Submitted by choward on

Genealogy Research Guide

Top Genealogy Websites

The following websites are the best starting points for anyone beginning genealogical research. Once you are familiar with them, you can explore more specialized databases.

Ancestry Library Edition

Ancestry.com is the world’s largest genealogy database. Although it is a paid service, you can access most of its features for free through the Ancestry Library Edition at any Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) location. Click “Begin Searching,” then select “Show More Options” and enter as much information as you know about an ancestor. If you decide to purchase a personal subscription, you will gain access to features like creating and managing your own family tree.

Available online at any PPLD location.

FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch is the world’s largest free genealogy resource, maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This database encourages users to contribute to a single, shared family tree, allowing people around the world to collaborate and build a more accurate global genealogy together. Create a free account to access all features, including a vast database and the option to build a private family tree.

If you encounter records marked “affiliate library only,” you can view them at any PPLD location—we are an affiliate library system.

Available online with free account; some content viewable only at any PPLD location.

FamilySearch Research Wiki

This resource is the best place to begin when researching a particular location or theme (e.g., “German ancestry”), with links to records, guides, and other tools.

Available online, no subscription required.

Newspapers & Obituaries

Whether you are looking for articles that shed light on your ancestor’s life or searching for their obituary, PPLD offers several tools to help you.

Pikes Peak NewsFinder

This is PPLD’s own index of The Gazette and other regional newspapers. While it is limited to local publications, it includes a robust obituary index. If an article you need is not available digitally, click on the Regional History & Genealogy logo. From there, select the envelope icon on the left side of the page or use the “Contact Us” link in the upper right to request the article.

Available online.

NewspaperArchive

An enormous collection of scanned newspapers from around the world. You can access it remotely with your PPLD library card. After entering a search, use the “Edit Search” button in the upper left to narrow by location, date, or keywords. This tool uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR), so results may not be perfect.

Available online from anywhere with a PPLD library card that starts with a 4.

19th Century U.S. Newspapers

This database includes newspapers from the 1800s. Although obituaries from that period are limited, this resource can still provide valuable insights into the historical context in which your ancestors lived.

Available online from anywhere with a PPLD library card that starts with a 4.

Specialized Databases

These databases provide focused tools for specialized genealogical research beyond Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org.

American Ancestors

Run by the New England Historic Genealogical Society, this resource focuses on family history in New England. Access is available only from inside any PPLD location.

Available online at any PPLD location.

Fold3

Explore premier collections of original military records, including stories, documents, and photographs of military service members. Sources include the U.S. National Archives, U.K. archives, and more.

Available online at any PPLD location

HeritageQuest

A rich collection of genealogical and historical sources, including census records, local histories, and interactive research tools. Coverage dates to the 1700s.

Available from anywhere with a PPLD library card that starts with a 4.

MyHeritage

Provides billions of historical documents, photos, public records, and indexes from 48 countries, spanning five centuries.

Available from anywhere with a PPLD library card that starts with a 4.

Physical Collection & Research Computers

The Regional History & Genealogy department at PPLD maintains a large in-person collection of genealogical resources. A dedicated room houses materials organized by state and county, including all volumes of the New England Historical and Genealogical Register

To explore the collection, visit ppld.org and search the catalog. Materials housed in our department will appear with “SC” as the location. You can narrow your search by choosing the location of “Carnegie-Special Collections” to see only materials from our department. These items cannot be checked out and must be used on-site.

We also offer computers reserved for genealogical research. Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Available at Regional History & Genealogy (Penrose Library campus)