FAMILY HISTORY:

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Are you digging for Jacksonville roots?  Then this info is primarily for you!  These web pages are mostly geared toward those who may have First Coast forebears.

PLEASE NOTE:  Additional historical groups, libraries, etc., can be obtained at another page, "Places for History Research."  For this page,

CLICK HERE  

CONTACTS & ASSISTANCE

HELP FOR NEWCOMERS 

ORGANIZATIONS & LIBRARY COLLECTIONS IN JAX AREA

LIBRARY COLLECTIONS & ORGANIZATIONS OUTSIDE OF JAX

DATABASES OF GROUPS & COLLECTIONS

VOLUNTEERS & RESEARCHERS

LINKS & DATABASES

WEBSITES THAT GIVE LINKS TO MANY OTHER GENEALOGY SITE

WEBSITES THAT CONTAIN MILLIONS OF NAMES

  HELP FOR NEWCOMERS

• INTRO TO GENEALOGY -- Newspaper article entitled "Getting Started Climbing Your Family Tree." By Nicole McGill of the Florida Times-Union.

• COMPUTER USE  -- Newspaper article called "High-Tech History: Computers Add New Dimension to Genealogy." By Nicole McGill of the Florida Times-Union.  

• "JUST GETTING STARTED IN GENEALOGY?" -- Helpful tips from the Southern Genealogist Exchange Society.

• THE VERY BASICS -- "How to Start Your Family History," from FamilySearch.org

• ABCs -- Overview of how to begin a genealogy project.  Is from Florida Times-Union article entitled "Some tips on ways to get started," by Glenda S. Jenkins.

• A SOMEWHAT DETAILED OVERVIEW -- "Discovering Your Family Tree," from FamilySearch.org

• A DETAILED GUIDE -- A guide for newcomers, from "Ancestors" (a PBS production).

• STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTION -- Lots of "how to" guidance, from Genealogy.com.

• LOTS OF TIPS -- Website called "Dear Myrtle." Gives lots of tips & instructions for new & intermediate genealogists.

• TRAPS TO AVOID  -- "Top Ten Genealogy Mistakes to Avoid."  Furnished by the About.com genealogy section.

• INTERNET GENEALOGY -- Florida Times-Union article entitled "Genealogy: It's a whole new ballgame," by Anne Sponholtz.  Gives some info about the use of the Internet in genealogy work.

• AN EXAMPLE OF GENEALOGY RESEARCH -- Florida Times-Union article entitled "Researching family ties: Fernandina Beach: Genealogy study brings kin together," by Glenda S. Jenkins.  Gives info about the project of a First Coast family history researcher.

• ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF RESEARCH -- Florida Times-Union article entitled "Woman's hobby uses detective skills: She'll teach genealogy workshop," by Maggie FitzRoy.

• FURTHER EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH -- Florida Times-Union article entitled "Your roots are showing: You never know what might fall out of family tree," by Marcia Mattson.  Tells about the surprises that may be hiding in someone's family history.
   

• ARTICLES FOR "HOW-TO" INFO -- By William Dollarhide, in Genealogy Bulletin

• "HOW-TO" INFO -- Tons of links to how-to-do-it info.  Covers a variety of genealogy topics & sources, including heraldry.  Furnished by the National Archives.

• HELP FOR KIDS-- Tips & instructions for children who are researching family history.  From a site called "U.S. Genweb Kidz."

• GENEALOGY FORMS & CHARTS -- From "Ancestor's Attic." 

• PEDIGREE CHART -- A free chart, from Elaine Johnson.

• "INTERNET GENEALOGY" --  How to use the Internet for genealogy research.  Also given are are many links to websites that describe "Internet genealogy."  Furnished by Cyndi's List.  

• A VARIETY OF SITES FOR NEWCOMERS -- Try the "Beginners" section of the amazing Cyndi's List.  It provides dozens of links.  NOTE: Be sure to also review the "Related Categories."

• MANY LINKS FOR BEGINNERS -- Numerous links to websites for "how-to-do-it" info.  From the "Genealogy Home Page."

  GROUPS & COLLECTIONS 

       IN DUVAL COUNTY (JAX)

• FAMILY HISTORY CENTER TOUR -- Informative tour conducted by Edie Mixon.  From "Treasure Maps: The How-to Genealogy Site."  BACKGROUND INFO: The Mormon Church operates hundreds of Family History Centers worldwide.  These include several in the Jacksonville area.  The Mormon Church also maintains the huge Family History Library, located in Salt Like City, Utah.  Genealogists should usually plan to visit at least one Family History Center.  Research would prove much more difficult if the Mormon Church had not collected its vast store of information.  NOTE: Items from the Family History Library can sometimes be made available through the Family History Centers.

• FAMILY HISTORY CENTERS: FLORIDA LIST -- Includes the Jacksonville area.  Furnished by FamilySearch.org.

• GENEALOGY COLLECTION, MAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY -- Both newcomers & experienced researchers in the Jacksonville area should contact the Genealogy Collection at the Main Public Library in downtown Jacksonville.  It may be able to provide the info and/or sources needed for your research.

• FLORIDA COLLECTION, MAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY -- When tracing Florida family trees, both newcomers & experienced researchers in the Jax area should contact the Florida Collection at the Main Public Library in downtown Jacksonville.  It may be able to furnish some of the info and/or sources needed for your Florida family research.

• FLORIDA COLLECTION -- HISTORIC NEWSPAPERS -- A listing of the historic newspapers that could be researched at the Florida Collection, Main Public Library.  NOTE: Always call ahead to verify the availability of resources at a place.

• JACKSONVILLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY -- Website for an invaluable source of information.

• JACKSONVILLE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY -- Florida Times-Union article entitled "Genealogy group busy with historical research," by Charlie Dixon.  Tells about the Jacksonville Genealogical Society.

• SOUTHERN GENEALOGISTS EXCHANGE SOCIETY -- Website for an information treasure trove.  NOTE: The SGES is based in Jacksonville.

• SOUTHERN GENEALOGIST EXCHANGE SOCIETY  -- "Group Helps Folks Dig Up Roots on their Family Trees,"by Kandace Lankford, of the Florida Times-Union.

  COLLECTIONS & GROUPS 

       OUTSIDE OF DUVAL COUNTY (JAX)

• AMELIA ISLAND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY -- Website for a very active group, based in Fernandina Beach in neighboring Nassau County.  

• AMELIA ISLAND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY -- Florida Times-Union article entitled "10 years establishing roots: Amelia Island: Group that tracks genealogy celebrates birthday," by Amelia A. Hart.  Tells about the Amelia Island Genealogical Society.   

• BAKER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY -- Located in Macclenny, in neighboring Baker County

• FAMILY HISTORY CENTERS IN FLORIDA -- A list, provided by FamilySearch.org.

• FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY IN UTAH -- Overview of Florida genealogy at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.  Also given are descriptions of other major sources of info.  From FamilySearch.org, a website maintained by the Mormon Church.  NOTE: Items from the Family History Library can sometimes be made available through the Family History Centers.

• FLORIDA STATE ARCHIVES, TALLAHASSEE -- A link to the genealogy webpage for the Archives. 

• FLORIDA STATE ARCHIVES: FREE HELP -- Free lookups & searches for Florida ancestors at the State Archives in Tallahassee.  

• HUXFORD GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY -- "Covering the Wiregrass Area of South Georgia, North Florida and the Eastern United States."  Located in Georgia.

• NATIONAL ARCHIVES -- Info about genealogy research at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Lots of links also provided.

• ORLANDO PUBLIC LIBRARY GENEALOGY COLLECTION 

• P.K. YONGE LIBRARY OF FLORIDA HISTORY -- Offers many sources of info for Florida history & genealogy.  Includes many old newspapers on microfilm.  Located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville.

• ST AUGUSTINE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY -- "Serving Northern Florida, St. Johns County and the City of St. Augustine."  Located in neighboring St. Johns County.

• ST. AUGUSTINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY-- This venerable organization "offers to students and researchers access to an exceptional library containing documents, published works, microfilm, maps and illustrative material..."

• STATE LIBRARY OF FLORIDA, TALLAHASSEE -- A link to the State Library's genealogy webpage.

• WEEMS PHOTO COLLECTION -- A description of the Ellie Lee Weems Collection, located at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in Atlanta, Georgia.  Offers a huge assortment of photographic images covering Jacksonville's African American history.  Contains over 100,000 negative prints & over 400 black and white prints.  These images date from the early- to mid-1900's.   Subjects range from street scenes & social events to students posing in schools & bodies laying in coffins.  NOTE: Be sure to call ahead before visiting any library collection.  Verify the availability of the records, as well as the collection's hours of operation.

DATABASES OF GROUPS & COLLECTIONS

NOTE: See also DATABASES OF HISTORY PLACES for libraries, groups, museums, etc., that could provide resources for history research. 

• PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN FLORIDA -- Links to many public libraries in Florida.  From PublicLibraries.com.

• VARIOUS GENEALOGY ORGANIZATIONS & COLLECTIONS IN FLORIDA  -- Contact info for a variety of organizations & collections.  Includes organizations that focus on specific denominations or ethnic groups.  Also provided are historical societies.  From the "Ancestors" resource guide for Florida.

• VARIOUS HISTORY & GENEALOGY SOCIETIES -- Links & contact info for many Florida historical & genealogical societies, provided by D'addezio.com.

• VARIOUS HISTORY & GENEALOGY SOCIETIES -- Links for many Florida historical & genealogical societies.  Furnished by "Obituary Links Page."

• VARIOUS GENEALOGY ORGANIZATIONS & LIAISONS -- Concentrates on Florida.  Includes organizations that focus on ethnic groups.  From RootsWeb.com.

• VARIOUS SOCIETIES, ARCHIVES, & COLLECTIONS -- Links to many Florida archives, genealogy societies, library collections, etc.  Links are furnished by RootsWeb.com. 

• VARIOUS GENEALOGY ORGANIZATIONS IN FLORIDA -- From the website "Florida Cracker Country."

• VARIOUS GENEALOGY ORGANIZATIONS IN FLORDIA -- From the website "Historical & Genealogical Societies of the United States."

  VOLUNTEERS & RESEARCHERS

• CYNDI'S LIST: FLORIDA SECTION -- A barrel full of links:  Mailing lists, newsgroups, chat sites, professional researchers, volunteers, research services, queries, message boards, & surname lists.

• CYNDI'S LIST:  "LOOKUPS & FREE RESEARCH BY VOLUNTEERS" -- Several dozen links provided.

• FLORIDA GENEALOGY FORUM -- Read & post messages at this website.  You could contact a distant cousin about your ancestors or another genealogist about a research problem.

• FLORIDA MAILING LISTS -- Furnished by RootsWeb.com.  Allows for free subscriptions to county & state mailing lists.

• "GENEALOGY HELPLIST: FLORIDA" -- Volunteers who look up genealogy info in various counties.

• "RANDOM ACTS OF GENEALOGICAL KINDNESS" -- Lots of Florida folk who volunteer to do research for others.  Includes Duval County volunteers. 

  WEBSITES THAT GIVE LINKS 

       TO MANY OTHER SITES 

       FOR FLORIDA GENEALOGY

• CYNDI'S LIST: FLORIDA SECTION -- The single best web site for Florida links.  Offers too many resources to describe here.  NOTE: When you get to the webpage, be sure to review the "Related Categories."

• "EAST FLORIDA GENEALOGY" -- Gives links & also recommends books for reference.

• EVERTON.COM -- Links to some key websites for Florida genealogy.   

   

• "FLORIDA CRACKER COUNTRY" -- Info & links for Florida family history.

• FLORIDA INDEPENDENT HISTORY & GENEALOGY" -- Website that provides a variety of links & info for Florida genealogy.

• GenealogyLinks.net -- Lots of Florida links, from cemeteries to censuses.

• "GENEALOGY RESOURCES ON THE WEB" -- Plethora of Florida links, divided by county.  From the website "Genealogy Resources on the Web."

• "GeneaSearch" -- Loads of links for Florida family history.

• LOADS OF LINKS" -- Website called "Loads of Links for Florida Genealogy and Florida History."

• ROOTSWEB FLORIDA PAGE -- A must-see website.  Includes links for info from censuses, cemetery tombstones, family bibles, & military files.  Dozens of links to genealogy societies too.  Includes groups that focus on Baptist, Jewish, Slovenian & African American ancestors in Florida.  Also offers links to volunteers in places you may not be able to visit.  The website is maintained by the USGenWeb project.  

• ROOTSWEB DUVAL COUNTY PAGE -- Could prove a goldmine for researchers with Duval County ancestors.  Includes info from censuses, cemetery tombstones, family bibles, & military files.  Also offers a civil war pension index and a World War I draft registration index (1917-1918).  In addition, links to volunteers are provided.    

• "THE SOUTHERN EDGE GENEALOGY" -- Provides links to various Florida family history sites.

• SOUTHERN FAMILIES -- Links for those with Southern roots.  Furnished by the website "Traveler Southern Families."

• STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENTS -- Online links to many county, town, & city governments in Florida.  Info provided by the website "State and Local Government on the Net."

• STATE LIBRARY OF FLORIDA -- Links to several dozen family history sites, including some for Florida genealogy.

• USGenWeb PAGE FOR DUVAL COUNTY -- A most worthwhile source.  Provides info, records, links, volunteer help, & more.

• USGebWeb PAGE FOR FLORIDA -- Info, records, links, volunteer help, etc.

  SITES THAT CONTAIN MILLIONS OF NAMES

• ANCESTRY.COM -- One of the biggest online databases of names for genealogy research.  Is a pay site.

• ELLIS ISLAND RECORDS -- From the American Family Immigration History Center.  A free site.

• EVERTON'S ONLINE DATABASE -- A pay site.

• FAMILY SEARCH DATABASES -- A free, must-visit site.  Contains hundreds of millions of names.  Maintained by the Mormon Church.  

• FamilyTreeMaker.com -- A pay site.

• GENDEX -- Appears to be both a pay & a free website.  According to Gendex, its website "indexes thousands of World Wide Web databases containing genealogical data for over twenty million individuals, and gives you the ability to locate and view data of interest to you on any of these databases, without having to go and visit each of the databases separately."

• GENEANET -- A free site.

• GENEXCHANGE -- According to  this Web site, "The GenExchange^TM is the oldest of the now popular data-based genealogy web sites, forging new territory and show casing emerging technologies in 1996 to become the third largest non-commercial genealogy project on the internet today."

• MYTREES.COM -- A pay site.

• ROOTSWEB.COM -- According to this Web site, it is the "Oldest & Largest Free Genealogy Site, Supported by Ancestry.com"

• SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX -- Search screen provide by Rootsweb.com.  BACKGROUND INFO:  This database gives brief information about the individuals in it.  Using this info, you may also be able to order a copy of a person's original Social Security application form.  You don't need a Social Security number to search this database.  TIME COVERED: Mostly from 1962 onward.  However, a very small percentage of the data does date from 1937 through 1961.  NUMBER OF DEATHS: The Social Security Death Index does not list all the deaths that have occurred in the US during the time it covers.  WHO PROVIDES THIS SITE:  This particular search site is provided by RootsWeb.com.

• SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX -- Search screen provided by Ancestry.com.

• SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX -- OVERVIEW -- Frequently asked questions about the index.  FAQs are furnished by Ancestry.com.

• "SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH MASTER FILE: A MUCH MISUNDERSTOOD INDEX" -- Overview from Ancestry.com.

• US GenWeb ARCHIVES -- Search screen for the US GenWeb Archives.  Is a free site.

• WORLDCONNECT PROJECT -- A free site.

  THANK YOU...  

       FOR VISITING THE JACKSONVILLE STORY,

        YOUR TIME MACHINE TO THE PAST