top of page
Search
Writer's pictureDevon Noel Lee
4 min read

The Genealogist’s Hack: Free Ways to Research Your Family Tree on Ancestry


List of Free Records on Ancestry Genealogy Website

Wondering how to save money while searching for your ancestors? Ancestry's free genealogy records collections might just surprise you!


Think of Ancestry as the Google of genealogy websites. Sure, there are other options out there, but if you ask a non-genealogist where to build a family tree, they’ll likely mention Ancestry. It’s the go-to platform for tree-building, record research, and DNA matching.


But let’s face it—an annual subscription isn’t always in the budget. So how can you get the most out of Ancestry while keeping your wallet happy?


Let’s break it down step-by-step.


Step 1: Take Advantage of Free Websites First


I know, I know—seriously?!? 


But hear me out.


Before diving into Ancestry, stretch those dollars by using free websites like:


These sites offer tons of valuable records and resources to jumpstart your research. Use them to get a head start, then move to Ancestry for more detailed discoveries.


Step 2: Create a Free Account


Ancestry offers a free research account—yes, really! Sign up to:

  • Activate a DNA kit

  • Watch Ancestry Academy videos

  • View shared family trees

  • Search free databases

  • Access your saved research after your subscription lapses


Pro tip: Start small. Build a basic tree with key ancestors and the barest of facts. You can do this manually or upload a file from another platform using a GEDcom file. You can expand it as you get comfortable with Ancestry’s tools.


More Beginner Tree Tips


You may only want to build a DNA tree for DNA matching. In that case, create a few identifying facts, your tree with direct ancestors, siblings, and children of those relatives, and a few identifying facts to make ThruLines work.


If you have a large tree elsewhere, add only those people from the large tree your current research focuses on.


Are You a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?


Great news! You get free access to global records in multiple languages. Head to the FamilySearch Partners Page to get started. (Note: Some premium collections, like Newspapers.com and Fold3, aren’t included.)

FREE Genealogy Research Guide Link

↪️ Are you looking for more genealogy resources?

Grab your copy of these FREE Genealogy Research Guides.


Step 3: Search the Free Ancestry Research Collections


Did you know Ancestry partners with archives to offer tons of free records? Use their Free Index Collections to search for:

  • Census records from Denmark, the US, the UK, and more

  • School, military, and criminal records

  • Global records from Poland, Italy, Germany, and beyond


Take Advantage of Ancestry's Free Collections to make your genealogy research dollars stretch.
Notice that some collections say Free and others say Free Index.

Some collections are labeled “Free” and others “Free Index”—a bit confusing, I know. But both offer valuable clues!

Here are some gems you might not know about:

  • Denmark Census (1787-1901)

  • US Federal Census (1850, 1860, 1940)

  • Danish West Indies, Records of Enslaved People (1672-1917)

  • Galicia Business Directory (1891)

  • New Zealand School Registers (1850-1967)


If you’re researching Jewish ancestors impacted by the Holocaust, Ancestry has a wealth of free collections to explore.


Live in New York?


New Yorkers can access select Ancestry collections for free! Check out the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society’s guide for details.


Discover how to access the list and what some of the records above look like


Step 4: Explore the Card Catalog


With your free account, you can still access Ancestry’s Ancestry's Card Catalog—a goldmine of searchable databases.

  1. Click “Search” in the top menu.

  2. Select “Card Catalog” from the drop-down.


Bring your genealogy research plan and focus on collections that answer your burning questions. Save those URLs for later so you’re ready to dive in when you get full access.


Step 5: Visit a Genealogy Library


Did you know local libraries and Family History Centers offer free Ancestry access? Libraries like the Clayton Library for Genealogy Research have you covered.

Just remember:

  • Check their hours (no 24/7 access here!).

  • Bring a flash drive or cloud storage for saving discoveries.

  • Library editions may not let you save directly to your tree.


Stay organized with your research plan to make the most of your visit.


Step 6: Ask for a Subscription as a Gift


Why not let someone else foot the bill? If a full subscription to Ancestry is out of reach, drop hints around:

  • Birthdays

  • Anniversaries

  • Mother’s Day

  • Valentine’s Day

It’s a practical gift that keeps giving (and saves you money)!


Did you know Findmypast also offers free record collections? Their collections are another great way to keep your research rolling—without spending a dime.


Ready to Dig In?


There’s a treasure trove of free resources waiting for you. Start exploring today, and watch your family tree grow—no wallet required!


How to Research Your Family Tree For Free on Ancestry

For More Ancestry Tips and Tricks


You might like the following content from Family History Fanatics.

Note: To leave a comment, you will be asked to sign in with your Facebook or Google Account. This action will help reduce spam comments on our site. I hope you'll understand.

bottom of page