Free Genealogy Resources

[Jane Tilly]

There are a growing number of useful and free genealogy and family
history resources, tools, and websites.
Family Search Website
One of the most active organizations in genealogy is The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - the Mormon Church. Their flagship
genealogy information FamilySearch website is one of the most
comprehensive databases of family history and genealogical information
in the world. What is more, it is a growing genealogy database that
increases in size and scope with each passing day. The Mormon family
search website is free to use and is well worth your time to explore.
Personal Ancestral File Free Genealogy Software
Again, from the Mormon Church, PAF - or Personal Ancestral File, is a
free genealogy download available on the home page of the Family
Search website. The PAF genealogy software is extremely powerful and
user friendly and provides an excellent repository for all of your
genealogy information. It has a robust pedigree or family tree feature
as well as family group sheet templates to create your own extensive
family history and genealogical information database.
Free Family History Information Centers
The Mormon Church has a very extensive network of Genealogy Libraries
and Family History Centers. Listings for the family history centers
can be found in the white pages under The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. The centers are located in many cities and are
staffed during the day and into the evenings with trained volunteers.
The centers are equipped with an extensive array of computer and
microfiche resources. Schedules may vary so it is wise to call to set
an appointment. The genealogy centers are free to the public and the
staff is typically well trained and helpful.
Public Records Databases
City, county, and State public records are available for your review
with a little effort. These records are not always the easiest to
navigate. But generally there is someone there who can assist you. You
may be surprised to find a few nuggets of important genealogy
information by searching these old records. Be aware that many of
these old records have been transferred over the years to microfilm
and microfiche. The family history centers of the Mormon church can
provide advice on how to access these archived records. Public records
databases may include information on wills, land and property deeds,
marriage information, household census information, immigration
records, and other vital pieces of family history and genealogy
information.
Cemeteries
It can be exciting to search old cemeteries where you know that
ancestors have lived and died. Quite often these cemeteries will
contain the graves of one or more of your relatives. Headstones
generally have very accurate information regarding birth, death, and
often marriage dates. Some headstones even include information on
children born to the deceased. A visit to one or more cemeteries in
the vicinity of known ancestral homesteads can yield a great deal of
genealogy information. It is wise to not only make careful notes when
visiting these cemeteries but also to take photos of the ancestral
headstones you discover. Don't forget to note the name and location of
the cemetery!

Unlimited Public Records Searches - http://www.recordapro.tk/