How do I get started with family history?

To get started, we recommend becoming a Guest member on our website if you haven't already done so- this is a free account that will allow you to access a limited number of our databases, and it will also provide you with full access to our online webinars and research guides. You can learn more about Guest membership and create an account here.  We also have a series of research guides specific to getting started in family history, which can be viewed with a free guest or paid membership account here.

We also have a free, Ask-a-Genealogist chat service, which allows you to chat directly with our experts for up to 15 minutes. They are happy to help answer any questions you may have about our resources, getting started with your research, and more.

If you find that our website has resources you are looking for, you may wish to consider becoming a paid member of American Ancestors, which would provide full access to all of our databases. You can learn more about membership here.

If you are interested in receiving expert assistance with your family history research, we also have a variety of services available, including research-for-hire. You can learn more about those services here.