Because these sites are free, you may not feel too frustrated if the search doesn't work right away.
The free sites allow you to experiment with searches or entering information in search forms. You may be able to jump-start your research by visiting a few of the free databases, and then you may decide to join one or more of the subscription sites later. Some indexes and databases are free of charge, while others are accessible only with a paid subscription. This is why compiled genealogy databases are quickly gaining in popularity. To genealogists, raw data is any name, date, place, or index that will lead a researcher to more records or information. Raw data is what genealogists hope to find on the Internet. Complied genealogy databases that store this data are becoming more popular, and some of them are free. Sometimes all you need to complete your family history is raw information, like a name, date, or place. They may give you an idea of what is out there on the Internet and help you find transcribed records and compiled family history pages. They help you find databases based on locality, ethnic or religious beliefs, surname, and record type. When looking for specific types of data, use general search engines and directories. Some directory sites offer a search function so you can be sure you don't miss any links. As such, links may not always be under the heading you expect. The organization of the links is up to the people who have compiled the directory. For instance, you may select the Newspaper heading, then the History subheading, which contains a number of links to sites on the Internet pertaining to this subject. She has organized the list into headings and subheadings. The largest is Cyndi's List, with more than two hundred thousand links. , A Graphical Genealogy Directory ( Each directory is arranged differently.To learn more about building a genealogy, see How Genealogy Works. The Internet offers the world a place to create pages about their various interests.ĭirectories are quite different than general search engines, but can be just as valuable to your genealogy project. Never presume that no one else would be interested in the subject you have questions about. You must usually use a search tool within the site to view the information. This is because of the way the data is stored. What general search engines cannot do is show you what is contained within the compiled genealogy databases. A general search for "Potter's Field" New York City should reveal some sites that detail the history of that particular Potter's Field. For instance, perhaps you've heard a family story about one of your ancestors being buried in Potter's Field in New York City. General search engines are also great for digging into the history of an event or locality.
It will take some practice to figure out how to narrow the search without blocking potentially useful sites. Of course, the more common the name, the less effective a general search engine may be. This narrows down the number of hits you get and increases the likelihood that they pertain to your ancestor.
For instance, if you're looking for Stephen Webster who lived in Haverhill, Middlesex, Massachusetts, you might try searching for "Stephen Webster" Haverhill. Be careful that you don't accidentally block useful family history sites with this approach.Īnother method is to search for the places where your ancestors lived. Keep in mind, however, that Web sites that don't use the word "genealogy" on the site or encoded in their site will be eliminated from the search results.
One way to eliminate possible false hits is to add the word genealogy to the search field. False hits are links that lead you to unrelated sites. No search engine is going to dig up only the information you seek. Most genealogists try general search engines for basic research and then dismiss them as their research gets more detailed.