Geneaology site?

Question

What is the best FREE geneaology site? I don't want one that is just a free trial, but I do want one that has a lot of information. I came across one months ago, and now I cannot remember what it was. Any suggestions?

I'm trying to research two different things.

1. My boyfriends canadian geneaology. Both of his parents are deceased and he knows very little of any relatives beyond them. His parents moved to B.C. from Saskatchewan(I'm positive I've spelled that incorrectly and I do apologize) probably in the 40's.

2. I'm also looking for my own ancestors. My biological father was adopted, I think. I have no contact with him, which is just the way I like it. However, I would really like to be able to trace my ancestors biologically and not just through my father who adopted me. Any suggestions on how to go about this?

At the very least I would be happy with the site info. Thanks!

Answer 1

OK, look, "best" and "free" are two adjectives that are rarely found together describing anything. As with almost all things, the 'best' is hardly ever free. But, if you are serious, spend $20 on the least expensive version of FamilyTreeMaker software and start documenting your, and your boyfriend's ancestors.

Once you have the software, the best place to start is with your parents/step-parents, guardians, etc., your grandparents, your aunts, uncles, and great grandparents. Write it all down, use FamilyTreeMaker to record the information. Then, go on-line and use sites like Rootsweb.com, GenForum.com and Ancestry.com to post queries about your family. This opens the opportunity to learn more about your family from other, distant family members.

Answer 2

Also check out the free surname message boards at http://genforum.genealogy.com.

www.familysearch.org is a must.

www.findagrave.com can help you find graves for your relatives which can provide some vital information.

As for tracing your ancestors biologically, you are going to need some starting information. Do you know your grandparent's names, when they died, etc. If you do, you could search the Social Security Death Index at www.familysearch.org, which will provide you with their birth date. From there, you could use a service like ancestry.com to search the census records (though this is not free).

If you don't have any of that starting information, it's possible you could request a copy of your father's birth certificate, which would likely have some information about your grandparents.

Good luck,
Dave
--
http://www.familypulse.org

Answer 3

Can you email me for help?

Answer 4

http://www.rootsweb.com/
http://www.familysearch.org/

These are free sites