Free Websites for Family History Research

Best Free Genealogy and Family History Websites

On these genealogy and family history websites, you can search databases of ancestor names and digitized records—and it’s all free.

Online Course: Find Your Italian Ancestors

Today more than 17 million Americans can claim Italian ancestry. If you’re ready to get to the roots of your Italian family search, then this four-week course is for you. We’ll explore how to conduct research and find records in North America, Italy, and on the best websites for Italian genealogy.

The 15 Best Genealogy Books According to Readers

Nothing beats a good, solid genealogy research book! Here are the genealogy books that readers found most helpful in their family history search.

Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy

Start your family history research! This easy-to-understand guide will help you find your ancestors efficiently and with confidence. Inside, you’ll find expert advice on the basics of genealogy, with tutorials for building a family tree, finding and understanding key genealogy records, and organizing your files and research, plus a roundup of can’t-miss beginner-friendly genealogy websites.

Premium: Ancestry.com: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

To help jump-start your research on the site, here are our best Ancestry.com tips (not all of which even require paying for a subscription). As you work your way through these ideas, you’ll uncover even more Ancestry.com strategies that can help you branch out and document your family tree.