Genealogy Research Resources

A comprehensive directory of online databases, archives, and tools to help with your family history research

Major Online Databases

Comprehensive genealogy databases with extensive record collections

Ancestry.com

Paid

World's largest collection of genealogy records including census, vital records, military, and immigration documents.

Visit Website →

FamilySearch

Free

Free genealogy database operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with billions of records.

Visit Website →

FindMyPast

Paid

British and Irish records specialist with growing international collections including US and Australian records.

Visit Website →

MyHeritage

Freemium

Global genealogy platform with strong European collections and DNA testing services.

Visit Website →

Storied.com

Freemium

Modern genealogy platform providing access to historical records and family history research tools with collaborative features.

Visit Website →

Specialized Collections

Focused databases for specific types of records

Newspapers.com

Paid

Extensive collection of historical newspapers from around the world, perfect for obituaries and local news.

Visit Website →

Fold3

Paid

Military records specialist with service records, pension files, and military unit histories.

Visit Website →

BillionGraves

Freemium

Cemetery records and GPS-linked headstone photos from volunteers worldwide.

Visit Website →

FindAGrave

Free

Cemetery records and memorial pages maintained by volunteers, completely free to use.

Visit Website →

Government Archives

Official repositories maintained by government agencies

National Archives (NARA)

Free

Official US government records including federal census, military service, and immigration records.

Visit Website →

Library of Congress

Free

Extensive digital collections including maps, photographs, manuscripts, and government documents.

Visit Website →

Chronicling America

Free

Historic US newspapers from 1756-1963, digitized by the Library of Congress and state partners.

Visit Website →

Ellis Island Records

Free

Passenger arrival records for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from 1892-1957.

Visit Website →

State & Local Archives

Regional repositories with location-specific records

State Archives Directory

Free

Directory of state archives across the United States, maintained by NARA.

Visit Website →

Vital Records Information

Free

CDC's guide to obtaining vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) from each state.

Visit Website →

Local History & Genealogy

Free

Library of Congress guide to local history and genealogy resources by state and locality.

Visit Website →

Research Tools & Communities

Tools and communities to enhance your genealogy research

Cyndi's List

Free

Comprehensive directory of genealogy websites and resources, organized by topic and location.

Visit Website →

WikiTree

Free

Collaborative family tree platform focused on connecting all humanity through one shared tree.

Visit Website →

Geni

Freemium

Social family tree platform for building and sharing family history with relatives.

Visit Website →

RootsMagic

Paid

Genealogy software for organizing and managing your family tree research.

Visit Website →