Abrams Collection Genealogy Highlights
September-October 2000
Volume 2, Number 5

Creating a current list genealogy Web sites can be challenging, as Internet resources change so frequently. Web sites in this "webliography" were selected because of the quality of the information and the stability of the sites. This guide aims to help you focus on key Web sites, plan search strategies and save time as you search the Internet for valuable genealogy information.

Research Suggestions

• Ask your local genealogy society or library for information about using the Internet for genealogical research. Many have developed useful guides for Internet searching.
• Remember that almost anyone can create a homepage on the Internet with genealogical content. Be critical of genealogical information taken from an Internet source; can you prove it using other resources?
• "Surfing the Net" may not be the best use of your limited research time. Don't forget about traditional paper, microfiche and microform formats.
• Bookmark useful sites, so that you can easily find them again.
• Use URLs whenever possible. Keyword searching using a search engine can result in thousands of hits. Ask your librarian for assistance in learning how to effectively use search engines.

Additionally, you may wish to explore the Library of Michigan's holdings. Searching ANSWER, the Library's online catalog, before visiting the Library will save valuable research time and help you in planning your next trip to the Library.

General Genealogy

Ancestry Inc.
www.ancestry.com
Contains thousands of genealogy databases. The Library of Michigan offers access to the subscription databases for patrons to use at the Library.

Cyndi's List
www.CyndisList.com
A comprehensive collection of Internet genealogy resources that provides an excellent starting point.

Genealogy Homepage
www.genhomepage.com
A good collection of information for the genealogist, as well as information about the ROOTS-L discussion list.

Genealogy Toolbox
www.genealogytoolbox.com/
Searchable query database, the Journal of Online Genealogy, and a list of genealogy links.

USGen Web Project
usgenweb.org/
Grassroots project to collect genealogical information online for each county in the U.S. Each state has a page listing types of records available.

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Education and Software

Board for Certification of Genealogists
www.bcgcertification.org/
Information about becoming a certified genealogist.

Family Tree Maker Online
www.familytreemaker.com
Offers several online genealogy classes, as well as information about its software products.

Family Search.org
www.familysearch.org

Rootsweb Genealogical Data Cooperative
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/
Home of the ROOTS-L genealogy listserv and the Roots Surname List.

Yourfamily.com
yourfamily.com/
A listing of Web sites for individual surnames.

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Immigration and Naturalization

GENUKI
www.genuki.org.uk
Large collection of genealogical information about the British Isles.

Immigration: The Living Mosaic of People, Culture and Hope
library.thinkquest.org/20619/index.html
History of immigration to the U.S. arranged by ethnic group.

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Associations and Organizations

Federation of Genealogical Societies
fgs.org

Genealogy Libraries on the Web
www.cyndislist.com/libes.htm
Links to libraries with genealogy collections.

Michigan Genealogical Council
www.mimgc.org/
An organization composed of two delegates from each member society. Site offers council news, events, membership information and lists of members and publications.

National Archives and Records Administration Genealogy Page
www.archives.gov/genealogy/index.html
Lists records available at the National Archives, and discusses how to access and interpret them.

New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS)
www.newenglandancestors.org/
The homepage of one of the nation's largest genealogical organizations.

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Vital Records

Michigan Vital Records

Public Records Databases
www.searchsystems.net/
Nearly 2,000 free searchable public record databases, including national, state, regional, and Canadian. Also includes some fee-based databases.

Vital Records Information United States
www.vitalrec.com
Contains information about where to obtain vital records throughout the United States

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Updated 05/07/2009