Research Guides: Genealogy: Online Resources

Family Tree Makers

Ancestry.com
With a free account on Ancestry, you can set up your family tree and access a very limited number of records. The green leaf "hints" on the family tree can get you started in no time!
Family Search
Create a free account to use their family tree maker. They provide hints like Ancestry does, but not as many or as thoroughly. All of their records are free.
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Unlike Ancestry.com, where each user maintains individual trees, FamilySearch has one "wiki tree" that everyone can add to and edit. When you enter info, you might find that your ancestors have already been added by someone else!

Where to Find Records Online

Ancestry Library
You can access MSU's Ancestry subscription through the library's databases page or enter the website directly (ancestrylibrary.com) if you're connected to MSU's VPN, using a library computer, etc. The library subscribes to both US and international records.

Hint: use your free family tree on Ancestry.com to get relevant hints, then use the library's Ancestry subscription to search and view the records!

Family Search
Free access to many records that aren't available on Ancestry, organized by country and state
Find A Grave
Search millions of cemetery records for free. You can also create an account and volunteer to fill headstone photo requests in your area.
Billion Graves
Another free resource to search cemetery records
Fold3
Focuses on military records, but also includes city directories and other resources. Search and preview are free, but full view requires a subscription. Free trial available.
Chronicling America
Search historical newspapers for free
Genealogy Bank
Large collection of historical US newspapers. Search and preview are free, but you will need a paid account to view the complete articles. Free trial available.
Newspapers.com
Another site for historical newspapers. Free OCR preview, subscription required to view newspapers.
Freedmen's Bureau Records
Search Freedmen's Bureau records at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. You can search by name, county, plantation, etc.

Hint: Simply searching Google for an ancestor's name can yield results from obituaries, full-text family history books in the public domain (from Google Books), and more. For best results, put the name in quotation marks, i.e. "Jane Brooks." Google searches work better on full names and less common names. To narrow results, include a state or city, i.e. "Michael Edward Stanton" Philadelphia.

Library update: Recent database changes

Genealogy

Family Tree Makers

Where to Find Records Online