People Search: Genealogy Resources
Genealogy is the investigation of family ancestry by tracing direct lines of descent
from an original ancestor. It is most often used to find information about unknown
family members, and also to learn about a family’s history and cultural heritage
or a person’s bloodline. Genealogy was as important in the past as it is today,
perhaps even more so. During the last several centuries when it was important to
make the distinction between aristocracy and common classes, great care was taken
to preserve and be aware of the pedigree of one’s family. For example, in
England by the early 1800s, this practice was so vital that socialites would refer
to the publication, Burke’s Peerage and Baronetage, to learn about
a suitor’s pedigree before becoming engaged. When researching, genealogists
have to sift through a large amount of historical data to ensure that their findings
are accurate. The most important part is confirming the person’s name. Last
names often change over time, through different spelling or pronunciation or immigration
to other countries. Locations and dates can also be difficult to come by if historical
documents are unavailable. Often genealogists have to rely on personal interviews
with family members, and even so, any information given has to be closely cross-checked
with other sources to confirm accuracy. With today’s technology, even amateur
researchers can make distant connections by publicizing their search among online
genealogy communities and websites.
1. History of
Genealogy: An article tracing the roots of genealogy as a study as far back
as 200 BC.
2. Intro to Genealogy:
An online Powerpoint presentation introducing genealogy to beginners, with information
on the terminology, choosing software and common mistakes.
3. Genealogy Glossary:
A very extensive dictionary of genealogical terms, including foreign and outdated
words found in ancient documents.
4. Hiring a Professional:
A series of articles on how to research and hire a professional genealogist.
Genealogical Research Process: A simple genealogical research guide
for beginners seeking to trace their family’s ancestry.
6. Getting Started
in Genealogy: Information on how to begin researching family history and
where to find sources. This page also includes several links to further related
7. Genealogical Research
Guide: Information on sifting through public records and more advanced research
8. Search Engines
for Genealogy: How to use different search engines and techniques for genealogical
Genealogy Collections: This page provides a list of libraries across
the U.S. that have extensive collections on genealogical material.
10. GenGateway: A comprehensive website
which helps to provide new and relevant online genealogical resources to researchers,
with information separated in several of the most widely searched categories.
11. Genealogy Today: Genealogical
search site with additional sections providing a wiki, articles, additional data,
newsletter, special collections and numerous other features.
12. Genealogy Mailing Lists:
This website provides a large selection of online mailing lists dedicated to genealogy,
including general resources and a military section.
13. Family Tree Books:
Books We Own is a service that lists ancestry books (several of which are
out of print or very old) owned by its volunteers. Researchers can then request
volunteers online to look up and provide information on their behalf.
14. Researching the Census: Census
records are often one of the starting points for most genealogical researchers.
This website provides records for the U.S., U.K., Canada and Native American territories.
15. Burke’s Peerage and Gentry:
The top guide to British and European aristocracy and genealogy.
16. Genealogy Directory: Links
to records of the U.S. census, obituaries, marriages, adoptions, passenger lists
Testing: Ancestry.com (a premier genealogy search site) offers DNA testing
to provide scientifically accurate familial links and confirmation.
18. Determining Locations:
This article focuses on explaining geography related to genealogy.
Research: A collection of books and websites on unearthing ethic aspects
of family trees.
Research: A list of the types of information that can be culled from military
21. How to Find Military Ancestors:
A more comprehensive guide with numerous links for researching military personnel
22. Using Maps:
A guide on how to use maps to determine locations and geography to trace ancestry.
Proof Standard: An outline of the accepted standard of evidence proofing
within the genealogical community.
Genealogical Data: This article discusses how to evaluate and verify data
and documents to ensure authenticity.
Research Errors: An article on how to avoid and pinpoint common genealogy
Data: Advice from a certified genealogist on how to address cases of conflicting
27. Written vs. Oral Data:
How to understand and evaluate written and oral evidence, as well as how to compare
them against other data.
to Evaluate Sources: A 7-step guide on assessing data from primary and secondary
Online Sources: How to correctly document online sources referenced in a
Research: A guide to documenting research, especially details given by different
31. American Society of Genealogists: An
organization founded in 1940, aiming to foster genealogy as a whole, as well as
the quality of research performed in this field and publishing relevant findings.
32. Genealogical Organizations:
Links to various genealogical associations and historical societies across the U.S.
33. Genealogy Charts:
Download free charts and log sheets to help record genealogical information and
keep information organized properly.
Software: A comparison of free and paid genealogical software, with reviews
of each one.