Unlock Hidden Gems: 7 Overlooked Genealogy Websites

Unlock Hidden Gems: 7 Overlooked Genealogy Websites

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Internet Archive – A Treasure Trove of Digitized Materials
3. State Archive, State Library, and State Historical Society Websites
4. Explore Local and Regional Genealogy Society Websites
5. The Digital Public Library of America
6. Linkpendium – Curated List of Genealogy and Historical Websites
7. WorldCat – Searching Library Catalogs for Unique Materials
8. The FamilySearch Research Wiki – Your Go-To Resource
9. Additional Places to Look for Genealogy Research
10. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Genealogy research is a fascinating activity that allows us to Delve into the rich tapestry of our family history. However, if we limit our exploration to just a few websites, we might be missing out on a wealth of valuable records and information about our ancestors. In this article, we will discuss seven websites that should be included in your genealogy research rotation. The best part? All of these websites are free to access. So, let's dive in and discover the Hidden Gems that await us in the online world of genealogy.

1. Internet Archive – A Treasure Trove of Digitized Materials

One Website that should be on every genealogist's radar is the Internet Archive. While many of us are familiar with it as the home of the Wayback Machine, there is much more to explore. Internet Archive has a section dedicated to digitized materials, where You can find a vast array of resources. From yearbooks and city directories to county histories and family histories, this website houses a treasure trove of valuable records. Don't limit your searches to just your ancestors' names; think broader and explore topics, locations, organizations, and churches your ancestors were associated with. The Internet Archive can provide valuable insights and unexpected discoveries in your genealogical Journey.

Pros:

• Vast collection of digitized materials
• Valuable resources beyond just genealogical records
• Allows for broad searches Based on topics, locations, and affiliations

Cons:

• Requires additional exploration beyond just searching for names
• Can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of materials available

2. State Archive, State Library, and State Historical Society Websites

To uncover records specific to the states where your ancestors lived, the websites of state archives, state libraries, and state historical societies are invaluable. Although these organizations may function separately in some states, overlapping functions can make it essential to explore all Relevant websites. Begin by researching the agencies that exist in the states of your interest. Most of these organizations provide online catalogs that help locate different Record groups. However, with the digitization trend, more and more state libraries, archives, and historical societies are adding digital materials to their websites. Expect to find photograph collections, digital copies of original records, and even vital records. Two outstanding examples of such websites are the Library of Virginia and the Wisconsin Historical Society. These websites are treasure troves of information, even if your ancestors didn't reside in those specific locations.

Pros:

• State-specific resources and records
• Increasing digitization efforts for ease of access
• Reputable organizations with reliable information

Cons:

• Varying functions across different states
• Limited to records pertaining to the states of interest

3. Explore Local and Regional Genealogy Society Websites

While researching your ancestors' local or regional genealogy societies' websites, you gain access to their expertise and knowledge. These societies often serve as repositories for records and possess in-depth knowledge of Where To find specific information. Many genealogy society websites provide valuable resources, even if you are not a member. Take, for example, the Indiana Genealogical Society, which offers numerous records available to everyone, not just members. Additionally, these websites often provide research guides, listings of historic churches, cemetery locations, and information about the repositories holding different records. Even if you aren't a member of a genealogy society, checking out their websites can provide unexpected research guidance and record access.

Pros:

• Local and regional expertise
• Access to valuable resources, often for free
• Research guides to assist in the genealogical journey

Cons:

• Limited to specific geographic areas
• Not all genealogy society websites have extensive non-member resources

4. The Digital Public Library of America

The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is an organization comprising thousands of libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. It serves as a portal to access their digital holdings. With more than 44 million digital items, including images, Texts, audio, and video files, DPLA offers a vast collection of historical and genealogical resources. Aside from searching for ancestors' names, consider exploring broader subject areas. Look for materials related to your ancestors' locations, churches, schools, and fraternal organizations. By thinking outside the box and considering various subjects, you increase the chances of finding valuable treasures that illuminate your family's history.

Pros:

• Extensive collection of digitized materials
• Collaboration of reputable institutions
• Subject-based searching for comprehensive exploration

Cons:

• Non-genealogical items may be included in search results
• Requires creativity in searching by subjects

5. Linkpendium – Curated List of Genealogy and Historical Websites

Linkpendium, developed and maintained by Brian and Karen Leverich, is a curated list of over 10 million genealogy and historical websites. As the name implies, Linkpendium is all about genealogy links. It serves as a valuable search engine specifically designed for genealogical research. By searching for your ancestors' names, Linkpendium scours those 10 million websites to provide relevant results. Additionally, you can browse Linkpendium by location, which can lead you to hidden gem websites that cover individual states, counties, and specific categories. Embrace the opportunity to unearth incredible resources made available through Linkpendium's extensive database.

Pros:

• Curated list of genealogy and historical websites
• Specific search engine tailored for genealogical research
• Excellent resource for browsing by location and category

Cons:

• Searching may require broader search terms for better results
• Some websites may have limited content or outdated information

6. WorldCat – Searching Library Catalogs for Unique Materials

When it comes to tracking down unique materials for genealogy, don't overlook WorldCat. WorldCat, short for world catalog, is an expansive database consisting of catalog records from libraries worldwide. Managed by OCLC, a consortium of libraries, WorldCat allows you to search the catalogs of member libraries globally. This is particularly useful as many genealogical resources are not typical bestsellers found in public libraries. Family Bibles, one-of-a-kind records, and other valuable materials often end up in unexpected libraries or archives. By using WorldCat, you can broaden your search and discover hidden treasures that might not have been previously considered. Remember to approach your searches with a focus on subjects related to your ancestors' locations, churches, fraternal organizations, occupations, or ethnicity, for more precise results.

Pros:

• Comprehensive database of library catalogs
• Ability to search for unique and rare materials
• Allows for subject-based searching for better specificity

Cons:

• Results may include libraries or archives with restricted access
• Requires additional effort to ensure availability and access to materials

7. The FamilySearch Research Wiki – Your Go-To Resource

Frequently, genealogists turn to FamilySearch as a primary research website. However, not everyone is aware of the FamilySearch Research Wiki, which contains a wealth of information in a specific section. When you embark on research in a new location or unfamiliar topic, the Research Wiki is your first stop. It provides crucial details about when major records were initiated and formed within counties and states. Additionally, the wiki contains links to relevant websites and collections. Whether you're conducting research within the United States or internationally, the FamilySearch Research Wiki covers locations and topics worldwide. This invaluable resource should be on your radar for every step of your genealogical journey.

Pros:

• Comprehensive information for multiple locations worldwide
• Detailed overview of record availability and formation
• Resourceful links and collections for efficient research

Cons:

• May require additional searching within FamilySearch for specific records
• Limited to the information provided and may not include all available collections

Additional Places to Look for Genealogy Research

In addition to the previously Mentioned websites, there are numerous other platforms and resources you can explore for your genealogy research. Some options include:

• Commercial genealogy websites like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage
• Government websites with dedicated genealogy sections
• Social media groups and forums for connecting with fellow researchers
• Local historical societies and archives specific to your ancestors' locations
• Newspaper archives and digital collections for valuable historical information
• Ethnic heritage websites and cultural organizations

Remember to cast a wide net when conducting your research. Utilize a combination of free and paid resources to Gather a comprehensive understanding of your family history.

Conclusion

Embarking on a genealogy journey is an exciting and rewarding experience. By expanding your research beyond a few familiar websites, you can unlock a treasure trove of records and stories about your ancestors. The seven websites discussed in this article - Internet Archive, State Archive, State Library, and State Historical Society websites, local and regional genealogy society websites, the Digital Public Library of America, Linkpendium, WorldCat, and the FamilySearch Research Wiki - offer unique and valuable resources for your genealogical pursuits. Remember to approach each website with specific searches in mind, think broadly by considering subjects related to your ancestors, and utilize the vast amount of information available online. Happy researching!