Can someone tell me of any sites to research family histories that don't charge a fee?

Question

I would like to find something about my "roots" , but every site I try asks me to pay a fee.

Or if anyone knows of other methods that might help, I would appreciate it.

My grandparents came from England, but I don't know what part or when. Only that it was before 1920.

Answer 1

Genealogy
Most libraries have a subscription to Ancestry.com where you would be able to use it for free. Most sites that state they are free, actually lead to this site that you do have to pay to view additional information unless you are utilizing someones subscription. IT IS NOT FREE! Nor does it have as much information as it claims. Roots.web is one that also claims to be free but just circles around to Ancestry.com.

There are other interesting sites that are absolutely free but may not yield as much information.
deadfred.com has old photographs where if you are lucky you can find an image of an ancestor.
findagrave.com can tell provide information such as where someone was buried & has the option to leave "flowers" for them

One of the better free sites is familysearch.org.
Some of the lesser known census-online.com, http://blacksheepancestors.com (for information on those naughty ancestors!), & www.nationalarchives.gov.

Answer 2

"Selkie" actually gave you some pretty good information. I would just add a few points.

First, RootsWeb does try to pull you in to Ancestry, but there ARE free message boards and mailing lists you can find there with people who may be able to help you with the specific surnames and places you are interested in. You have to know how to take advantage of the free services. Look up the names or places you are interested in, and post a message or subscribe to one or more lists.

Second, www.familysearch.org WILL help you find information, and some of it is good, but much of it is just like Ancestry's "One World Tree" or whatever they are calling it now... People put together a "family tree" built on guesses, and then other people find the "facts" on-line and think they are accurate. One ancestor of mine has numerous hits on FamilySearch - NOT ONE of them was right the last time I checked him. (Actually, the information simply does not exist - so various people simply made it up.)

The BEST way to learn about your "roots" is to research them for yourself. Start with yourself or your parents; get copies of your birth certificate, then your parents' marriage certificate and their birth certificates. Those will give you the names and perhaps the birth places of your grandparents. Look your grandparents up in whatever census records you might find them in (and don't be surprised if you find them in a time and place you didn't expect, either). Go to your library to do that on Ancestry without paying a huge subscription fee. If your library doesn't subscribe, I'm sure they can point you to a library with some type of reciprocal arrangement that DOES subscribe.

For accurate information on your grandparents' arrival from England, use what you learned from your parents' birth certificates and perhaps from your grandparents' marriage certificate (if they married here) to contact the National Archives branch covering the region where THEY lived. Ask for a naturalization record for them. Try to get a copy of their "passenger list" (actually Ship's Manifest) entries if you can. Regional policies vary, so you will need to ask what they will do for you. If they can't help you, they will often tell you who to contact instead.

Those are just a few tips; use the free tutorials many genealogy sites offer to learn more.

Good luck!

Answer 3

These sites are free.
Rootsweb combined with ancestry awhile back, be sure to use the rootsweb search. Basically, have the same info. Ancestry has more census available.
Usgenweb is state and county search, has naturalization records for those who came from other countries.
Lds is the Latter Day Saints which has loads of info.

Answer 4

First Ask your living relatives then go to a local historical genealogical society, then check this site you have to sign up but right now its free http://www.ellisisland.org/
I have found my grandparents from Spain & England on this site, Of course there is a lot of WORK involved it will not be easy.Post names at Genforum.com a free sight but you have to sign up

now a Member Mayflower Society & Winthrop Society & Sons Of The American Revolution

Answer 5

If you live in the US, do a search for "Heritage Quest". A lot of libraries have it, and all you have to do is plug in your library card number and you can use it from home. It gives you access to all census images and indexes for most of them.

Rootsweb and cyndi's list are other good ones. Just hunt; you'll find lots of free stuff. But you have to do some work to really find your answers.

Answer 6

Try familysearch.org it is run by the mormon church. good luck in your searching but beware it can be addictive! lol
if I can help in any way let me know
[e-mail]

Answer 7

try ancestry.co.uk they offer a free 14 day trial

Answer 8

ancestry.com is a good one but i also like AOL research and learn ( reference.aol.com/genealogy )

Answer 9

start by asking living relatives
websites to try:

www.familysearch.com
www.rootsweb.com

I've used both and they are very helpful

Answer 10

try rootsweb.com