Genealogy Resources for Family History Research
Genealogy research is easier when you know where to look. This page includes some of the most valuable genealogy websites, archives, and research tools available online. Whether you’re just starting your family history or breaking through a research brick wall, these resources can help you locate records, historical documents, and family connections.
Major Genealogy Databases for Family History Research
These websites provide access to large collections of historical records, family trees, and research tools used by genealogists around the world. Many of these databases contain billions of records that can help researchers discover and document their family history.
Ancestry.com
GENEALOGY DATABASE
Ancestry is one of the largest online collections of genealogical records, offering access to billions of historical documents from around the world. Records include census data, immigration records, military records, newspapers, and family trees. A subscription is required for most record collections.
Family Search
GENEALOGY DATABASE​
FamilySearch provides free access to millions of historical records and digitized images from archives around the world. Researchers can explore census records, vital records, probate files, and other historical documents, as well as collaborative family trees.
My Heritage
INTERNATIONAL RECORDS & DNA
MyHeritage offers genealogical records from many countries, making it especially useful for international research. The platform also provides DNA testing and matching tools that can help identify relatives and family connections.
Cemetery & Burial Records
Cemetery and burial records can provide valuable clues about an ancestor’s life and family connections. Gravestones, burial registers, and cemetery databases may include birth and death dates, family relationships, military service, and sometimes even photographs of the burial site. These resources can help confirm identities, locate burial places, and uncover relatives buried nearby.
BillionGraves
CEMETERY RECORDS
BillionGraves is a worldwide cemetery database that uses GPS technology and volunteer contributions to document gravestone photographs and burial locations. Many entries include images of the headstone, exact cemetery coordinates, and transcribed information that can help genealogists locate burial sites and confirm family relationships.
Find a Grave
CEMETERY RECORDS
Find a Grave is a large online database of cemetery records contributed by volunteers. It includes photographs of gravestones, burial locations, and memorial pages that can help identify family relationships and burial sites.
Interment.net
CEMETERY RECORDS
Interment.net is a volunteer-driven website that provides cemetery transcriptions, burial records, and gravestone information from cemeteries around the world. Many of the records were transcribed from older cemetery surveys, making this site especially useful for locating burials in cemeteries that may not yet be photographed or indexed on larger platforms.
Tafofile.com
CEMETERY RECORDS
Newspaper Archives
Historical newspapers are one of the richest sources for family history research. Newspaper archives can reveal obituaries, marriage announcements, birth notices, community news, legal notices, and personal stories that may not appear in official records. These articles often provide details about an ancestor’s life, relationships, occupations, and daily experiences, helping bring family history to life.
Chronicling America
NEWSPAPER DATABASE
Chronicling America is a free digital newspaper collection provided by the Library of Congress. It includes millions of historic newspaper pages published in the United States between 1777 and 1963, along with a directory of American newspapers. These newspapers can help genealogists locate obituaries, local news stories, and other records that reveal details about an ancestor’s life.
Newspapers.com
NEWSPAPER DATABASE
 Newspapers.com provides access to millions of digitized newspaper pages from the 1700s through the modern era. Newspapers can reveal obituaries, marriage announcements, local news stories, and other details about ancestors’ lives.
Historical Maps & Geography
Historical maps can help genealogists understand how places, boundaries, and communities changed over time. These resources allow researchers to explore historical landscapes, locate ancestral homes, and identify the towns, counties, and regions where records may exist.
Dave Rumsey Map Collection
HISTORICAL MAPS
The David Rumsey Map Collection provides free access to thousands of digitized historical maps from around the world. These maps can help genealogists understand how boundaries, place names, and communities changed over time, offering valuable geographic context for family history research.
Historic Map Works
HISTORICAL MAPS​
Historic Map Works offers a large collection of digitized historical maps, including property maps, land ownership maps, and atlases. These resources can help researchers locate ancestral homes, identify neighboring families, and better understand historical communities.
Library of Congress Map Collection
HISTORICAL MAPS​
The Library of Congress provides access to one of the largest collections of historical maps in the world. These maps can help genealogists understand historical boundaries, communities, and geographic changes that may affect where records for ancestors can be found.
USGS Historical Topographical Maps
HISTORICAL MAPS​
The U.S. Geological Survey provides access to a large archive of historical topographic maps of the United States. These maps help genealogists explore landscapes, towns, roads, and geographic features as they appeared during the time their ancestors lived there.
Genealogy Organizations & Education
These organizations provide education, research guidance, publications, and professional standards for genealogists. Their resources can help researchers develop stronger research skills, follow accepted genealogical practices, and continue learning about family history.
American Ancestors
GENEALOGY & RESEARCH DATABASE
American Ancestors, operated by the New England Historic Genealogical Society, provides educational resources, historical records, research databases, and publications that support family history research.
Association of Professional Genealogists
PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGY ORGANIZATION
The National Genealogical Society offers a selection of free genealogy charts and templates created by professional researchers. These forms include pedigree charts, family group sheets, research logs, and documentation templates designed to support organized and accurate genealogical research.
Daughters of the American Revolution
GENEALOGY RESEARCH DATABASE​
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution provides several research tools useful for genealogists tracing Revolutionary War ancestors. Their online resources include the Genealogical Research System (GRS), which contains patriot records, descendant information, and other historical materials related to individuals who supported the American Revolution.
National Genealogy Society
GENEALOGY EDUCATION
The National Genealogical Society provides educational resources, research guidance, and publications that help genealogists develop strong research skills and improve their family history work.
Government & National Archives
Government archives preserve many of the historical records genealogists rely on to document family history. These institutions provide access to census records, military service files, immigration records, land records, and other official documents that help trace the lives of past generations.
Bureau of Land Management Land Records
LAND RECORDS
The Bureau of Land Management’s General Land Office (GLO) Records website provides free access to federal land patent records documenting the transfer of public land from the United States government to private individuals. These records include searchable land patents, survey plats, and land descriptions dating back to the early 1800s. Land records can help genealogists discover where ancestors settled, when they acquired property, and sometimes identify neighbors or family members living nearby.
Library of Congress
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES​
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and provides access to millions of historical resources, including manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, maps, and other materials useful for genealogy and historical research.
National Archives NARA
US HISTORICAL RECORDS
The U.S. National Archives preserves and provides access to federal records that are essential for genealogy research. These collections include census records, military service files, immigration and naturalization documents, land records, and many other historical materials documenting the lives of Americans.
Genealogy Forms
Free genealogy forms and research charts can help organize your work, track sources, and document discoveries. These trusted websites offer downloadable forms that are useful for both beginning and experienced family historians.
Ancestry.com
FREE FORMS
Ancestry provides a variety of printable genealogy charts and worksheets designed to help organize family history research. Available forms include pedigree charts, family group sheets, research logs, census tracking sheets, and correspondence logs for documenting communication with archives and relatives.
Family Search
FREE FORMS
FamilySearch offers a collection of free research forms and charts that help genealogists record family relationships, track research progress, and organize historical records. Available forms include pedigree charts, family group records, research logs, and ancestry charts useful for documenting family lines.
National Archives
FREE FORMS
The U.S. National Archives provides downloadable charts and worksheets designed to help researchers analyze historical records and organize genealogical information. These resources include census worksheets, military service analysis forms, immigration tracking sheets, and other tools useful for working with federal records.
National Genealogical Society
FREE FORMS
The National Genealogical Society offers a selection of free genealogy charts and templates created by professional researchers. These forms include pedigree charts, family group sheets, research logs, and documentation templates designed to support organized and accurate genealogical research.
DNA & Genetic Genealogy
DNA testing has become one of the most powerful tools in modern genealogy research. Genetic genealogy can help confirm family relationships, break through research brick walls, and identify unknown ancestors or biological parents. These websites provide DNA testing, matching tools, and analysis platforms that help genealogists interpret DNA results and connect with relatives.
Ancestry DNA
DNA TESTING & MATCHING
AncestryDNA is one of the largest consumer DNA testing databases in the world. It provides autosomal DNA testing, ethnicity estimates, and DNA match lists that allow genealogists to identify genetic relatives and build family connections.
My Heritage DNA
DNA TESTING & MATCHING
MyHeritage DNA offers autosomal DNA testing with ethnicity estimates and DNA match lists. The platform also includes powerful tools for international research and family tree integration.
FamilyTree DNA
AUTOSOMAL, Y-DNA & mtDNA TESTING
FamilyTreeDNA offers multiple types of DNA tests, including autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mitochondrial DNA. These tests allow genealogists to explore paternal and maternal lineages and study deeper ancestral origins.
GEDmatch
DNA ANALYSIS TOOLS
GEDmatch is a free platform that allows users to upload DNA test results from multiple testing companies. It provides advanced tools for comparing DNA kits, identifying shared matches, and performing deeper genetic genealogy analysis.
DNA Painter
DNA ANALYSIS & VISUALIZATION
DNAPainter is a powerful tool that allows genealogists to map DNA segments to specific ancestors. By comparing shared DNA segments, researchers can identify which ancestors contributed particular DNA segments and confirm genetic relationships.
These genealogy websites and research tools are some of the most valuable resources available for family history research. Whether you are just beginning your genealogy journey or working through a challenging research problem, these sites can help you discover historical records, build your family tree, and learn more about your ancestors.
Need help with your research?
Genealogy research can sometimes become complex, especially when records are difficult to locate or conflicting evidence appears. If you need help breaking through a research challenge, professional genealogy services may provide the guidance you need.