The Genealogy Beginner Blog

Research tips, how-to guides, and lessons for anyone tracing their family history.

Getting Started

How to Research Your Family Tree Without Ancestry.com

You don't need an Ancestry subscription to trace your family history. Learn which free sites to use, how to find records for nothing, and the step-by-step method beginners miss.

Genealogy Beginner · May 9, 2026 Read More →
Getting Started

How to Start a Family Tree: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

Not sure where to begin? This step-by-step guide walks you through starting a family tree — from interviewing relatives to finding records online.

Genealogy Beginner · May 1, 2026 Read More →
Research Tools

10 Best Free Genealogy Websites for Beginners (2026)

The 10 best completely free genealogy websites for beginners — with honest pros and cons for each so you know exactly where to start your research.

Genealogy Beginner · May 1, 2026 Read More →
Tips & Guides

Genealogy Research Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

The seven most common mistakes that send genealogy beginners down dead ends — and why knowing them matters more than knowing the databases.

Genealogy Beginner Editorial Team · April 25, 2026 Read More →
Research Skills

How to Read a Census Record (Step-by-Step Guide for Genealogy Beginners)

Census records are the backbone of American genealogical research. This guide explains what they contain, why they matter, and what to look for first.

Genealogy Beginner Editorial Team · April 25, 2026 Read More →
Getting Started

Genealogy for Beginners: The 7-Step Research Plan

A clear research plan for genealogy beginners — seven steps to build a solid family history foundation without months of wasted searching.

Genealogy Beginner Editorial Team · April 25, 2026 Read More →
Getting Started

How to Start Genealogy Research: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Not sure where to begin with family history? This guide covers the five things every beginner should know before opening a single database.

Genealogy Beginner · April 25, 2026 Read More →

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