Genealogy is a popular hobby these days. People want to know where they came from so they can know where they are going. With that in mind, genealogy research sites and resource groups have popped up all over the place. There are limitless internet sites devoted to genealogy and how to be successful at it, and other’s experiences can be used as a guide. What follows is a critique of some of the internet resources that will help get you started on your way to finding your genealogy.
http://www.familytreesearcher.com/
This website has many options for the searcher. There is the family tree maker on the opening page. There are also links to ancestry pages for those who are just starting their search. The website links to public record websites. Initial information is free. Detailed information requires a membership and a fee.
From the homepage of http://www.familytreesearcher.com/ the beginner genealogy student can link to http://www.genealogy-fast-track.com/
From there they can follow a flow chart to instruct them in the basics of finding their ancestors. From http://www.genealogy-fast-track.com/ one can link to http://www.ussearch.com from this website public records can be accessed. Background checks, reverse phone numbers, criminal records, and many other types of information can be obtained at this website. Initial information is free but detailed information does cost a fee. After utilizing these two websites navigate back to http://www.familytreesearcher.com/ and input your data into your Family tree and begin to learn about your heritage.
http://www.myancestors.com/
This website is perfect for the individual who has never studied genealogy. This website is for beginners. This website contains a free family tree starter kit. This kit is a PDF format printable group of resources to get started with laying out your family tree. This kit has you write out a family tree and write out what you know of your ancestors. The kit encourages you to talk to your family and get input about your genealogy so that you can have some names and dates of individuals in your family. It basically prepares you to research and look for your family’s history. Once you have completed the research it takes to fill out the starter kit then utilize the historic record. They allow a free trial period prior to purchasing time with the program.
http://www.kindredkonnections.com/index.html
This website has many tools for the individual who likes to study genealogy or for one who is beginning genealogy. This website allows you to search for your ancestors. You can sign up for a free account or pay for an account that has additional options. In addition to the record searches there are other resources available on this website. There is a free newsletter, a way to search the Social Security Death Index, a way to search Ellis Island Genealogy, a way to find living people, free software, picture digitizing and much more.
http://www.myheritage.com/
This is another website devoted to genealogy. At this website you build an initial family tree with you and your parent’s information. Then you will choose between the free and paid services of the site. The free plan will allow you to store up to 500 people in your family tree and some photos also. The premium plan will allow up to 25000 people in the tree. You can start with the basic plan and then upgrade at a later date. Once your plan has been selected and you proceed with the program. This site creates a family website where you can share and keep up with family news. It is more for you to document the past and record the present for your family. This site also allows you to keep a calendar of events so you never forget a cousin’s birthday again. The free service is quite nice for the beginner learning how to complete a family tree.
http://www.ancestry.com/
This website has numerous options. There is a 14 day free trial and after that to continue using the services there is a membership fee. This website like many others will let you build a family tree. As you build the tree the website will give you an indication if it has identified additional information that can be included in the details of the person in your tree. It also has collections that you can search through including: Jewish Family History, African American Family History, U.S. Immigration Collection, U.S. Military Collection, International Records, U.S. Census Collection, Birth, Marriage and Death Records (SSDI) and others.
There are numerous websites and magazines and groups to join about genealogy. There are people who will help you explore and document the history of your family. Enjoy your studies as you prepare them for future generations.
