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MODULE OBJECTIVES
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After successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- Search online databases for family history information.
- Use the Google search engine to find Web pages containing information on your ancestors.
- Navigate directories for resources with genealogical data.
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INTRODUCTION
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Once you have gathered some initial data on your ancestors, the next step is to visit key resources and databases available on the Internet.
On the positive side, the Internet has made it much easier to find and share family history information.
However, technology has also increased the potential for error as undocumented genealogies are copied and recopied over and over again.
Thus, information obtained from Web sites such as RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project and FamilySearch must be used with CAUTION.
Information obtained from these resources should be treated as clues for gathering the vital records and other documentation necessary for verifying the relationships (See Module III).
After each description below, you will find a "Demonstration" link and a "Practice" link.
To review a demonstration of the Web site, click DEMONSTRATION.
To practice using the Web site while following step-by-step instructions, click PRACTICE.
To use the site without instructions, click the link to the Web site within each description or in the "Links" menu on the left side of the page.
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ONLINE DATABASES
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SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX
The first place to visit is the Social Security Death Index. This database contains birth and death dates for deceased individuals with Social Security numbers whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Generally, it includes men and women who died after 1962 (when the records were computerized) through the current year.
Once you locate your ancestor's Social Security number in the database, you can write the SSA for a copy of his/her Social Security application (commonly referred to as the SS-5).
Although the fee for the copy is somewhat expensive at $27.00, the application provides valuable information including parents' names, place of birth, and home address at the time the application was completed.
When an ancestor's birth certificate is unavailable, the SS-5 may serve as an acceptable substitute for proving his/her birth.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
ROOTSWEB'S WORLDCONNECT PROJECT
After checking the Social Security Death Index, try searching for your ancestors at RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project.
This database consists of family files submitted by amateur and professional researchers.
Although WorldConnect can be extremely helpful, it contains many errors. Thus, all research should be verified through proper documentation.
(Module III provides information on gathering records and verifying information.)
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
FAMILYSEARCH
Next, try searching at FamilySearch.
The Ancestral File and International Genealogical Index (IGI) contain information on millions of people worldwide.
Generally, the Ancestral File, which is similar to WorldConnect, provides the most information.
Because some of the information has been donated by amateur genealogists, use the information with caution.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
ELLIS ISLAND DATABASE
 If your ancestors arrived in America between 1892 and 1924, visit the Ellis Island Database.
This site provides images of ship manifests documenting over 22 million people who entered the United States through Ellis Island and the Port of New York.
NOTE: Although the site is free, you must register to view the passenger record.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
CASTLE GARDEN DATABASE
CastleGarden.org offers free access to information on immigrants who arrived in New York City between 1830 and 1892.
Information includes name, occupation, age at arrival, date of arrival, port of origin, and ship name.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
ANCESTRY.COM
A final database to consider is Ancestry.com.
Unlike the other resources discussed in this tutorial, access to most of the information at this site requires a subscription fee.
However, many library systems in the United States subscribe to this service. Contact your local library for information.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
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SEARCH ENGINES
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GOOGLE
Once you have searched the online databases, the next place to look for family information is on the open Internet.
Thousands of people have transcribed census data, recorded information from headstones in local cemeteries, and posted family history data on personal home pages.
Google is the most effective tool for this research.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
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DIRECTORIES
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CYNDI'S LIST
For a list of Internet sites on almost every conceivable family history topic, visit Cyndi's List.
She provides over 200,000 links on resources from Adoption to Land Records to Wills and Probate.
NOTE: Cyndi's List does not support frames. When you click the PRACTICE link, scroll down and review the topic categories.
Click a topic of interest.
Use your browser's Back button to return to the tutorial.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
USGENWEB PROJECT
The USGenWeb Project directory provides links to state and county genealogical resources.
As you encounter unfamiliar counties and states in your research, be sure to check the resources available at USGenWeb for each new location.
DEMONSTRATION PRACTICE
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MODULE II ACTIVITIES
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- If your parents, grandparents, and/or great-grandparents died after 1962, try to locate their entries in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI).
NOTE: Remember to use the MARRIED name for female relatives in the SSDI and Ellis Island Databases. Record their birth and death dates.
If you do not know where your ancestor died, make a note of the location listed under Last Residence.
This may or may not be the death location, but it gives you a starting point for obtaining a death certificate (see Module III).
Print out the letter for obtaining a copy of the SS-5 application.
You will need to write for your ancestor's SS-5 application if you are unable to locate a birth record.
- Using information and home sources gathered during your family interviews, search RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project and FamilySearch for your ancestors.
NOTE: Use the MAIDEN name for female relatives in these databases.
Print out the pages of any possible connections that you find. Keep in mind that the information in these databases is often incorrect.
Use the information as clues for gathering vital records and other documentation.
- Search Google using double quotes to narrow results to pages where the first and last names appear side-by-side. For example:
1. "Joseph Ludlam"
2. "Ludlam Joseph"
3. "Joseph Ludlam" "Eliza Hamilton"
Search once with the first name first (# 1). Search a second time with the last name first (# 2).
If you a researching a common name, use both the husband's name and the wife's name (# 3).
- Identify the states and counties where your ancestors resided.
Find the county Web sites at the USGenWeb Project. Become familiar with the resources available at these sites.
- Keep a journal of your research activities and the results of those activities.
As you proceed through the tutorial, use the journal to keep track of any ideas that occur to you for finding information.
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Contact Us
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Copyright © 2004 - 2008 by Debbie Duay, Ph.D., Fort Lauderdale, FL. All Rights Reserved.
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II - Using Online Resources