Free Genealogy Resources in the State of Georgia

With internet sites like Ancestry dominating the web, how can you find a free genealogy resource? Family history research is usually done by contacting state, county or city offices like the Clerk of Court or Vital Records. Obtaining the documents needed to complete family trees can be expensive as most agencies charge various fees. Writing and waiting can also be time consuming. One way to beat the cost of leading ancestry sites is to use a free genealogy resource.

Conventional methods for obtaining lineage documents are to contact Vital Records in the State in which the birth, marriage or death took place. These agencies are generally located in the State Capitol. Historical and Genealogy Societies, as well as libraries can be a helpful free genealogy resource.

This article will focus on how you can find free genealogy resources available with Georgia information. A free genealogy resource would include internet websites, local newspapers, cemeteries, libraries and census data. Still, many of these services can have charges. Stamps, the cost of money orders and travel are also expensive. So how do you find free genealogy resources?

Georgia Newspapers

Georgia newspapers are a free genealogy resource. You will need to know the name of the newspaper and the state in which it functions. Archives of local journals and heralds contain obituaries. An obituary can also be a free genealogy resource. Within an obit, you can obtain information such as spouse, children, and other kinsman.

For a list of Georgia newspapers broken down by state, county, and city, check out this site. This free genealogy resource also provides information on libraries and census reports.

Census Information

Census records are another free genealogy resource if you know where to find them. You can find census information at this Georgia ancestors site. The information is given by county and only includes ancestry information on Georgia.

Cemetery Information

Though many cemeteries have websites, many do not have grave records published. If they do, the publication is usually a booklet you can buy on their website. A free genealogy resource for cemetery information is Find A Grave. Unique and extensive, this free genealogy resource includes cemetery data, grave records and more. I have also seen memorials to loved ones on this site that include obituary information. Pictures are also popular at Find A Grave. Cemeteries can provide birth and death date recordings.

Other Georgia Suppliers of Free Genealogy Resources

The Georgia Division of Archives and History is located at 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, GA 30260. This online library provides some free genealogy resources like death certificates and allows you to access a digital library of photos. Users also have the opportunity to build their own digital library and database.

The Georgia Genealogy Society, Georgia Genealogy, Georgia Pioneers and Vitalrec are additional free genealogy resources helpful to those researching in that state.

Vital Records cannot be considered amongst free genealogy resources, but often this agency is necessary in family history research. This organization provides birth, death and marriage certificates for a fee. To write for these types of family documents in Georgia, mail your request to:

Vital Records
2600 Skyland Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30319-3640
(404) 679-4702
Phvitalrecords@gdph.state.ga.us

Georgia's Vital Records does provide a handy website, but documents are still provided at a cost.

Libraries also make an excellent free genealogy resource. The research may be free, but the document copies are not. When all else fails, ask your family members about old family bibles and church records.