Need websites to search ancestry!?

Question

Are there any sites available that let you search your genealogy without having to give credit card info and join? What about census records for the late 1800s?

Answer 1

http://www.cyndislist.com/beginner.htm

It is helpful if you start with an understanding of the many types of websites that can have information for you, and the research process.  Then, browse around Cyndis.. she has over 200,000 genealogy sources/sites.  Remember, a newspaper is a genealogy site, to find RECORDS (not just family trees), libraries, maps, etc. etc.  For census records alone, ancestry.com is the only one I know with a complete collection, and it is hard to work around that.  What you CAN do is use your local library who often has a subscription. The only issue with that, is if you are serious about research, you'll run into other lines later, and need to go back.  Libraries cost time and gas, for most persons.. so ancestry can wind up being cheaper in the long run, and more convenient.

Just don't make the mistake of thinking that the only genealogy sites are those with submitted databases of someone else's work.  If your family winds up being among the many which has never BEEN researched.. you will still have to track down the original sources.  I researched for over 20 yrs, most of that was pre internet, so the sources are out there.  They always were.  Knowing WHAT you are looking for is more important than knowing which website it is on.. and sometimes, it won't be on any website at all.  It does not mean the info does not exist.

Answer 2

http://www.ellisisland.org

Answer 3

A family history library in your area may have them on their shelves. Just call your local library or mormon church and find out where is the nearest one.

Anything else you would have to subscribe to ancestry.com. They have a monopoly on online records.

Answer 4

1880 US and 1881 Can/UK Census records are available here:

http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/f...

Answer 5

I would try here if I was you, its completely free to use and its excellent . http://www.familysearch.org/