Genealogy Finding Aids, Search Tips, Guides and Help, and Record Resources
Genealogy Finding Aids, Search Tips, Guides and Help, and Record Resources
Genealogy Database Search Engine Help
Surname Finder
Enter your surname once, search multiple world-wide genealogy search engines. A surname specific search engine that searches genealogy databases and finds surnames even if a common word.
Social Security Death Index - SSDI
Ways to find your ancestors in the US SSDI - even if you couldn't find them before - and what to do with the info when you do find them!
Info you will find on the SSDI
Info you will NOT find on the SSDI
Comparison of the 5 online SSDI search engines
Unique search tips to locate hard to find ancestors in the SSDI
New Family Search
Mormon Genealogy - The largest repository of original digitized records in the world. Understanding the databases at the new LDS genealogy family site.
Search by Location
Search by Family Tree
Old Family Search
The largest repository of genealogy in the world. Understanding the databases at the old (and still available) LDS (Mormon) genealogy family site.
Ancestral File
International Genealogical Index (IGI)
Pedigree Resource File (PRF)
U. S. Census
The census can provide info about family members and relationships, locations, birth years, immigration, and military service.
U. S. Census Guide
Guide, Clues & Research Tips for the U. S. Federal Census 1790-1930.
On-line and off-line census
Census finding aids and indexes
Census questions
What can be learned from the census
Census dates
NARA Census microfilm numbers
Census Database Chart
Compares the on-line census by Ancestry.com, Genealogy.com, Heritage Quest, and the LDS for the years 1790 through 1930 so one can see at a glance which company has an index and census for each year. Also, lists whether the index is every name or head of household. http://www.searchforancestors.com/records/census.html
Family Trees
Learn the difference between the various family tree databases online.
The Ellis Island Website
Haven't been able to find your ancestor on the Ellis Island website? These ideas may help!
Soundex Searches
The benefit of genealogy search engines that have soundex (phonetic) options. It is easier to find your ancestors on the soundex census index and soundex search engines if you understand the soundex code and its limitations
Google Search Help
Easy Google Genealogy Searcher
Can't remember all the Google tricks you've heard? Want to learn some things you probably had no idea Google could do? Google Searcher puts advanced Google features on one page with suggested keywords and advice about how each feature is useful for genealogists. Learn the many possibilities Google offers for genealogy searches and become a Google expert.
Google
If you haven't tried searching for your ancestors using Google, you will be amazed at all Google can do. Learn all the Google tricks.
Step by Step Google
Follow these step-by-step Google interactives searches to learn all the Google tricks.
Record your Heritage
Heritage Scrapbooking
Learn ways to make a heritage scrapbook with or without photographs of your ancestors.
UK Records Resources
Resources to help find your UK, English, Welsh, Scottish or Northern Ireland Ancestor.
U.S. State Archives
Archives often contain documents relating to the history of the state including military records and pension files, county and local histories, diaries, letters, manuscripts, directories, tax rolls, deeds, land grants, voter registration rolls, photographs and other unusual materials. Sometimes, the state archives will hold birth, marriage, death and probate records.
Relationship Help
Cousin Calculator
Calculate the relationship between two blood relatives. Relationship and Family Terms and Definitions. Find out the meaning of such terms as a first cousin twice removed.
Genealogy Free Trials
Free trials to Ancestry and Genealogy.com databases. Census, immigration, UK & Ireland, Newspaper Collection, Genealogy Library, Family and Local Histories, much more. Why pay when you can view for free?
Search Engine Help
How a Web Page Can Help
Looking for missing pieces in your family puzzle? Use a web page to "post" your missing pieces.
Unwanted Pop-ups
How to rid yourself of unwanted pop-up ads and make your computer run faster at the same time - all for free.
Date and Calendar Help
Age Calculator
Calculate the difference between any two dates.
Birthday Calculator
Calculate a birthday from the date on a tombstone or death certificate.
Easter Sunday Finder
Enter the year to find the date on which Easter Sunday falls.
Julian to Gregorian Calendar Conversion Dates
Explanation of the changeover from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar with a list of countries and changeover date. Explanation of Old Style Dates and Double Dating.
Roman Numeral Calculator
Convert a Year written in Roman Numerals to a Number Year. Roman Numeral Years are common on tombstones from the eighteenth century.
Find Living People
Person Finder
A Step by Step Guide finding long lost people.
People Finder
A Premium Resource for finding lost family, birth parents, missing friends, military buddies, and loved ones.
Reverse Directory
Enter name, address OR phone number. Find people on same block, or enter an address or phone # to get a name!
Build a WebPage
Looking for missing pieces in your family puzzle? One way to have your distant cousins find you and facilitate your own research is by building a genealogy web page.
Learn Genealogy
Learn how to research your family ancestry and find your ancestors.
Share your Genealogy
Find out who else is researching the same family names. Facilitate your own research by registering your surnames.
U. S. Military Help
Military Records
are an often overlooked way to find a tremendous amount of genealogical information.
U. S. Military Help
Ways to determine if your ancestor served in the military and possibly received a pension. Instructions in ordering military records from the Nation Archives (NARA).
