7 Free Genealogy Websites You’re Missing

Tracing your family history can be a fascinating journey, filled with discoveries and connections that bring the past to life. While many popular genealogy websites exist, some lesser-known gems offer unique resources and insights that can greatly enhance your research.

This article highlights seven free genealogy websites that can help you expand your family history research beyond the usual sources. These websites offer a wealth of records, resources, and contextual information to help you uncover your ancestors’ stories. They can also point you to additional resources and help you understand your ancestors’ lives within their historical context.

1. FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch.org, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a treasure trove of genealogical records. It boasts the largest collection of digitized historical records globally, including birth, marriage, death, and census records. FamilySearch also offers access to family trees, historical maps, and research guides. Its user-friendly interface makes it an excellent starting point for beginners.

2. Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com is a popular commercial genealogy website, but it offers a limited free version. While you won’t have access to all its premium features, the free version still provides access to a vast database of records, including census records, passenger lists, and military records. You can also build your family tree and connect with other researchers.

3. Findmypast.com

Findmypast.com focuses on British and Irish records. Its free version provides access to a selection of birth, marriage, and death records, as well as census records and military records. Findmypast also offers unique resources, such as historical newspapers and parish registers.

4. MyHeritage.com

MyHeritage.com is another popular genealogy website that offers a free version. While limited, it provides access to a vast database of records, including birth, marriage, and death records, as well as census records and military records. MyHeritage also offers unique features like Smart Matching, which automatically identifies possible family connections.

5. GenealogyBank.com

GenealogyBank.com is a specialized website that provides access to a vast collection of digitized historical newspapers. These newspapers can be a goldmine for genealogical research, as they often contain birth announcements, marriage notices, death notices, and other biographical information. GenealogyBank offers a free trial period, after which you can choose a subscription plan.

6. Newspapers.com

Newspapers.com is another excellent resource for historical newspapers. It offers a vast collection of newspapers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Newspapers.com provides a free trial period, after which you can choose a subscription plan.

7. The National Archives

The National Archives is a government website that houses a vast collection of historical records, including census records, military records, and immigration records. While it doesn’t offer a free genealogy service, it provides access to a wealth of information that can be valuable for genealogical research. You can search the National Archives website directly or use its online catalog to locate specific records.

Conclusion

These free genealogy websites offer a wealth of resources and information that can help you uncover your ancestors’ stories. By exploring these websites, you can expand your family history research and gain a deeper understanding of your family’s past. Remember to use multiple websites to cross-reference information and verify accuracy. Happy researching!