Free Family Tree Search

Genealogy databases are quite common, and if you know where to look, you can find an abundance of free family tree search databases online. Utilizing free public records can open doors in your research and unlock mysteries in your families past.

Great Genealogy Websites

Begin searching for your ancestors with one of the following free search engines. A wealth of information is at your fingertips.

Family Search

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints provides extensive free research tools for the novice genealogist all the way up to the professional. This website is a good place to start if you are new to family history research, as there is a free downloadable family research program called the Personal Ancestral File or PAF available for Windows in 10 languages.

The International Genealogical Index or IGI, is a free search engine linked to vital records from all over the world. The IGI is available at the Family Search website. Some records date back as early as the 1200s. The IGI has free volunteers extracting and posting information in their database from birth, baptism, marriage, and death records, around the clock.

Heritage Quest Online

Heritage Quest Online is free if your local public library or local genealogical society has access. Heritage Quest has databases of United States census records, war pensions, and other public records. You can browse through numerous family and historical record books to find lost pieces of your family puzzle.

GeneaBios

GeneaBios, a free online genealogy biography database, offers a free membership to search thousands of biographies of other people and possibly find information about your family tree. You can post your own genealogy biography for other people to view for free.

World Connect Project

The World Connect Project, also known as Rootsweb, is a massive online project with the goal of connecting the entire world's genealogy. Anyone can upload, modify, and link their family tree on this free website. You can research and view other people's family trees in the hope that you may find similarities to your own. Use caution, and double check all information you find on the site with other sources for accuracy before believing it to be 100 percent true.

Cyndi's List

Cyndi's List is a very popular free online database of records and links to research your family tree. This site include over 270,000 links for researching just about any nationality or country.

My Heritage

My Heritage combines over 1400 genealogical databases in one website to provide one of the best family tree searches you will find. Use their free search engine using phonetic, soundex, and multiple spelling variations to find information on your family.

Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com gives a 14-day free trial use of their comprehensive family search index. In many cases, 14 days is enough time to locate pertinent family information and records.

Obituary Central

Obituary Central is a database of obituary and cemetery searches listed by state. This handy site of over one million names of deceased individuals has a seven-day free trial to look up as many names as needed.

Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness

Over 4000 volunteers are performing free family tree searches for individuals all over the world. You can ask a global volunteer to perform a Random Act of Genealogical Kindness by searching cemeteries and records where they live. The only fees involved are reimbursement for expenses such as film, postage, and copies.

Free Family Tree Search

Utilizing free family tree searches available to you is the best way to start your genealogy. Take advantage of the free public records available to anyone as an excellent resource in confirming dates and family names.