how do i trace my family tree?

Question

are there any web sites to help me

Answer 1

Here are some large free sites. I save this and paste it because people ask the same question 1 - 4 times a day:

What are good free sites for genealogy?
or
Does anyone know about the {surname} family?
or
How can I trace my family tree, for free?

Sometimes thay ask in the genealogy category,
Arts & Humanities -> Genealogy
sometimes they don't. If you search or browse the resolved questions in the Genealogy category, you can find more links from other people.

http://www.cyndislist.com/
(240,000+ links, all cross-indexed.)

http://www.familysearch.com
(Mormon's mega-site)

http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi
(450,000,000+ entries, some excellent, some bad, most in between)

http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/default.aspx?ln=
Surname meanings and origins; no specific individuals, but fun.


These are for the USA only:

http://www.usgenweb.net/
(Subdivided into state sites, which all have county sites.)
(Canada has a Canadian Gen Web, with sites for each province.)

http://ssdi.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi
(Social Security Death index - click on "Advanced".)

http://find.person.superpages.com/
(US Phone book, for looking up distant cousins)

If you get serious, you should probably buy a genealogy program. I like Roots Magic. Family Tree Maker is very popular. Both are $29 in the USA, but you can sometimes find old versions in discount bins at software stores.

Answer 2

Have a look on this site for a start. Its complicated but this site will tell you exactly how to go about it and give you helpful tips how to get the best out of your searches.
Happy hunting :o)

Answer 3

Depends where you are from but if you are in britain go to www.friendsreunited.co.uk, there you will find a link to help you find out about your familys history etc, you will have to join though first, hope that helps.

Answer 4

here are links to 261,550 genealogy resources for tracking your family tree. that should keep you busy for a few days. :)

http://www.cyndislist.com

Answer 5

rootsweb.com is good or just going to your local library to look at old microfilms depending if you already know what county your ancestors are from, then you should go to that library.