To start searching for records in-person, it's always a good idea to ask your relatives if they have anything of their ancestors' like:
You never know what a relative might have in their attic or basement!
If you're just starting genealogical research, you may think that the internet is the best or only place to find records. The truth is, it just isn't. Don't be discouraged if you can't find a lot about an ancestor on Ancestry or FamilySearch. Local institutions have records that won't be digitized for years (if ever!).
The following are great places to contact or visit:
As a general rule of thumb, these organizations won't be able to provide specific records or answers for free, but they can tell you that:
With that information, you can search digitized or physical indexes of records, mail a form and a check to request a search for an ancestor's vital record, or ignore places that don't hold records for the time period and ancestor you're researching.
Black Genesis: A Resource Book for African-American Genealogy by
When this book was originally published in 1978, it was the first book to provide researchers with information on resources and a methodology specific to African-American genealogy. Now, owing to the unprecedented growth of interest in the subject, this landmark publication has been completely updated and is once again the premier guide to African-American genealogy. The 2nd edition of Black Genesis provides guidance not only to the same basic resources presented in the original edition but also to a substantial amount of additional material. The original goal, however, remains the same--to introduce the novice and professional researcher to African-American genealogical research methods and resources.
Genealogist's Guide to Discovering Your Female Ancestors by
This first-ever guide reveals special strategies for overcoming the unique challenges of tracing female genealogy. Readers will be able to uncover historical facts, personal accounts and recorded events to form an intriguing narrative biography of the women in their ancestries.
The Hidden Half of the Family: A Sourcebook for Women's Genealogy by
Offers information on finding female ancestors in each state, highlighting those laws, both federal and state, that indicate when a woman could own real estate in her own name, devise a will, and enter into contracts. In addition, entries contain information on marriage and divorce law, immigration, citizenship, passports, suffrage, and slave manumission. Material is included on African American, Native American, and Asian American women, as well as patterns of European immigration. Period covered is from the 1600s to the outbreak of WWII.
How to Trace Your Native American Heritage
Discover your Native American heritage and learn how to obtain your tribal membership and more.
Here are some regional web resources and organizations with information helpful to genealogists.
