Top Free Genealogy Websites

Family Search – Our #1 Pick! This site is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and is the most extensive genealogy site on the web that is free. On FamilySearch.org you can build your family tree, find over 3 BILLION names from all over the world, find documents, see pictures, and read histories. Another great feature is that not only are there 4,745 FamilySearch Centers worldwide, but there is also 24/7 Free Expert Phone Support to help you in your search. https://familysearch.org/

Cyndi’s List – Cyndi’s List is known as the “genealogy starting point” for the past 18 years. Updated daily with links from around the world that are extensively categorized and cross-referenced to lead you to genealogical records from around the world. http://www.cyndislist.com/

Find a Grave -Find a Grave’s mission is to find, record and present final disposition information from around the world as a virtual cemetery experience. What a wonderful way to connect the dots and have a visual connection with your ancestors. This could also lead to adding another interest to your genealogy experience by becoming a photo volunteer, someone who is willing to take photos of headstones in a given zip code. Many photo requests come in daily and a great way to serve others who are trying to locate ancestors. http://www.findagrave.com/

National Archives – On the search for a record? The National Archives is your places to go with Census, Land, Military, Immigration (Ship Passenger Lists), Naturalization and Land Records. Although you can find some records online most are not, the site’s focus is to help you dig deeper when you’re not sure where to go or come to a dead end by providing research tools, resources on how to find information, articles and aids, and how to conduct in-person research. http://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy/

RootsWeb – The place to connect with other genealogists from around the world! RootsWeb main focus is to connect people so they can help each other find and share genealogical research. The best way to start they say is to just to jump in, start asking questions, offering help, and sharing your records, photographs, and research progress.  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/

USGenWeb Archives – This site is run completely by volunteer genealogy enthusiasts to provide free, genealogical research for every county, in every state in the United States. Here you can click on a state that you wish to investigate, type in select words to search for and to help narrow down your search, select a county that your family resided in. The records that come back could range from Census, Military, Marriage, Bios, Church Records, and even Family Bible information plus more!

The best part about genealogy is connecting to your past and learning where you came from. Knowing our family story helps each and every one of us remember that we have to continue learning, growing and continuing the legacy left to us by our forefathers. One of the ways we like to help connecting others with their past is restoring family photographs and recording the memories and stories you have of your ancestors. If you have a damaged photograph that is need of restoration and would like to create a Picture Story, please contact Restore.tv at (801) 653-0873 or sonia@restore.tv!

Andrea