Which free online genealogy sources are worth using?
Free online genealogy sources can give you strong clues, but they do not replace careful checking. Start with broad databases, national or regional archives, digitized books, cemetery records, newspapers, and local history collections. Remember that free access, image access, and search features vary by country and can change.
Which free genealogy websites should I try first?
FamilySearch is often a strong first stop because searching and creating an account are free. It covers many countries and record types. Some records have images, some have only indexes, and some images have viewing limits.
National archives and regional archives are also important. Many countries have digitized census records, military records, immigration files, land records, newspapers, maps, or guides. The names of these institutions differ, but searching for the country or region plus “archives genealogy” is often useful.
Local libraries, university collections, and digital book sites can help too. City directories, county histories, old yearbooks, gazetteers, and family history books may be available online for free.
Cemetery and memorial sites can provide dates, burial places, relatives, and photos. Treat them as clues unless they show a clear source.
Use free sources as signposts. A search result tells you where to look next. It is not automatically proof.
What is free on FamilySearch?
FamilySearch offers free searching and free accounts. You can search by name, place, date, relatives, and record type. You may find indexed records, family trees, catalog entries, digitized books, and sometimes images of original records.
There are limits. Some images are not viewable from home because of legal, privacy, or agreement restrictions. Some collections can be viewed only at certain centers or partner libraries. Always check what the site is actually showing you.
Know the difference between an index and an original. An index is a typed or extracted version of a record. It may contain mistakes. If an original image is available, compare it with the index.
Do not accept a match only because the name is right. Check the place, date, spouse, parents, children, occupation, and neighbors. Good matches usually fit several facts at once.
Save a clear source note for every useful find. Even if you do not keep links in your public article text, you need enough information to find the record again.
What free sources exist beyond big genealogy sites?
Look for national archives, state archives, provincial archives, county archives, and municipal archives. Many provide free catalogs and some provide free record images.
Digitized newspapers can be excellent. Birth notices, marriage notices, obituaries, court news, business ads, and local stories may reveal family details. Some newspaper sites are free, while others require payment or library access.
Public domain book collections can help with local histories, school registers, military histories, and old directories. Search for places, surnames, churches, and organizations.
Cemetery databases and war grave registers can provide burial details and family links. Be careful with user-submitted memorials. They may be correct, but they still need checking.
Local genealogy societies often provide indexes, guides, or volunteer projects. Some are free. Some ask for membership or a small fee. Always check the current terms.
What is free and what is usually paid?
Free usually means you can search or view certain records without paying. It does not always mean every image, every country, or every advanced tool is free.
Many paid genealogy sites offer some free indexes. The index may show a name and date, while the image requires a subscription. This can still be useful because it tells you which record exists.
Some archives charge for copies, staff searches, certified records, or high-resolution images. That does not make them bad sources. It just means you should check fees before ordering.
Library access can change the picture. Many public libraries provide access to databases that would cost money at home. Ask your local library what genealogy resources they offer.
Be careful with trial offers and subscriptions. Read the terms before entering payment details. You can do a lot before paying anything.
How do I avoid wrong online matches?
Do not search by name alone. Add place, time period, spouse, parents, children, religion, occupation, or migration clues.
Think about spelling. Names were often recorded in different ways. A person named Katherine may appear as Catherine, Kate, or Katarina. A surname may change after migration.
Check whether the dates make sense. A parent cannot be younger than a child. A person cannot marry years after a confirmed death. Simple logic catches many mistakes.
Separate originals, indexes, and online trees. Original records are usually strongest. Indexes are useful but can contain errors. Online trees are clues, not proof.
Keep a search log. Write which site you searched, what terms you used, and what you found. “No result” is also useful, because it prevents repeating the same search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free genealogy sources reliable?
Many free sources are very reliable, especially official archives and images of original records. User-submitted information needs more checking. The price does not decide quality; the source does.
Can I copy information from online trees?
Use online trees as clues, not proof. Do not copy a whole branch without sources. Look for original records that support each name, date, and relationship.
Why can I not find my ancestor online?
The record may not be digitized, indexed, or public. The name may be spelled differently. The record may be held only in an archive. This is common and does not mean your search is over.
Next Step
Choose one person in your tree and search for that person in one online source. Add only confirmed facts or clearly marked clues. With MyFamilyThree, you can save source notes beside each person while keeping your tree on your own device.