There is a multitude of free websites that will offer free access to ancestry records to any genealogy hobbyist, or for anyone with a need to do quick ancestry research. Following a few simple steps will ensure that you not only find the best that the web has to offer in free ancestry sites, but that you also fully utilize them to gain benefit from all that they have to offer.
Step 1. What do you want? As with any aspect of your research, you need to have an attack plan in mind. There is so much information on the internet that you may find yourself approaching the point of being overwhelmed if you do not take the time to quickly jot down a few notes for yourself about what it is you're looking for. Having a clear idea of what you're looking for will help you quickly narrow down the results you receive.
Step 2. The Search! Your favorite search engine is going to be your first tool to aid in your search for free ancestry websites. Plugging in a few key phrases and words related to your search are going to be the easiest way to locate the free websites that you are looking for. If you are searching for Civil War information, be sure to include it in your search for free websites! The more information that you include in your searching, the more likely you are to get the results that you want. Don't forget to include the words "free" or "no cost" to ensure that you retrieve the correct results!
Step 3. Narrow down the results! Unfortunately, a good portion of the search results you retrieve will be links that lead you to the pay or "for profit" ancestry websites. There is no doubt that these websites provide a good and useful service to those who are willing and able to pay for the service. However, there is more than enough genealogy research information that is available at no charge. Be aware that there are some websites who will allow you to search for data at no charge; however, should you wish to actually view the complete information you will be ported over to a page ready to accept your credit card details!
Step 4. Other Resources! One of the best resources to aid you in your quest to locate free ancestry sites is going to be other researchers. If your web searches have failed to yield satisfactory results then you should seek out genealogy and other family tree forums. If there is not already helpful information about locating free websites, then post a question to the open forum and find out what other hobbyists are doing to locate free information. Your fellow genealogy researchers will most likely be more than happy to share their resources with you!
No matter what level of genealogy research hobbyist you are, you are certain to benefit from the successful searching of free websites; not only for the money saved by not spending on a subscription to a pay website, but also by the wide variety of information available free of charge.
Jeff Sallee is a hopeless genealogy enthusiast and also the author of "Family Tree Secrets: Guide to Creating Your Own Family Tree". Jeff truly enjoys helping others get started in this satisfying pursuit. For more information regarding his book or to see other articles on free ancestry sites check out: http://www.SecretsOfGenealogy.com
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