Free Genealogy Resources: Beyond FamilySearch

Free Genealogy Resources: Beyond FamilySearch Records

This guide will help you explore the often-overlooked free resources available directly on FamilySearch.org, beyond the record collections.

Step 1: Navigating to the Research Wiki

FamilySearch's Research Wiki is a treasure trove of information. Here's how to access it:

1. Go to the FamilySearch.org homepage and log in.
2. Click on the "Search" menu in the top navigation bar.
3. From the dropdown menu, select "Wiki". This will take you directly to the FamilySearch Research Wiki.

Step 2: Exploring the Research Wiki

The Research Wiki is organized geographically and by topic. You can browse or search for specific locations or research areas.

• Browse by Location: On the Wiki homepage, you'll see a world map. Click on a continent or region, and then drill down to specific countries, states, or counties.
• Search by Keyword: Use the search bar at the top of the Wiki page to search for specific terms, such as "Irish genealogy," "German church records," or the name of a particular county or town.

Step 3: Using the Wiki to Find Record Descriptions

The Wiki provides valuable information about available records for specific locations. This includes:

• Record Types: Learn about birth, marriage, death, census, probate, and other record types available in your area of interest.
• Record Availability: Discover where these records are located (e.g., online databases, archives, libraries). The Wiki often provides links to both online and offline resources.
• Record Content: Understand what information you can expect to find in specific record types.
• Research Strategies: Get tips and techniques for researching in specific locations or with specific record types.

Step 4: Utilizing the FamilySearch Catalog

The FamilySearch Catalog lists the holdings of the FamilySearch Library and other repositories. It can help you identify resources that are not yet digitized and available online.

1. Go to the FamilySearch.org homepage.
2. Click on the "Search" menu in the top navigation bar.
3. From the dropdown menu, select "Catalog".
4. Use the search options to find resources. You can search by:
   • Place: To find records for a specific location.
   • Surname: To find family histories or genealogies related to your family name.
   • Keyword: To search for resources related to a specific topic (e.g., "cemetery records").

Step 5: Exploring Online Books

FamilySearch has a large collection of digitized books that are free to access. These books can contain invaluable genealogical information.

1. Go to the FamilySearch.org homepage.
2. Click on the "Search" menu in the top navigation bar.
3. From the dropdown menu, select "Books".
4. Search for books by keyword, author, or title. Try searching for local histories, published genealogies, or indexes to records.

By using these free resources on FamilySearch.org, you can significantly expand your genealogical research beyond the standard record collections. Happy researching!