My Resources – Part 1

I use so many online resources that listing and discussing them all would keep me from getting anything else done. As I dive deeper into genealogy, my list of bookmarks keeps growing rapidly. Below is a list of the resources I use most often, organized alphabetically, along with a brief description and the website for each one.

American Ancestors

Website: http://www.americanancestors.org

I use American Ancestors to access New England and early American records, primarily through the New England Historic Genealogical Society. It’s one of my go-to sources for colonial records and family trees. This is a paid subscription service.

Ancestry.com

Website: http://www.ancestry.com

I turn to Ancestry for its massive database of census records, immigration documents, and family trees. It also lets me connect with DNA matches and collaborate with other researchers. This is a paid subscription service, though some features are free.

Boston Evening Transcript

Website: https://archive.org/details/bostoneveningtranscript

I check the Boston Evening Transcript for genealogical columns published in the late 1800s and early 1900s—great for early New England lines. Many libraries offer access to digitized archives, which are generally free through online archives or library databases.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

Website: http://www.dar.org

I use the DAR’s Genealogical Research System to search for Revolutionary War ancestors and lineages. It’s an invaluable tool for verifying patriot service and family connections. The online database is free, though membership offers additional benefits.

FamilySearch.com

Website: http://www.familysearch.org

I rely on FamilySearch for free access to millions of digitized records and user-submitted family trees. It’s one of the most comprehensive and accessible genealogy tools out there. This is a completely free resource.

Family Tree Maker

Website: http://www.familytreemaker.com

I use Family Tree Maker software to organize my research, sync with Ancestry.com, and generate charts and reports. It’s user-friendly and powerful for managing large trees. This is a paid software application.

Find a Grave

Website: http://www.findagrave.com

I use Find a Grave, a free resource, to locate burial sites, photos of headstones, and biographical details contributed by volunteers. It’s especially helpful for verifying dates and places.

FindMyPast

Website: http://www.findmypast.com

I turn to FindMyPast for U.K., Irish, and U.S. records that I can’t always find elsewhere. It’s especially strong for British census and parish records. This is a paid subscription service.

Fold3

Website: http://www.fold3.com

I use Fold3 for its military records, especially the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and WWII documents. It’s my top choice for service records and pension files. This is a paid subscription service.

Godfrey Memorial Library
Website: http://www.godfrey.org

I access Godfrey Memorial Library for its extensive collection of genealogical resources, including city directories, vital records, and family histories. The library offers both on-site and remote access through various membership levels, with fees ranging from $10 for a one-day pass to $65 for an annual premium membership. Some resources are available for free, but comprehensive access requires a paid subscription.

HathiTrust

Website: http://www.hathitrust.org

I search HathiTrust for digitized books, genealogies, and historical documents from libraries around the world. It’s a goldmine for out-of-print family histories. This is a free resource.

Internet Archive

Website: http://www.archive.org

I regularly explore Internet Archive for old books, family genealogies, and historical newspapers. It’s one of my favorite places to find rare and obscure sources. This is a free resource.

MyHeritage

Website: http://www.myheritage.com

I use MyHeritage for international records, smart matching features, and DNA analysis. It’s especially good for Eastern European and Jewish ancestry. This is a paid subscription service.

MyHeritage Family Tree Builder

Website: http://www.myheritage.com/family-tree-builder

I use this desktop software from MyHeritage to build and manage my family tree offline. It syncs with MyHeritage online and offers great charting tools. This software is free to download, with premium features available.

New York Genealogical and Biographical Society

Website: http://www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org

I rely on the NYG&B for access to New York-specific records, publications, and research guides. It’s a great source for hard-to-find information on early New York families. This is a paid subscription service.

Newspapers.com

Website: http://www.newspapers.com

I use Newspapers.com to search millions of digitized newspaper pages for obituaries, marriage notices, and community stories. It’s a key source for filling in family stories. This is a paid subscription service.

NewspaperArchive

Website: http://www.newspaperarchive.com

I search NewspaperArchive for historical newspapers from small towns and cities across the U.S. and beyond. It often complements what I find on other newspaper sites. This is a paid subscription service.

Relative Finder

Website: http://www.relativefinder.org

I use Relative Finder to discover famous people and distant relatives connected to me through my FamilySearch tree. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore extended family. This is a free tool.

Sons of the American Revolution (SAR)

Website: http://www.sar.org

I access SAR to verify Revolutionary War ancestors and explore membership applications. It helps document service and lineage. Some information is available for free, but full access may require membership.

In later sections, I’ll highlight and explain the online resources I use most often in more detail.