Many wanting to learn more about their family history may feel overwhelmed by the seemingly daunting process. Genealogy research, however, is now easier than ever with the free and simple-to-use resources that CLP provides as well as other sites that are open to the public. Searching for family history through these resources is a fun and engaging activity for loved ones to share and learn more about their past relatives. Use these resources to search for genealogical information and begin building your own family tree! I’ve tried all of them with my own family’s information and was able locate something new about at least one relative.

Ancestry Library Edition (This resource is only available from inside a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh or Allegheny County library location.)

A free version of the genealogy subscription service for researching family and local history.

FOLD3 (Available to CLP and ACLA cardholders)

Includes US military records, with stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served as well as access to naturalization records/indexes, city directories, historical newspapers and more.

The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Passenger Search

Allows users to search for family members who passed through Ellis Island when immigrating to the US. Includes passenger record information containing ship name and location of birth.