Where do I start my online genealogy search ?

Hopefully by now you have installed your genealogy software, and entered all the known facts about your family into it. The great thing about most genealogy software these days is that you can upload photos as well, so when you are collecting all the information and stories on your ancestors, please check if someone also has a photo of them, because it adds so much more to your end result.

When trying to search for your ancestry it is always a good idea to start out with the options that are out there which you can access for free. I'll let you keep your wallets in your pocket for at least one more day! Here are some of the free options available:-

1. Google search on your name/surname or subject. It is surprising how much information you can find. I'll use my surname of "Annett" as an example. If you type in a search like "Annett family tree" or "Annett genealogy" without the "" it is surprising what is out there! Here are a few more popular terms people are using at the moment when doing genealogy searches, ancestry, genealogy, ancestry search, family ancestry, family history library, family history research, family history search, family name history, family tree, find ancestors, find my ancestors, find my family, find your ancestors, genealogy charts, genealogy records, genealogy research, genealogy search, genealogy tree, genealogy websites, mormon genealogy and my ancestry.These are just a few of the possibilities you can use, I'm sure that you will come up with some good ones of your own!
2. Don't just use Google, use many of the other popular search engines, Yahoo is the other big one. You can get a good list of search engines including search boxes at 20 Search , or just try a Google search on "Best Search Engines List" to choose for yourself.
3. There are a number of sites offering free information, some you'll find will give you a little bit for free, then they'll let you know that you need to pay to get further information Ancestry.com who created the software Family Tree Maker is certainly worth looking at as they do provide some initial free information and 14 Day Free Trial of products and memberships. Archives.Com say you can search 1 Billion Records which is pretty impressive and well worth investigation and I think they were offering a 7 day free trial period(please use banner at top of page).Onegreatfamily.com also have a massive data base and offer a 7 day free trial period.Others to look at are Family Search, Search for Ancestors, Ancestor Hunt, and My Heritage they are all worth looking at. If you do a Google search on Free Genealogy Search you will find lots of information to excite you!

I hope that you have again enjoyed my posting, and I look forward to hearing from you, comments are always greatly appreciated and if you can direct the followers of this blog to some more great free stuff, please let us know.

Regards,
Peter Annett