Resources for geneological research during National Family History Month

ge-ne-al-o-gy : the study of family ancestral lines (Mirriam-Webster dictionary)

October is National Family History Month, and there are dozens of free resources to support the research of family lines and personal histories. Genealogy can be an exciting way to learn more about relatives (including ones you might not know you have), the history of places, and more.

Resources for genealogical research include tools to help categorize, store, and map information; repositories of records, such as Census data, vital records, and cemetery and grave sites; tools to build, find, and trace family trees; tutorials for learning and exploring; and resource collections to lead to even more tools.

One of the biggest names in genealogy research is Ancestry.com, which provides access to historical photos, international narratives, oral histories, indexes, and more. While a personal subscription to Ancestry.com may cost up to $50 per month, the Lewis & Clark Library, including the Lincoln Branch, provide access to Ancestry.com free inside the library.

HeritageQuest Online is another well-known genealogical database that includes primary sources, local and family histories, interactive maps, and records dating back to the 1700s. This database is also available at no cost through the Lewis & Clark Library and can be accessed anywhere using your library card (library cards are available to Lewis & Clark County residents at no charge).

In addition to these two resources, the library also offers tutorials for getting started with genealogy research.

Genealogy.com provides dozens of written “genealogy classes” to explain how to use the many tools available for exploring family histories. Classes include topics like vital records, using the U.S. Federal Census, immigration passenger lists, and how church and local records work.

Another resource for getting started with family research is the National Genealogical Society. While their website offers paid memberships, there are also articles, hints, tips, and classes available for free.

Cyndi’s List provides categorized lists linking to hundreds of other genealogical sites to help researchers find information as well as links to additional tutorials and tools.

Gramps is a free genealogical research software that allows users to map locations, build family trees, make charts, and store information in a variety of ways. Another resource for building family trees and finding information is WikiTree, which also includes photos and other resources.

Online newspaper indexes can also be a great place to find information about family members. The Library of Congress links to newspaper archives available through their collections as well as digital newspaper archives and indexes, many of which are free. The Library of Congress also provides a list of Montana genealogy resources.

Other local Montana resources to check out include the Montana State Genealogical Society, which links to some information without membership, including Montana death indexes and well as information and names from the 1930 Census. The Montana Historical Society also includes tons of great resources to explore Montana’s history and ways to share current history with future generations.

Family members can also help build genealogical history for future generations. One way to do this is to complete the 2020 Census, which has been extended to October 31. Personally identifiable information from the Census remains confidential for 72 years, so completing the Census now helps generations down the road with genealogy research.

Another way to share family stories and anecdotes with future generations is to record oral histories. This can be done using smartphones, video or audio recorders, and free services like StoryCorps. Preserving oral histories is an excellent way to keep family traditions and stories alive through the generations.