LibGuides: FYS 100-66: From Roots to Tree: Tracing Your Family History (Fall 2025): Genealogy Websites

General Genealogy Websites

The National Archives
Provides tools and tips on utilizing the National Archives for genealogy research.
Free Library of Philadelphia
There are many primary documents to aid genealogy research available through the Free Library of Philadelphia. All Pennsylvania residents are eligible for a library card.
Military Personnel Records- National Archives
Information on searching and obtaining copies of military service records.

Immigration Websites

Ship Passenger Lists and Immigration Records Research Guide
Helpful guide to finding and utilizing passenger lists for genealogy research.
Ellis Island Records (1892-1924)
No-cost registration allows you to view complete records.
Castle Garden Records (1830-1892)
Castle Garden was the precursor to Ellis Island. Over 73 million Americans can trace their ancestors to this early immigration period.

African American Genealogy Websites

10millionnames.org
A collaborative project dedicated to recovering the names of the estimated 10 million men, women, and children of African descent who were enslaved in pre- and post-colonial America (specifically, the territory that would become the United States) between the 1500s and 1865.
AfriGeneas: African ancestored genealogy
Focuses on African American genealogy, to researching African Ancestry in the Americas in particular and to genealogical research and resources in general.
Enslaved
Enslaved.org is a discovery hub that centers the lives of named enslaved and free[d] individuals who are made searchable and discoverable through a large and growing number of datasets and digital projects.
Reclaiming Kin
Provides tips for researching and recording the enslaved and enslavers in family trees.

Adoption Records

By law, adoption records in Pennsylvania are confidential. However, the Pennsylvania Adoption Information Registry (PAIR) allows adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth relatives to share medical and social history about themselves or their birth relatives. Searches of the registry are conducted by the court that finalized the adoption or an agency that coordinated the adoption.

Pennsylvania Adoption Information Registry Request for Adoption Information
Form must be completed and sent to Pennsylvania Adoption Information Registry P.O. Box 959 Camp Hill, PA 17001. If any information is on file, you will receive it in 30 days.
Search and Reunion
This PA DHS site outlines the process for adoptees wishing to establish contact with birth parents/families.