We are a FamilySearch Affiliate Library!
FamilySearch is a full-service genealogy resource. It offers a vast database of historical records, a worldwide community family tree, and several options for getting help with your genealogy. Affiliate libraries such as the Ellsworth Public Library offer genealogy resources not accessible from home. These resources include special historical record collections.
How should I prepare for a visit to the Ellsworth Library to use FamilySearch?
Review what you know about your ancestors, and then decide what areas you want to focus on. Gather information about your family that you have in your home and by asking family members.
To view the limited access historical records on FamilySearch at the affiliate library, you will need a free FamilySearch account. If you do not already have one, you can sign up now.
Ancestry.com
The consumer version of the world’s largest online collection of family history records. Some databases and collections are available on this edition that are not available in the library edition.
Free in-library use from our genealogy workstation
The institutional version of the world’s leading collection of family history records, provided free of cost by the Maine State Library through their Digital Maine Library. The library edition provides access to much of the same core content as ancestry.com.
For tips on using ancestrylibrary.com, visit this link (outside our website).
Free in-library use anywhere on our wifi
American Ancestors (formerly New England Historic Genealogical Society)
A founding American genealogical organization and one of the largest free and paid resources for family history and genealogical research today.
Free in-library use anywhere on our wifi
Newspapers.com
The largest online newspaper archive of over 30,000 historical newspapers primarily in US, from the 1700s to the present. Essential for genealogy research.
Free in-library use from our genealogy workstation
International Society of Genetic Genealogy
Whether just starting out or delving more deeply into genetic genealogy research, this is the website to visit. The International Society of Genetic Genealogy educates others about the use of genetics in genealogy through workshops, their award-winning wiki, a speaker’s bureau, forums and meetings.
Try the IISGG website for excellent beginners’ guides, glossaries, articles and opportunities to connect.
Cyndi’s List
Perhaps the most comprehensive list of websites available, and a trusted genealogy research site for more than 25 years. Cyndi’s List is free and it is meant to be your starting point when researching online.
Click here to visit Cyndi’s List.
Other Online Resources
Genealogy Community Resources
- Conference Keeper – Weekly lists of all things genealogical including webinars, meetings, grants, etc.: https://conferencekeeper.org/
- National Genealogical Society – Link to the Genealogical Proof Standards: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/going-to-the-next-level/understanding-genealogical-proof/
- New England Regional Consortium – Promoting best genealogy practices in the New England area: https://nergc.org/
Local Maine Resources
- Digital Maine Repository – Free newspapers including early issues of “The Ellsworth American” and other historical documents: https://digitalmaine.com/
- Maine Genealogical Society: https://maineroots.org/
- Maine Old Cemetery Association (MOCA) – Records available in the Ellsworth Library: https://www.moca-me.org/
- Maine Probate Records – Search by county: https://www.maineprobate.net/search/
- Genealogy Trails Maine Hancock History Group – Hancock County Cemetery locations by GPS coordinates: http://genealogytrails.com/maine/hancock/cemeteries.html
- Hancock County Deeds: https://www.hancockcountydeeds.com/search
- Hancock County Genealogical Society: https://hancockgenealogy.me/
- Lincoln County Deeds – For Hancock County deed records prior to 1790 – index available in library: https://www.lincolncountymaine.me/deeds
- Woodbine Cemetery – Searchable by name from Find-A-Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/90725/woodbine-cemetery
US Genealogical Resources
- American State Papers – A treasure trove of information on Colonial American Government business from 1789 – 1838 – 38 volumes: https://loc.gov/item/97080286
- Castle Garden – New York immigration 1820 – 1891 (before Ellis Island): https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/ny-castle-garden-ellis-island
- Daughters of Early American Witches: https://www.adeaw.us/
- Daughters of the American Revolution: https://www.dar.org/
- Ellis Island – 1892 – 1954 (years of operation): https://www.statueofliberty.org/
- Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/
- Mayflower Passenger List – Includes mtDNA and yDNA haplogroups for some passengers: http://mayflowerhistory.com/mayflower-passenger-list
- National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/research
- National Society of Daughters of Union Veterans: https://nsdu.org/
- Newspaper Databases at Our Public Records – With instructions on how to use them: https://ourpublicrecords.org/newspaper-database-resources/
- Newspapers.com – a significant database of newspaper articles maintained by Ancestry.com, with free in-library use: https://www.newspapers.com
- Salem Witch Trials: https://www.salem.org/salem-witch-trials/
- Sons of the American Revolution: https://www.sar.org/
- The Mayflower Society: https://themayflowersociety.org/
- The Prince Project – Database of slaves and slaveholders in Maine before 1800: https://princeproject.org/
- US 1950 Census: https://1950census.archives.gov/
Genealogy Tools
- Conception Date Calculator: https://www.calculator.net/pregnancy-conception-calculator.html