Free Genealogy Resources: Local, Regional and National
- geneal1
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Start Your Genealogy Journey—For Free
Whether you're chasing a long lost ancestor, trying to crack a stubborn family mystery, or just curious about the stories hiding in your family tree, genealogy doesn't have to be expensive or overwhelming. Some of the most powerful tools for uncovering your roots are completely free and closer than you might think. From local libraries packed with family files to national databases holding millions of historical records, these resources can open doors to generations past. Below is a curated list of free genealogy websites and institutions at the local, regional, and national levels to help you dig deeper, connect the dots, and bring your family history to life.
Local Genealogy Resources
Of course let's start with our favorite local resource!
Laurel-Jones County Library System – Genealogy Department
The Laurel-Jones County Library System features a dedicated genealogy department staffed by a trained genealogist. Resources include microfilm readers, public computers, approximately 4,000 family files, and the Laurel Leader-Call newspaper on microfilm (1902–2012).
Online research assistance is available by email at geneal@laurel.lib.ms.us.
University of Southern Mississippi – McCain Library & Archives
USM’s Special Collections provide valuable resources for Mississippi genealogy, including historical manuscripts, digitized collections, and indexed genealogy vertical files focused on family names, local history, and regional events.
Delta Computer Systems – Jones County Records
Delta Computer Systems provides online access to property tax records, appraisals, and judgment rolls, making it a useful tool for researching land ownership and property history in Jones County.
Regional Genealogy Resources
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi Department of Archives & History (MDAH)
MDAH offers extensive genealogical resources including census records, court documents, death records, and county histories. Their research guides are especially helpful for Mississippi families.
Mississippi State Department of Health – Vital Records
Provides official birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates—essential documents for confirming family connections and timelines.
ALABAMA
Alabama Department of Archives & History
A rich collection of genealogical and historical resources, including military records, manuscripts, and digital collections for Alabama researchers.
Samford University Library – Birmingham
Samford University’s library guides support genealogy and local history research, particularly for Alabama and surrounding states.
LOUISIANA
State Library of Louisiana – Genealogy Collection
The State Library of Louisiana offers genealogy books, microfilm, family histories, and curated research links specific to Louisiana ancestry.
LSU Libraries
LSU Libraries house regional historical materials and special collections useful for Louisiana and Gulf Coast genealogy research.
National Genealogy Resources
National Archives (NARA)
The National Archives provide access to federal census records, military service files, immigration and naturalization documents, and more.
Library of Congress – Chronicling America
Search millions of digitized historic newspaper pages (1690–1963) by keyword, date, or location—perfect for obituaries, local news, and social history.
Operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch is the largest free genealogy database in the U.S. A free account gives access to billions of indexed records and family trees worldwide.
✨ Genealogy Research Tips for Success
Before diving in, keep these tips in mind:
🗂️ Start with what you know: Family stories, photos, Bibles, and documents often hold key clues.
📆 Work one generation at a time: Following a chronological path helps prevent mistakes.
🧩 Use multiple sources: A missing record in one archive may exist in another.
📝 Track your research: Keep notes, citations, and links—even unsuccessful searches matter.
🏛️ Don’t skip local archives: Many valuable records are not digitized and require in-person research. This will be the focus of a future post!
🌿 Final Thought
The past is filled with lessons, but only if we take the time to find them. Don't let your research live only your computer- share it, write it down, and bring those ancestors into the light. These free resources offer an incredible starting point for preserving your family’s history and uncovering stories waiting to be told.
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