Genealogical Research

The VGS has robust offerings, including conferences, publications, lists of helpful websites, and many other offerings for its members and the public.

The VHS runs the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, but it also maintains its own library which has resources that might be useful to the genealogists of Virginia. Makes sure to check out their "Collections" page for links.

Full text of almost 500 genealogy books, bible records, genealogy charts, military records, African American and Native American genealogy, various guides and directories, etc.

A mail list, message boards, information guides, articles, links, etc., to those interested in African-American genealogy.

Major site that provides information and links to African-American genealogy.

The largest collection of genealogy links on the web.

Maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can search its Ancestral File; International Genealogical Index; Source Guide; etc.

Search 121 million grave and cemetery records.

Free and fee-based databases, some unusual (funeral and business cards, World War II ration books, etc.)

A subscription database available locally at both branches of the Williamsburg Regional Library. Index of 24,000 family and local history books, index of over 2 million genealogical articles (PERSI), selected records from the Revolutionary War and the Freedman’s Bank etc., all searchable by place or personal name.

Describes its records holdings and guides on using them and the Soundex Indexing System. The Soundex is an index that is based on how a name sounds, not how it is spelled. It can be searched to obtain a code that makes using NARA’s census microfilm from 1880-1930 much easier.

A volunteer effort to supply genealogical information at the county level. Access is by state, then by county. The county focus is very useful, and researchers are able to post queries on each county page. Some local records have been digitized by GenWeb participants.

The most comprehensive resource for locating vital records.

This is a consolidated database of more than 11,000 finding aids which provide information about the vast array of manuscripts and archival materials housed in historical societies, libraries, museums, colleges and universities across the Commonwealth.