These are challenging times indeed. The novel coronavirus and the consequent outbreak of Covid-19 has made its mark on our world in an indelible way already, at a level unimagined since the Spanish Flu a century ago.
No matter how dark the times are, there is always something positive to focus on. For the past couple of generations, people have become more and more isolated and individualistic. The concept of community has become sidelined. During our enforced physical isolation we are now seeing people reaching out to one another. This is often aided by technology – virtual parties, sing-songs, games, and Skype chats. There have been some truly heartwarming stories shared.
The genealogical world is no different. As I write, I am intrigued by a virtual genealogy webinar featuring genealogists displaying their non-genealogical talents for our entertainment in a two-hour show. I am currently witnessing an origami demonstration!
This week, I’d like to share with you some of the free genealogy online resources that are now being made available by libraries, archives and other database providers. This is their generous response to our self-isolation/quarantine/lockdown situations across the globe. Have a look and see if any of these might help you with your research while you have more ‘inside time’!
Additional Free Genealogy Online Resources – Libraries
Most library buildings are now physically closed. Holders of library cards are probably aware that their library offers online access to various databases. The content varies from library to library so check the web site of yours. In addition to the regular database access from home options, many libraries are also currently offering access to databases you can usually only reach when inside the library. For example, you will likely find you can now access Ancestry Library Edition free of charge from your couch! Some libraries are also offering remote access to FindMyPast while the library buildings are shut (Tasmanian readers, you’re in luck!).
You should be able to access many newspapers and journals too. Look for JSTOR additional access, you will be thrilled at what you can find! Remember to check all your library memberships; your local library, state library and national library, as what is not available at one may be available at another.
Additional Free Genealogy Online Resources -Archives
The Internet Archive has also made additional items available under the name ‘National Emergency Library’. It should probably be called the ‘International Emergency Library’ since it is globally available! This collection consists of over 1.4M texts not usually available due to copyright restrictions, many of them useful for genealogy research and all of them interesting!
The US National Archives has some useful free genealogy online resources available. You can also source around 300 of their collections via Ancestry (search for ‘NARA’ in the Card Catalog).
Additional Free Genealogy Online Resources – Other Sources
MyHeritage recently launched a photo colourisation service. Normally you would have to be a subscriber to use it for more than just a few images, but for now, they’ve made it completely free of charge to colourise an unlimited number of photos. It’s amazing to see them come to life!
Do you have any South African ancestors or collateral lines that emigrated there? You can now get free access until 17th April to the databases at Ancestors South Africa!
The New York Genealogical and Biographical Society has been offering free webinars. I have attended several already and can vouch for their quality.
I’m sure there are many more also becoming available, these are just the ones I have heard about in the past few days. If your favourite sites aren’t mentioned here, go take a look at their page. They may be offering something extra at the moment.
Also, remember, the above resources are ‘extras’. They are over and above their usual offerings in the online space. Your usual access to some of the amazing free resources such as FamilySearch Digital Library, Catalog, and Historical Images is all still there too. After all these years I could still lose myself at FamilySearch for days on end! Go check Cyndi’s List and see if you can find some new links you’ve never tried before for an area of your tree you want to expand upon.
I hope these suggestions help fill a little time for you. Now that we’ve moved from simple social distancing to something that is looking much more intense and long term, we need all the distraction we can get. Stay busy, look out for one another and above all, stay well!