On-line Help
FamilySearch
A step-by-step guide, called Begin Your Genealogy Quest, can be found on the FamilySearch website. Another good resource is their article on the Principles of Family History Research.
Ancestry
Ancestry Library Edition contains all of the records that are available in the World Deluxe version of Ancestry. You can search and download these records free of charge (in-library use only.) You can also email search results and records to yourself at home.
The Library Edition does not allow you to build your family tree online or to connect with other Ancestry members. However, you can view public family trees created by other Ancestry users. While user-created trees may contain errors, and should be used with caution, they can also provide valuable clues or pointers for your own research.
You can access Ancestry Library Edition from any KFPL branch, either from a library computer or with your own laptop.
How to Access Ancestry Library Edition
- If you are using your own laptop, connect to the wireless network KFPLibrary. This is the only network that will allow access to Ancestry Library Edition.
- Visit www.kfpl.ca
- Hover over Online Resources and Recommendations.
- Choose Local History and Genealogy.
- Choose Ancestry Library Edition.
- Click Begin Searching.
- Find a record that you want to save.
- Click the Send Document button.
- Enter your email address and click Send email.
- Check your email for a message from Ancestry.
- Click View your discoveries. (You can do this part from home; not just in-library!)
- Click to view and/or download the record.
Other Websites
The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Genealogy, on the Smarter Hobby website, is another good place to start learning.
Meetings and Conferences
Ontario Genealogical Society: Kingston Branch
The Kingston Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society meets on the third Saturday of each month, from September-November and January-May. All are welcome to attend the meetings. If you don’t live in Kingston, try a Google search on the word “genealogy” with the name of your town–for example, genealogy winnipeg–to find a genealogy group in your area. Meetings, workshops and classes are almost sure to be listed on their website.
Other Organizations
In Ontario, many resources, including an annual conference, monthly magazine and wide variety of publications, workshops and online tools, are available at the provincial level. Check out the Historical & Genealogical Societies page, linked in the Related Content section below, for more information about these organizations in the Kingston and Frontenac County Areas.
Books & Other Forms and Links
Use the resources below for a list of books on genealogical research that are available at KFPL. There are also a few helpful files that you can download to help get you started on the right foot.
Resources
Books
Basic Genealogy For Kids
Crash Course In Genealogy
Family Tree Problem Solver: Proven Methods For Scaling The Inevitable Brick Wall
Genealogy In Ontario: Searching the Records
In Search Of Your Canadian Roots: Tracing Your Family Tree In Canada
Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Ancestors: A Guide To Family History Research
Tracing Your Family Tree In England, Ireland, Scotland And Wales: Discover Your Roots And Explore Your Family's History
Files
Family Group Sheet
Local History / Genealogy at KFPL
A flyer created at KFPL to help identify and use the resources at the library.
Pedigree Chart
Websites
Genealogy Research Forms
Lots of forms and worksheets to help you with your genealogical research.
Research Trackers and Organizers
Download forms and charts to help you in your Genealogical research.