Top Genealogy Websites for Family History Research (Beyond FamilySearch)

Top Genealogy Websites for Family History Research (Beyond FamilySearch)

This guide shows you how to use FamilySearch.org to find links to other genealogy websites for more in-depth family history research.

1. Start at FamilySearch.org: Navigate to the FamilySearch website at FamilySearch.org. If you don't have an account, create one. It's free!
2. Log In: Click the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner of the screen and enter your username and password.
3. Navigate to the Family Tree: Once logged in, click on "Family Tree" in the top menu bar. Then select "Tree" from the dropdown menu to view your family tree.
4. Find a Person of Interest: Locate the ancestor you want to research. You can navigate through your tree or use the "Find" option to search for a specific individual by name.
5. View Person Details: Click on the person's name in the tree to bring up their profile page. This page contains vital information, records, and research helps.
6. Explore the "Details" Tab: On the person's profile page, ensure you are on the "Details" tab. This is usually the default tab when you open a person's profile.
7. Look for Record Hints: Check the "Research Help" section on the right side of the page. This section often displays potential record hints that FamilySearch has found for your ancestor. These hints might link to records on other websites.
8. Review the "Sources" Section: Scroll down the "Details" tab to the "Sources" section. This area lists any sources that are already attached to the person's profile.
   • Examine Attached Sources: Click on a source to view its details. Some sources may link to original records on partner websites.
   • Look for Website Logos: When viewing a source, look for logos of websites like Ancestry.com, FindMyPast, or MyHeritage. These logos indicate that the record is hosted on that particular website, and you may be able to click through to view the original record (subscription may be required).
9. Use the FamilySearch Wiki: FamilySearch has a comprehensive Wiki (accessed outside of a person's record). It includes guides to specific localities and record types. This can help you find other relevant websites.
   • Navigate to the Wiki: From the FamilySearch homepage, hover over "Search," then click on "Wiki."
   • Search for a Location or Record Type: Use the search bar in the Wiki to search for a specific location (e.g., "England Genealogy") or a specific record type (e.g., "Census Records").
   • Explore the Wiki Articles: The Wiki articles often provide links to external websites where you can find more information about the location or record type you're researching.
10. Take advantage of Partner Access: FamilySearch sometimes has special arrangements with partner websites, granting free access to certain records through the FamilySearch platform. Keep an eye out for announcements about these partnerships.

By exploring these areas within FamilySearch.org, you can discover valuable links to other genealogy websites and expand your research beyond FamilySearch's extensive collections.