Library Genealogy Research: Access Free Ancestry Databases with Your Library Card (2026)
Your local public library gives you free access to genealogy databases that would otherwise cost $200 or more per year. Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest Online, Fold3, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, and Newspapers.com Library Edition are all available at most mid-to-large library systems — at zero cost to anyone with a library card. This guide explains exactly which databases your library has, how to access them from home, and how to use them to trace your family history from census records all the way back through immigration and military service.
Start Your Free Genealogy Research — Quick Links
All require a library card (except FamilySearch, which is always free). Remote access to most databases available with card + PIN.
What Genealogy Databases Can You Access Free at the Library?
Most US public libraries subscribe to at least three or four major genealogy databases. The table below covers the most important ones, what they contain, how you access them, and their retail cost if you had to pay out of pocket. Together, these databases give library cardholders access to a research toolkit worth hundreds of dollars per year — completely free.
| Database Name | What It Contains | Access Type | Retail Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancestry Library Edition | 20B+ records: US census (1790–1940), immigration, vital records, military, city directories | In-library; remote at many libraries | ~$200/year |
| HeritageQuest Online | US census 1790–1940, PERSI periodical index, Revolutionary War records, 25,000+ genealogy books | Remote with library card (widely available) | ~$95/year |
| Fold3 | Military records: Civil War pension files, WWI & WWII draft cards, service records, unit histories | In-library only (most systems) | ~$80/year |
| ProQuest Historical Newspapers | NY Times (1851–2019), Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal | In-library; remote at many libraries | ~$175/year |
| Newspapers.com Library Edition | 250M+ newspaper pages from 1700s to present; obituaries, birth/marriage announcements | In-library; remote at select libraries | ~$200/year |
| Chronicling America (NDNP) | 20M+ historic newspaper pages 1770–1963 from the Library of Congress | Free online at chroniclingamerica.loc.gov | Free |
| FamilySearch | 7B+ records worldwide; census, birth, marriage, death, immigration, military | Free online at familysearch.org | Free |
| WorldCat | Catalog of 500M+ items at libraries worldwide; locate genealogy books and microfilm near you | Free online at worldcat.org | Free |
Retail prices are approximate annual subscription rates as of 2026. Library access is free to all cardholders.
How to Access Genealogy Databases at Your Library
There are two ways to use your library's genealogy databases: in-library access and remote access from home. Both require a library card for most databases. Here is how each works and a step-by-step walkthrough for getting started today.
In-Library Access
Any patron — even without a card — can use most databases at a library computer. Simply sit down at a public terminal, navigate to the library's website, and click through to the database. No login is required because the library's IP address authenticates you automatically.
- No card required at most locations
- All databases available including Fold3
- Microfilm readers and scanners on-site
- Librarian assistance available in person
Remote Access from Home
Many databases — especially HeritageQuest Online and increasingly Ancestry Library Edition — can be accessed from home with your library card number and PIN. This is ideal for late-night research sessions when the library is closed.
- Requires valid library card + PIN
- Available 24/7 from any device
- HeritageQuest widely available remotely
- Ancestry Library Edition at select systems
Step-by-Step: How to Access Remote Genealogy Databases
- Go to your library system's official website (search "[your city] public library").
- Click on "Research & Learn," "Databases," or "Digital Resources."
- Find the Genealogy & Local History category or search for "Ancestry" or "HeritageQuest."
- Click the database link. You will be redirected to a login prompt.
- Enter your library card number (14–17 digits on the back of your card) and your PIN (often your birth year or a 4-digit code you set).
- You will be authenticated and taken directly into the database.
- If you do not know your PIN, call your library or visit in person to reset it.
Step-by-Step Genealogy Research Guide for Beginners
Whether you are just starting out or trying to break through a brick wall, a structured approach will save you hours of frustration. Follow these seven steps using the free resources available at your library. Each step builds on the last, taking you from living memory back through generations of documented history.
Step 1: Start with What You Know — Build Your Family Tree Skeleton
Begin with yourself and work backward. Write down the full names, birth dates, birthplaces, marriage dates, and death dates of your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Collect documents already in your family: birth certificates, marriage licenses, obituaries, old letters, immigration papers, and family bibles. Interview living relatives — a 20-minute conversation with an elderly aunt can provide decades of information that no database will ever contain. Record everything in a standard pedigree chart or genealogy software such as Gramps (free), Legacy Family Tree (free basic version), or FamilySearch's online tree (free). The more you document before you start searching, the more efficiently you will be able to use the databases your library provides.
Step 2: US Federal Census Records (1790–1940)
Federal census records are the backbone of American genealogy research. A new census was taken every 10 years starting in 1790, and records through 1950 are publicly available (the 1950 census was released in 2022). Each census snapshot tells you who lived in a household at a specific address, with increasingly detailed information over the decades. The 1880 census onwards lists each person's relationship to the head of household. The 1900 census adds birth month and year and the number of years married. The 1910–1940 censuses include whether the home is owned or rented, the value, and employment details. Access all available census records free through Ancestry Library Edition at your library, or through FamilySearch from home at no cost. The Soundex index (a phonetic coding system) helps you find records even when names are misspelled by census enumerators.
Step 3: Vital Records — Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates
Vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates) are the most reliable primary sources in genealogy because they were created close in time to the event they document. State-level vital registration in the US began at different dates: Massachusetts began in 1842, but many states did not mandate statewide registration until the early 1900s. For records before statewide registration, search church registers, county courthouse records, and newspaper announcements. Ancestry Library Edition indexes millions of vital records from all 50 states. Many state archives have also digitized early vital records and made them searchable for free online. Your library's reference staff can guide you to your specific state's holdings and the dates they cover.
Step 4: Immigration and Naturalization Records
If your ancestors arrived in the United States from another country, immigration and naturalization records can provide their exact birthplace, the names of relatives left behind, and the ship they sailed on. Passenger lists became dramatically more informative after 1891, when federal immigration bureaus began recording the immigrant's last residence, destination contact, and physical description. The Ellis Island Foundation database (free at libertyellisfoundation.org) covers 1892–1957 and indexes 12 million arrivals by name. Castle Garden records (1820–1892) are searchable on Ancestry Library Edition and FamilySearch. Naturalization records, held at federal district courts, include declarations of intention ("first papers") and petitions for citizenship, which often list the immigrant's exact date and port of arrival and the names of two witnesses who can serve as additional research leads.
Step 5: Military Records
Military service records document your ancestor's enlistment, rank, unit, injuries, and discharge. Pension files are even more valuable: they often contain affidavits describing family relationships, birthplaces, and financial circumstances in remarkable detail. Fold3 (available free at most library computers) indexes Civil War compiled military service records, pension files, WWI and WWII draft registration cards, and unit histories. The National Archives holds the original personnel files for 20th-century veterans; for WWII veterans you can request records through the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis at no charge. Draft registration cards from WWI (for men born 1872–1900) and WWII (for men born 1877–1897) are fully indexed and viewable free on both Ancestry Library Edition and FamilySearch.
Step 6: Newspaper Obituaries and Announcements
Before the internet age, the local newspaper was the primary channel for announcing births, marriages, deaths, and social events. An obituary from the 1930s often names the deceased's parents, surviving siblings, children, and grandchildren — a goldmine for filling out a family group sheet. Newspapers.com Library Edition (250 million+ pages, available at most public libraries) and ProQuest Historical Newspapers (available in-library and remotely at many systems) both offer full-text keyword search, meaning you can search a person's name and instantly retrieve all mentions across decades of issues. Chronicling America from the Library of Congress covers 1770–1963 and is always free online at no charge. For recent obituaries, most funeral homes now publish them online and services like Legacy.com aggregate them by surname and date.
Step 7: Photograph and Document Preservation
Once you locate records and photographs, preserving them is just as important as finding them. Many library systems provide free flatbed scanners for patron use. Scan all photographs at 600 DPI or higher and save in TIFF format for archival quality. Label digital files with the full name, estimated date, and location of each subject before the information is lost. For physical documents, use acid-free archival sleeves available at most office supply stores. Several libraries also offer free digitization workshops and access to photo-restoration software. Platforms such as MyHeritage Photo Enhancer and Google PhotoScan allow you to use your smartphone camera for quick scanning when a flatbed is not available. Store digital archives in at least two locations, such as an external hard drive and a cloud service.
Ancestry Library Edition vs. Ancestry.com: What Is the Difference?
Researchers often wonder whether the free library version of Ancestry is as useful as the paid subscription. The short answer is: for pure record research, it is nearly identical. Here is a clear comparison of the two products across the features that matter most for genealogy research, including one key limitation you need to know about.
| Feature | Ancestry Library Edition (Free) | Ancestry.com (Paid ~$200/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| US Census Records (1790–1940) | ✅ Full access | ✅ Full access |
| Immigration & Naturalization Records | ✅ Full access | ✅ Full access |
| Military Records | ✅ Full access | ✅ Full access |
| Vital Records (Birth/Death/Marriage) | ✅ Full access | ✅ Full access |
| Remote Access (from home) | ⚠ In-library by default; remote at select systems | ✅ Anywhere, anytime |
| Save Personal Family Tree | ❌ Not available | ✅ Unlimited tree storage |
| AncestryDNA Integration | ❌ Not available | ✅ Full DNA matching and hints |
| Automated Record Hints | ❌ Not available without account | ✅ Hints based on your tree |
| Annual Cost | Free with library card | ~$200/year (US + World plan) |
Pro tip: Use Ancestry Library Edition for record lookups at your library, then export your findings to a free family tree platform like FamilySearch or Gramps. This gives you the best of both worlds — the huge Ancestry record collection plus a permanent, shareable family tree — at zero cost.
Best US Libraries for Genealogy Research
While your local public library is the best starting point for free online database access, these specialized institutions hold physical collections of unmatched depth. If online databases have not answered your questions, a visit to one of these research libraries can break through walls that no search engine can.
1. Family History Library — Salt Lake City, Utah
Largest in the WorldThe Family History Library, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the largest genealogical library in the world. It holds over 5.6 billion records in print, digital, and microfilm form, covering more than 110 countries. The collection spans birth, marriage, death, census, church, land, probate, and military records from the 1600s to the present. Access is completely free to the public. Research consultants are available on the floor at no charge, and the library maintains over 4,000 computer workstations. The FamilySearch website continuously digitizes and indexes the library's holdings; much is now freely accessible from any home computer. The physical library is located at 35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, and is open Monday through Saturday.
Visit Family History Library →2. Allen County Public Library — Fort Wayne, Indiana
#2 Largest in USThe Genealogy Center at Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is the largest public library genealogy collection in the United States. It holds over 350,000 published genealogy volumes, 513,000 microforms, and more than 50,000 local history items. The center maintains PERSI (Periodical Source Index), the world's largest index to genealogical and local history periodicals, with over 3 million entries pointing to articles in thousands of society journals and newsletters. The reading room is open to the public at no charge, and staff genealogists assist researchers daily. Indiana library card holders can access many center resources remotely through the library's digital portal.
Visit Allen County Genealogy Center →3. New York Public Library — New York City
Best for Immigrant RecordsThe New York Public Library's Milstein Division of US History, Local History and Genealogy is one of the premier genealogy resources in the world, with special emphasis on New York City immigration records, colonial-era documents, and the records of the city's diverse ethnic communities. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, also part of NYPL, holds one of the world's largest collections of materials related to the African diaspora and is an essential stop for African American genealogy research. NYPL provides free in-library access to all major genealogy databases, and its massive local newspaper archive on microfilm dates back to the 1800s.
Visit NYPL Genealogy Division →4. Newberry Library — Chicago, Illinois
Midwest SpecialistThe Newberry Library in Chicago is an independent research library with one of the strongest genealogy collections in the Midwest. It specializes in pre-20th-century records, Native American history, colonial and early American materials, and European records for common immigrant communities to the Midwest including German, Scandinavian, Czech, and Polish families. The library offers free public reading room access, and the Newberry runs highly regarded genealogy seminars and workshops throughout the year that are open to researchers of all skill levels.
5. DAR Library — Washington, DC
Colonial America FocusThe Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Library in Washington, DC, holds over 200,000 genealogical and local history volumes with a strong focus on early American families, Revolutionary War patriots, and colonial records. The library maintains the DAR Genealogical Record System, a database of lineage papers submitted by DAR members over more than a century, and the DAR Patriot Index, which lists over 100,000 Revolutionary War patriots with their dates, units, and known descendants. Open to the general public; non-members pay a small daily access fee.
6. Los Angeles Public Library — Los Angeles, California
Spanish Colonial RecordsThe Los Angeles Public Library's History and Genealogy Department holds an outstanding collection for researchers with Spanish colonial, Mexican, and Latin American ancestry. The collection includes California mission records from 1769 onward, Spanish land grant documents, Los Angeles city directories back to the 1870s, California Voter Registration records, and a large California newspaper archive. LAPL also provides one of the most generous digital database access programs of any US public library system, with remote access to many genealogy databases available to all LA County cardholders.
African American Genealogy Research at the Library
Tracing African American family history presents unique challenges because enslaved people were not recorded by name in most census records before 1870. However, a wealth of specialized sources exists, and libraries — both online and physical — are the primary access point for many of the most valuable of these records.
Freedmen's Bureau Records
The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands (1865–1872) generated millions of records documenting formerly enslaved people: labor contracts, marriage registers, hospital records, ration lists, and letters. Over 4 million records are now fully indexed and searchable for free on FamilySearch, making this the single most important breakthrough in African American genealogy in decades. Records name individuals, list ages, family members, and often the name of the former enslaver — bridging the gap to pre-war plantation records.
Slave Schedules (1850 & 1860 Census)
Supplemental slave schedules to the 1850 and 1860 US censuses list enslaved individuals by age, sex, and color under their enslaver's name. While names are not recorded, cross-referencing slave schedule entries with the ages of individuals appearing in the 1870 census in the same county can establish identity. This technique, combined with estate inventories and probate records, is the most reliable method for crossing the 1870 barrier. Slave schedules are available on Ancestry Library Edition and FamilySearch.
Church and Community Records
African American churches were community centers and record-keepers for generations. Baptism registers, burial books, and membership lists from historically Black churches (Baptist, AME, AME Zion) often predate civil registration. Many have been microfilmed and are available through the Family History Library or local library collections. The HBCU Libraries Alliance maintains digital collections from historically Black colleges that include significant genealogical materials not available elsewhere.
Specialized Databases
Beyond Ancestry and FamilySearch, specialized databases include: the Afro-American Newspaper Archives (1893–1988), Fold3's Freedmen's Bureau collection, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database (slavevoyages.org, free), and the Schomburg Center's digitized collections at NYPL. The African American Civil War Memorial's database lists over 200,000 United States Colored Troops soldiers who served between 1863 and 1865 — searchable free online.
Research tip: After the Civil War, many formerly enslaved people adopted the surnames of former enslavers or chose entirely new names. Searching the 1870 census in the same county where the enslaver lived, combined with Freedmen's Bureau records for that county, is the most effective strategy for bridging the 1870 barrier and finding pre-war family connections.
7 Tips from Professional Genealogists
Certified genealogists and library research specialists consistently share these strategies with researchers who want to make faster progress, avoid common traps, and build a family history that holds up to scrutiny.
Document Everything with Source Citations
Record exactly where every piece of information came from: database name, collection title, record type, URL, and access date. Without citations, you cannot verify findings, share research with others, or avoid re-searching the same sources. Use the Evidence Explained citation style (by Elizabeth Shown Mills) as the genealogy professional standard. A family tree full of unsourced facts is a liability, not an asset.
Search Variations of Names and Spellings
Clerks transcribed names phonetically, and immigrant names were frequently anglicized on arrival. A "Johann Mueller" may appear as "John Miller," "Johan Muller," or "Yohann Moeller" in different records. Use wildcard and Soundex searches in Ancestry and try multiple spelling variations. The Daitch-Mokotoff Soundex system is especially useful for Eastern European names. Search for women under both their maiden and married surnames.
Research the Cluster — Not Just Your Direct Ancestor
The FAN Club method (Family, Associates, and Neighbors) recognizes that your ancestor's relatives, in-laws, and neighbors often traveled and settled together. When you hit a brick wall, research the people living near your ancestor in the same census neighborhood. Their records often reveal your ancestor's origins or family connections that no direct search would uncover. This is especially productive for pre-immigration research.
Use DNA Testing to Confirm Paper Research
Autosomal DNA tests (AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA) identify genetic cousins who may have already researched shared ancestral lines. DNA results can confirm family relationships, break through naming brick walls, and reveal unexpected ethnic origins. Test the oldest living family members first — they carry DNA from the most generations. DNA results complement paper research; they do not replace it, but they provide independent verification that no document search can match.
Read the Actual Image — Do Not Rely on Transcriptions Alone
Database indexes are created by human transcribers or AI and contain errors. A name may be indexed incorrectly while the original document is perfectly legible. Always click through to view the original document image. In Ancestry, every search result has a "View Image" option. Seeing the original handwriting also reveals context clues — marginalia, crossed-out entries, corrections, and neighboring records — that the transcription completely omits.
Ask Your Librarian — They Are Your Best Research Asset
Reference librarians and genealogy specialists at public libraries provide free one-on-one research consultations. They know which local databases, microfilm collections, county histories, and obscure local publications are available. Many library systems offer structured genealogy programs, including monthly research help sessions, beginner workshops, and advanced seminars on specific record types. Ask at the reference desk or check the library's events calendar for upcoming genealogy programming.
Work from the Known to the Unknown — Never Skip Generations
A common beginner mistake is to jump back several generations before fully documenting the most recent ones. Each generation is connected to the one before it by records you must find and verify. If you skip your grandparents' generation without locating their birth certificates, you may inadvertently build an entire tree on the wrong family. Always verify each generational link with at least two independent records before moving further back in time.
Genealogy Research Forms and Organization
Professional genealogists use standardized forms to organize research and ensure nothing is overlooked. These forms are available free from FamilySearch, the National Archives, and most public library genealogy departments. Using them from the start saves enormous time and prevents the confusion that comes from disorganized notes.
Pedigree Chart (Ahnentafel)
The most fundamental genealogy form, a pedigree chart shows your direct ancestors in a branching tree format. You appear as #1, your father as #2, your mother as #3, paternal grandfather as #4, and so on in a fixed numbering system. The Ahnentafel system means any father's number is always double his child's number, making it easy to navigate. Most genealogy software generates pedigree charts automatically. Free printable versions are available at FamilySearch.org under "Research Helps." A standard 4-generation chart covers you through your great-grandparents on a single page.
Family Group Sheet
A family group sheet documents one nuclear family unit: husband, wife, and their children. It records full names, dates and places of birth, marriage, and death, and source citations for each data point. Unlike the pedigree chart (which covers only your direct line), family group sheets capture siblings and collateral relatives — essential for the cluster research method. Keep one family group sheet per couple and file them alphabetically by husband's surname. Completing these sheets reveals gaps that targeted research can fill.
Research Log (Research Calendar)
A research log tracks every source you have searched, when you searched it, what you were looking for, and what you found — including negative results. This prevents you from searching the same source twice, helps you identify patterns in gaps, and provides a full audit trail if you need to share or publish your research. Maintain a separate log for each surname or ancestral couple. Google Sheets or a simple spreadsheet works very well for a digital research log that can be accessed from any device.
Library resource: Many public library genealogy departments provide printed copies of these forms for free at the reference desk. Download them free from FamilySearch Research Helps or from the National Archives website at archives.gov.
Recommended Genealogy Books & DNA Kits
As an Amazon Associate, Library Hours 24 earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our editorial recommendations.
Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace — Elizabeth Shown Mills
The definitive guide to genealogical source citations. Essential for any serious researcher. Covers every record type including digital databases, microfilm, DNA, and original documents.
View on Amazon →The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy — Blaine T. Bettinger
The most accessible introduction to genetic genealogy. Explains how autosomal, Y-DNA, and mtDNA tests work, how to interpret results, and how to use DNA matches to break through brick walls.
View on Amazon →AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test Kit
The world's largest consumer DNA database with 22 million+ members. Provides ethnicity estimates and cousin matching. Integrates directly with Ancestry family trees for automated record hints.
View on Amazon →23andMe Ancestry + Traits DNA Test
Covers 2,000+ geographic regions for highly specific ethnicity breakdowns. Includes maternal and paternal haplogroups, Neanderthal ancestry, and 30+ trait reports. Database of 14 million+ members.
View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions: Library Genealogy Research
Can I access Ancestry for free at the library? +
Yes. Most US public libraries subscribe to Ancestry Library Edition, which provides in-library access to over 20 billion records including US census records, immigration databases, vital records, and more. Some library systems also allow remote access to Ancestry Library Edition with a valid library card and PIN through their digital resources portal. The retail cost of an Ancestry.com subscription is approximately $200 per year, making the free library access one of the most valuable benefits of a library card.
What is HeritageQuest Online and does my library have it? +
HeritageQuest Online is a genealogy database published by ProQuest that focuses on US census records from 1790 to 1940, US Revolutionary War records, the Periodical Source Index (PERSI), and thousands of digitized genealogy books. Unlike Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest is commonly available for remote access with a library card from home, making it one of the most convenient free genealogy tools. Search your library system's website under "Digital Resources" or "Databases" to confirm access.
What genealogy records are available for free at the library? +
Public libraries typically provide free access to US federal census records (1790–1940), Social Security Death Index, immigration and naturalization records, military service and pension records, vital records indexes, historical newspapers (including the New York Times back to 1851 and Newspapers.com Library Edition with 250 million+ pages), city directories, local history collections, and microfilm archives. The exact databases available depend on your library system's subscriptions, but most mid-to-large library systems provide several thousand dollars worth of genealogy database access annually at no cost to cardholders.
What is the difference between Ancestry Library Edition and Ancestry.com? +
Ancestry Library Edition and Ancestry.com contain largely the same historical records, but there are key differences. Ancestry Library Edition must be used on library premises (or remotely if your library has enabled that feature), while Ancestry.com is accessible anywhere with a paid subscription. Ancestry.com allows you to save family trees, upload DNA results, and sync records to your personal account, which Library Edition does not. Library Edition does not include DNA testing features. However, Library Edition provides access to all the core census, immigration, vital records, and military databases that make Ancestry valuable for research.
Which library has the largest genealogy collection in the United States? +
The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the largest genealogy library in the world. It holds over 5.6 billion records in digital, microfilm, and printed form, spanning records from more than 110 countries. Access is free to the public. The second largest public genealogy collection in the US is the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with over 350,000 published genealogy volumes and 513,000 microforms. Both institutions welcome walk-in visitors and have research staff available to assist at no charge.
How do I find military records for a family member at the library? +
Libraries provide access to several military record databases. Fold3, available in-library at most public libraries, contains US military records including Civil War pension files, World War I and II draft registration cards, service records, and unit histories. FamilySearch (free to access anywhere online) holds millions of digitized military records. The National Archives holds the official military personnel files and can be requested online through the National Personnel Records Center. For Civil War ancestors, the Compiled Military Service Records are fully indexed and searchable on Fold3 and increasingly available on FamilySearch.
Can I do genealogy research remotely with just a library card? +
Yes, many genealogy databases are accessible remotely with a library card and PIN. HeritageQuest Online is widely available for home access. Some library systems also enable remote access to Ancestry Library Edition, Newspapers.com Library Edition, and local newspaper archives. Log in to your library's website, navigate to "Digital Resources" or "Research Databases," and look for the genealogy category. You will be prompted to enter your library card number and PIN to authenticate. If you do not know your PIN, visit your library in person or check if your system allows online PIN setup.
What is FamilySearch and is it free? +
FamilySearch is a free genealogy website and database operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is completely free to use — no library card required. FamilySearch contains over 7 billion indexed records including birth, marriage, death, census, immigration, and military records from around the world. It also provides access to a collaborative online family tree, digitized historical documents, and free research guides by country and record type. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City and thousands of affiliated Family History Centers at local meetinghouses allow free in-person access to resources not yet available online.
How do I research African American genealogy before 1870? +
Tracing African American genealogy before the 1870 census (the first to record all individuals by name) requires specialized sources. The Freedmen's Bureau Records, now fully indexed and searchable for free on FamilySearch, document the lives of 4 million formerly enslaved people through labor contracts, ration records, hospital records, and marriage registers. Slave schedules from the 1850 and 1860 censuses list enslaved individuals by age and gender (not by name) under their enslaver's household — cross-referencing these with plantation records and probate documents can establish family connections. Libraries often hold digitized church records, estate inventories, bills of sale, and Freedmen's Bureau correspondence on microfilm that is not yet available online.