Genealogy, the study of one’s ancestors, can be both immensely satisfying and time-consuming. However, sometimes the easiest and least expensive methods yield the best results.
Here are 5 ways to find FREE basic genealogy information
- Old newspaper clippings: To trace your family history, visit the local library in your ancestors’ area and explore the microfiche.
Obituaries, wedding announcements, and birth announcements were commonly printed in local newspapers, and many libraries still have copies of these materials.
If you’re researching individuals born before newspapers were printed, you’ll need to rely on other free resources. - City directories: Major metropolitan cities often have comprehensive city directories containing basic information such as addresses, businesses owned or worked at, and family details like marriages.
Most older city directories are stored in libraries, so check for them while you’re there looking through old newspapers. - The Social Security Death Index [United States ONLY]: This index provides dates of birth and death, the city and state of last residence, social security numbers, and the state where the social security card was issued.
The only caveat is that the individual must have been alive after the Social Security Act was instituted in 1935.
In Canada: You may find old tax records on microfiche, as well as older birth, death and marriage registrations. Your local library may be able to help you locate or inform you on who to get touch with. - Gravestone and cemetery records: Surprisingly, you can search cemeteries worldwide; internment.net is a free service that allows you to search databases of over 5,000 cemeteries.
If you know where some family members were buried, visiting the cemetery can reveal a wealth of information about descendants. - Census records: Some census and voting records date back to the early 1800s or even the 1700s in the United States.
One example is the Family Research website, which grants access to their records by becoming a member. Many of these services offer a free trial, or you can visit the National Archives.
If you’re at a National Archives facility, you can access the online services for free, without a membership. You can also explore the microfilm catalogs online to help narrow your search.
One of the most effective ways to learn about your family history is to ask your relatives, particularly the oldest ones. They may have the oldest information or even documents you’re searching for.
Researching and compiling your family tree can be an incredibly rewarding experience, connecting you to your heritage and your family’s place in history.
Before spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on professional help or resources, try some free basic genealogy first. You might be pleasantly surprised by your findings.
Keep in mind that many online documents will need verification. However, knowing about these documents can significantly reduce your research time.
