecting and organizing your project. |
| MSNBC:
Exploring Our Roots
Introduction to a wide variety of genealogy resources, with
information for beginners and stories from Tom Brokaw, Katie Couric,
and other journalists about their personal family history searches. |
| Treasure
Maps -- The How-To Genealogy Site
Contains tutorials, guides, a free monthly newsletter, and links to
resources, such as hints on deciphering old handwriting. |
| Ancestors
Offers a resource guide, teacher's guide, tips and tricks, and video
clips on family history research. |
| Cyndi's
List of Genealogical Sites on the Internet
A comprehensive, categorized, and cross--referenced index to more than
50,000 genealogical sites on the Internet. |
| Genealogy
Online
Provides links to genealogical collections, software, libraries,
universities, historical collections, and federal census data.
Includes postings of upcoming seminars, conferences, and workshops. |
| RootsWeb
In addition to providing access to federal and state government
records, mailing lists, and files on over 500,000 surnames, RootsWeb
offers Web site hosting, newsgroup support, and a monthly e-mail
newsletter. |
| USGenWeb
Project
Run by a group of volunteers working together to provide Internet Web
sites for genealogical research in every county in the United States,
this Web site provides links to family reunion bulletin boards, state
and county historical archives, and national research projects. |
| Internet
Public Library Genealogy Sources
 | Many Internet links to Genealogy Sources. |
|
| Ancestry.com
Lists over 274 million names in 1,728 databases, including Social
Security, military, and immigration records. Contains both free
and subscription-based sources. |
| FamilySearch
Internet Genealogical Service
An exhaustive database, searchable by surname, international
geography, and other categories. Sponsored by the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this site is very popular, and
appropriate for any genealogical research.
Paf (Personal Ancestral File) 5.1 or 5.2, a genealogy program to track
your family, is available for download free at this site. |
| Helm's
Genealogy Toolbox
Contains links to over 60,000 Web sites with news and articles on family
history research. |
| National
Genealogical Society
With over 17,000 members, the NGS provides training, research
assistance, news, and other resources. |
|
Adoption.com
A good place to start looking for lost birth relatives. Includes
a reunion registry. |
| Afrigeneas
A comprehensive source for genealogical research into African
ancestry. Includes wills, inventories, census and bible records,
and slavery documentation. |
| Holocaust
Global Registry
A central place for anyone searching for Holocaust survivors, for
survivors searching for family members or friends, and for child
survivors looking for clues to their identities. |
| Native
American Genealogy
The Web site of the America Online (AOL) Native American Genealogy
group, containing stories and links to resources for the Cherokee,
Choctaw, and Lakota nations. |
Return to Internet
Information |
|
