This document provides an overview of genealogical research and mega databases. It outlines a four part genealogical program covering journal making, journal writing, genealogical photography, and genealogical study. The genealogical study section lists various free and paid mega databases for researching family history, including FamilySearch, Access Genealogy, USGenWeb, WorldGenWeb, Cyndi's List, RootsWeb, and GENUKI. Tips are provided for getting started with genealogical research through recording what is already known, consulting how-to books, beginning research at home, looking for compiled information, focusing on one ancestral line at a time, and searching original records like census, vital records, and the

1. Mega Databases
By Julie Sikes-Speir

2. A FOUR PART
GENEALOGICAL PROGRAM
Julie Sikes-Speir

3. 1. Journal making
2. Journal writing
3. Genealogical Photography
4. Genealogical Study
Genealogy 101 – Getting Started
(including local materials housed in libraries)
Internet Portals and Mega databases
Government Genealogical Research sites
Non-Government Genealogical Research sites

5. Family Search
Access Genealogy
USgenWeb
WorGenWeb
Cyndi’s List
RootsWeb
GENUKI

6. Free Sites
Family Search
Access Genealogy
USgenWeb
WorGenWeb
Cyndi’s List
RootsWeb
GENUKI

7. One of the largest compilations of genealogy data.
Has extensive state records.
http://www.accessgenealogy.com/

8. Excellent free site

9. http://www.worldgenweb.org/

10. Has been infiltrated by Ancestry.com
http://www.cyndislist.com/

13. Little information can be found here----without a subscription
to Ancestry.com

15. Ancestry Library Edition
Ancestry.com (Individual subscription) $
Heritage Quest Online (from the library)

16.  A wealth of genealogy information available
including scanned images of the original census
reports.
 Available for searching only in the library or by
subscription.

18.  Get started with a Pedigree Chart.
 Write down all the information that you know in pencil
 Downloadable:
http://www.ancestry.com/trees/charts/ancchart.aspx

19. This family surname information is free
http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/default.aspx

20. Both paternal and maternal DNA Tests are available
http://dna.ancestry.com/welcome.aspx

21. Explore
by
location
http://search.ancestry.com/search/

22. Ancestry Card Catalog
Over 30,000 genealogy database links !
Search can be filtered by collection, location, and date

23. Hire and Expert

24. Free http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/

25. Name
Distribution
Is free to the public
Free

26. Create and upload your family tree
http://trees.ancestry.com/Default.aspx?req=tree

27. Documents and webinars to help get started

28. Another great genealogy
database provided through libraries
that provides access to 1790-1930
census images (and much more).

29. Heritage Quest

30. Record What You Know.
 Begin With Yourself and Work Backwards
 Read a How to Book.
 Begin Your Research At Home.
 Look for compiled information.
 Research one ancestral line at a time.
 Look for Original Records:
Census Records
Vital Records
Social Security Death Index