Paid research services can be helpful, but they are not essential. Plenty of family historians build detailed, well-sourced trees while spending very little. Here is how.
Start with what costs nothing
- Your own memory. Write down everything you know before searching anywhere.
- Your relatives. A conversation with an older family member is free and often more valuable than any database.
- Papers at home. Certificates, letters, photographs and keepsakes are already in your possession.
Use free online collections
Many national archives, state libraries, universities and volunteer projects publish indexes and images online at no charge. Volunteer transcription projects in particular have made millions of records searchable for free. Search for archives covering the places your family lived, and check what they offer online.
Visit your local library
Public libraries often provide free access to research databases, old newspapers, local directories and maps. Librarians can also point you to local history collections you might never find on your own.
Join a local history or genealogy society
Membership fees are usually modest, and many societies publish indexes, run help sessions and share members' expertise. Some also offer lookups in records they hold.
Make the most of free trials wisely
If you decide to try a paid service, plan ahead. Prepare a list of specific searches before the trial begins, use it intensively, and note the cancellation date so you are not charged unexpectedly.
Tip: Before ordering an official certificate, check whether an index entry or a free image already answers your question. Order certificates only when you need details the index cannot give you.
Spend where it counts
When you do spend money, target it at your most important questions: a certificate that will break a brick wall, or a visit to the archive that holds a key register. Thoughtful spending on a few documents goes much further than broad subscriptions you rarely use.
Keep it organised
Free research only stays free if you do not repeat it. Keep a log of what you have searched and where, as described in our post on organising your research.