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Ancestry still provides some free index collections - it doesn't mean the whole site is free, which is what the original suggestion seems to have been: https://search.ancestry.com/search/group/freeindexacom - you may need an account to search them, but you can get a free account.
Yes, there is a free portal for PA collections through the archives - you'll need a PA zip code.
I knew they still had some but it is very difficult to find when you don't have an account and aren't familiar with the site.
It did not used to be like that. On their home page years ago, they had a list of all the free stuff along with a search/query place. I have printouts of their old home screen from 1997. It is very different of course. Today it is pretty "get a subscription" focused versus highlighting the free stuff so not many people know they have any free databases.
They also used to have more than the Ohio city directories for free from Ohio. I have death records from them that I printed out from that time period as well (recently cleaned out my office and was impressed with myself that I kept all the files and genealogical stuff I had from when I was in high school).
Fold3 is free and you can find military histories... things like draft cards contain a surprising amount of information. I enjoy using Family Search also. It has much of the same information as Ancestry.
Fold3 is free and you can find military histories... things like draft cards contain a surprising amount of information. I enjoy using Family Search also. It has much of the same information as Ancestry.
Fold3 is not entirely free. Like Ancestry.com, you can get a free "basic" account for Fold3, but your access will be limited: https://www.fold3.com/choose-a-plan
Fold3 is not entirely free. Like Ancestry.com, you can get a free "basic" account for Fold3, but your access will be limited: https://www.fold3.com/choose-a-plan
Interesting. I’ve made a surprising amount of progress using Fold3’s free account. I love history but I’m trying to minimize how much I have to pay for lol.
Interesting. I’ve made a surprising amount of progress using Fold3’s free account. I love history but I’m trying to minimize how much I have to pay for lol.
You should check with your local library - many of them offer free access to Ancestry.com. Also, be aware that FamilySearch.org has many collections that haven't been indexed yet and are only available to view if you're at a Family History Center - so they won't show up in the usual site's search engine. You can find them in the catalog: https://www.familysearch.org/catalog/search - and if you need to find your closest Family History Center: https://www.familysearch.org/locations/
You should check with your local library - many of them offer free access to Ancestry.com. Also, be aware that FamilySearch.org has many collections that haven't been indexed yet and are only available to view if you're at a Family History Center - so they won't show up in the usual site's search engine. You can find them in the catalog: https://www.familysearch.org/catalog/search - and if you need to find your closest Family History Center: https://www.familysearch.org/locations/
Noted. I have a few relatives that are challenging to trace, so I may need to visit a center soon.
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