Genealogy
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- Brooklyn Genealogy Information
Although focused on Brooklyn, this site has genealogical resources for the novice and expert researcher related to Mahattan, Queens and Long Island as well. It provides a search function for names in an extensive database of records and documents, plus a collection of links to useful indexes for information on births, deaths, education, marriage, military records and more in the local area. - Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites
A huge compilation of just about every aspect of genealogy. Includes a topical index, alphabetical index and site search. - NARA: Genealogy
From the U.S. National Archives, this site brings you useful genealogical news and events, research topics, help in using resources, order forms, publications, and more. - Olive Tree Genealogy
Collection of databases and links of ship passenger lists and other genealogical resources organized by ethnicity and location. - USGenWeb Project
This site provides links to a wide variety of genealogical resources by state and county, plus transcriptions of public domain records, related census projects, cemetery surveys, and information about the project itself. - Valley Forge Muster Roll
Free, searchable database providing access to the names, ranks and regiments for the over 30,000 men serving General George Washington at the Valley Forge Encampment between December 1777 and June of the next year. Searchable by last name, state and regiment with special lists of staff, brigades, divisions, and commanders' biographies.
African American
- AfriGeneas
An award-winning site focusing primarily on African ancestry in the Americas. Includes 19th century censuses that include African Americans, slaves, or persons of color, along with cemetery, death and military records, and a database collection of slave data. Also features in-depth articles, message boards, chat rooms and mailing lists. - Christine's Genealogy Website
This African-American genealogy resources site includes links to databases and other related online pages, as well as news and articles, a discussion forum, and personal accounts. - Freedmen's Bureau Online
The site for the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, provides a variety of personal records including bank depositors, marriages, and murders, concerning African Americans in the wake of the Civil War.
Death Records
- Find a Grave
Though by no means complete, this site provides access to information about who is buried where, especially in New York and California. It also helps if you are somewhat well known. See the picture of Harry Houdini's grave, right here in Queens. - Obituaries 101
A handy service that offers state-by-state access to newspapers providing online obituaries. No search engine, but Obituaries 101 is easy to browse. Available archives vary depending on the publication. Not a very pretty site, but useful nonetheless.
- Social Security Death Index (SSDI)
Very simple to use search function for the SSA's death index, searchable by name (exact or not), SSN, addresses and dates, and providing, birth and death dates, locations, SSN and the option to order records. Not included in this resource are those deaths never reported to the Social Security Administration or anything before 1962.
Jewish
- JewishGen: The Home of Jewish Genealogy
The starting point for all internet searches about Jewish genealogy. This massive site features basic information on doing Jewish genealogical research, along with a host of useful tools like Holocaust Databases, the Family Tree of the Jewish People (FTJP), with data on over three million people, and the Family Finder (JGFF) of surnames and ancestral towns, to mention just a few. Post a question on one of the discussion groups or take a trip to the ancestral village with ShtetlSchleppers! Free registration is required. Site is searchable.
Public Records
- Ellis Island - American Family Immigration History Center
Search the Ellis Island database to find arrival records of immigrants who landed on the shores of New York City between 1892 and 1924. - Free Internet Access to Public Records
An extensive list of links to a variety of federal and local government databases containing selected public records, such as membership lists, most wanted lists, deeds, court documents and incarceration records. - General Land Office Records
This database of title transfers of land from the federal government to individuals issued between 1820 and 1908 allows researchers to associate certain people with places and times. This site also includes additional genealogical resources. - Vital Records Information - United States
This site provides information about where to write for birth, death, marriage and divorce records, as well as fees and who can access such records. Also provides links to foreign records sites, including Canada, Australia and most of Europe.