40 Places to Find Family History Help

Family history is a “team sport” – there are many places and ways to get help with the tasks you are doing. This article shares a list of 40 resources that you can turn to, in order to get the help you need. These are listed by task, in no specific order, and by no means is this a complete list. Still, you may find resources waiting for you that you might not even be aware of.

  1. Learning FamilySearch – Project FS 1 in The Family History Guide gets you started, step by step, with FamilySearch.
  2. Learning Ancestry – Project AN 2 in The Family History Guide helps you learn the basics of Ancestry.
  3. Learning MyHeritage – Project MH 2 in The Family History Guide helps you learn the basics of MyHeritage.
  4. Learning Findmypast – Project FMP 2 in The Family History Guide helps you learn the basics of Findmypast.
  5. FamilySearch Consultations – Get personalized research help from a FamilySearch Library volunteer.
  6. FamilySearch Scan Service – Request scans of book indexes and records from the FamilySearch Catalog.
  7. FamilySearch Help Center – Get access to family history articles and videos from FamilySearch.
  8. Genealogical Societies, by State – Locate and contact genealogical societies in each state for valuable resources.
  9. Genealogical Societies, by County – Find county genealogical societies, which often have access to hard-to-find records.
  10. Collaboration tips – Learn how to effectively work with others on your genealogical goals.
  11. Linkpendium – Explore a vast collection of records and resources, especially for U.S. states and counties.
  12. RootsWeb and US Gen Web – Expand your research within U.S. states on these sites.
  13. FamilySearch Communities – Get help from FamilySearch experts and users on research topics.
  14. FamilySearch Support – Find answers to questions about using FamilySearch or researching your ancestors.
  15. Ancestry Message Boards – Post messages and get answers for your research questions.
  16. MyHeritage Knowledge Base – Access a free repository of learning articles hosted my MyHeritage.
  17. FamilySearch Wiki – Explore a vast array of family history information in many categories, around the world.
  18. Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness – Find tips and help on a number of interesting and unique topics.
  19. Books We Own – Get help from individuals willing to look up genealogical information and send it to you.
  20. Genealogy Translation Facebook Group – Get help from specialists on translating foreign language documents.
  21. Genlookups – Get help searching records from lookup volunteers, on the Genlookups site.
  22. Help Goals, 50 U.S. States – Check out the available resources in the Help Goal (12) for each U.S. state.
  23. Help Goals, Countries – Find resources in the Help Goal for many of the country pages.
  24. Help Goals, England Counties – Find resources in the Help Goal for the county pages in England.
  25. Help Goals, Canada Provinces – Find resources in the Help Goal for the province pages in Canada.
  26. FamilySearch Centers, premium content – Visit a FamilySearch Center and get free access to premium websites.
  27. FamilySearch Center volunteers – Take advantage of individual help at a FamilySearch Center near you.
  28. Genealogy Stack Exchange – Post genealogy questions and find answers on this free exchange site.
  29. Facebook pages for research – In the Help Goals, find Facebook pages dedicated to helping with research.
  30. RootsChat Forum – Participate in genealogy discussions in one of the longest-running forums.
  31. Genealogy mailing lists – Get on a mailing list for the research location of interest.
  32. Adoption support groups – Find answers and resources for your questions and concerns with adoption research.
  33. Glossaries of terms – Find definitions for many genealogy terms in handy glossaries.
  34. How to Get Started, TFHG – Visit the Get Started page in The Family History Guide.
  35. How to Get Started, FamilySearch – Visit the Get Started page in FamilySearch.
  36. Facebook pages for DNA research – Get help from DNA research communities on Facebook.
  37. DNA testing and adoption – Learn how DNA test results can lead to breakthroughs for adopted ancestors.
  38. How to use DNA research tools – Explore useful, free tools for DNA research.
  39. How to decipher difficult handwriting – Learn how to recognize characters, words & phrases in handwritten docs.
  40. Daily family history tips – Use the Tip of the Day on The Family History Guide home page.

Have fun exploring some of these many ways to get help with your family history!

Bob Taylor

1 Response