After gathering all these, read on for the free stuff offered on genealogical sites: Genealogical forms for downloading like charts as basis for the family tree, calendar (used for research), forms for note taking, deed indexes (grantors and grantees), checklist for libraries or archives the researcher visited), journals and worksheets for research, table of contents, index for marriages (statewide), and vital records. To join, simply provide basic information such as your name, date of birth, location and email address. Once you're a member, the site will send you regular tips, news and updates about your family tree. After logging in, you can start building your tree. Some sites require that you download their software but other sites allow you to build online. Another place to get help in the family history search, which is still, is from the census bureau. The United States as well as other developed countries has put this database online for family members to see. Obituaries are not able to tell much about a former relative. Looking in a site called USGenWeb can provide a description about the character especially if that person was quite popular. There are many online search engines that are now available, which could aid someone who would want to delve into family history work. Examples are: - Lists of Passengers on a Ship (as much as 10,000 passenger lists are available to be perused)- examples are Irish passenger lists to Canada and the US, Hamburg Emigration list, Germans from Russia to Canadian and US ports, US Immigration records on Ellis Island, Bremen in Germany to US list, Australian list. The site has an assistant that could help the researcher on things like getting started, downloading forms that are useful to the search (pedigree charts or family group records), showing records that are relevant to the family name search (census and vital records, marriage and even death records) and the most important to you: the category on family organizations and surnames. com is to give people from all over the world the chance to communicate and compare family ties and probably possible common ancestors. They encourage members to share their records. Members can also use their link to the WorldConnect Project to look at other family trees. If you want to communicate with other members, you can join their message board and exchange information.