There are many paid services available in genealogy to help you with your search, but there are also plenty of free resources available if you know where to find them and have the patience to learn them. Each resource has advantages and disadvantages, and remember: these sites are tools. They provide access to loads of data, but it requires a critical mind to sift through that data to piece together related records. Be critical in your searches and question everything!
Ancestry.com is probably the best known genealogy research site, thanks to their extensive advertising. The site has a vast database of genealogical records available, from marriage and birth records to passenger lists and yearbooks, but access generally requires a paid membership. However, be sure to check with your local family library, since some libraries offer access to Ancestry 'Library Edition' for free within their facilities.
World's largest gravesite collection. Over 210 memorials created by the community since 1995. Find the graves of ancestors, create virtual memorials or add photos, virtual flowers and a note to a loved one's memorial. Search or browse cemeteries and grave records for every-day and famous people from around the world.
FamilySearch is a family history database site run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is one of the most comprehensive collections of family history records in existence, and many of the records are freely accessible. The one requirement is that you must create a user account with your name and email in order to search the records. Once you've created an account, there are millions of records accessible to you, plus lot of free tutorials to help you get started.
Provides numerous resources for genealogists including--Start your family research, popular topics, events, tools for genealogists census information and more!
The US Gen Web Project is a free resource website operated by volunteers. The site offers resources on all 50 states and can help you determine what records are available for each state and county. It can also provide you with contacts who may be able to guide you to additional resources when you get stuck.
Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1777-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress. This site is useful to find marriage and birth announcements, obituaries, local history information and more to create a more robust picture of your family history.