Ever wonder where your great-great-grandparents came from? Or maybe you’re on a mission to prove you’ve got a distant royal connection? No matter your reason for digging into your family tree, genealogy research can be exciting—and expensive. But don’t worry! There are plenty of fantastic free resources to help you uncover your past without spending a dime.
The library has a variety of resources available to DeKalb Public Library patrons.
All can be accessed at https://dkpl.org/a-z-resources/.
1. Ancestry Library Edition
Ancestry Library Edition provides in-depth genealogical research tools from thousands of different resources. Birth records, death records, marriage records, and census records are only a fraction of what is accessible. It is only available to patrons in the DeKalb Public Library building.
2. Fold3
Fold3 features premier collections of original military records. These records include the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served in the military.
3. Heritage Quest Online
Records include: city directories from 1821-1989; U.S. censuses; Freedman Bank records; Revolutionary War records; the U.S. Congressional Serial Set with all House and Senate reports and documents published since 1817; and PERSI, a comprehensive index of local history and genealogy periodicals articles.
4. HeritageHub
Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today.
5. Newspapers.com
Newspapers.com is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 514 million+ pages of historical newspapers from 12,100+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
There are also a plethora of other free resources to investigate your heritage.
1. FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org)
Run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch is one of the biggest free genealogy resources out there. They offer millions of records, from census data to birth and death certificates. Plus, they have a massive network of family trees where you might just find some long-lost cousins.
2. National Archives (www.archives.gov)
If you’re looking for U.S. records, the National Archives is a goldmine. You can access military records, census data, immigration records, and even old land grants. They also provide great guides on how to get started with your research.
3. Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com)
It might sound a little eerie, but Find a Grave is an incredible resource for tracking down ancestors. Volunteers have documented millions of gravestones worldwide, often including photos, obituaries, and family connections.
4. Cyndi’s List (www.cyndislist.com)
This is like the Google of genealogy research. Cyndi’s List is a giant index of genealogy websites, organized by category. If you’re looking for a specific type of record, this site can point you in the right direction.
5. USGenWeb Project (www.usgenweb.org)
For U.S.-based research, USGenWeb is run by volunteers who collect historical and genealogical information by state and county. You can find everything from old newspapers to cemetery records, all for free.
6. Ellis Island Passenger Search (www.libertyellisfoundation.org/passenger)
If you have ancestors who came through Ellis Island, this site is a must. You can search passenger lists for free to see when your family members arrived in the U.S., along with details like their hometowns and occupations.
7. Digital Public Library of America (dp.la)
DPLA brings together digitized historical records from libraries, museums, and archives across the U.S. You might find old photographs, letters, or newspaper articles related to your ancestors.
8. Google Books & Internet Archive (books.google.com & archive.org)
Old books, city directories, and even family history books are often digitized and available for free. You can search for surnames or locations to uncover forgotten details about your family’s past.
9. ArchiveGrid (https://researchworks.oclc.org/archivegrid/)
ArchiveGrid includes over 7 million records describing archival materials, bringing together information about historical documents, personal papers, family histories, and more. With over 1,400 archival institutions represented, ArchiveGrid helps researchers looking for primary source materials held in archives, libraries, museums and historical societies.
10. BillionGraves (https://billiongraves.com/)
BillionGraves is the world′s largest resource for searchable GPS cemetery data and is growing bigger every day.
Bonus Tips for Genealogy Success
- Use multiple spellings – Names change over time, so try different variations.
- Join genealogy Facebook groups – Many local groups have members who can help with research.
- Check with local libraries – Many have historical collections and newspaper archives.
- Ask your family – Older relatives may have stories, documents, or photos you’ve never seen.
Genealogy doesn’t have to cost a fortune! With these free resources, you can piece together your family’s history without emptying your wallet. Happy ancestor hunting!
Have questions or need help with your research? Contact a reference librarian at [email protected] or (815) 756-9568 ext. 2150.