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 world’s largest online collection of family history records.
Free in-library use
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
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 International Society of Genetic Genealogy website for 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.
Other Online Resources
Genealogy Community Resources
- New England Regional Consortium – Promoting best genealogy practices in the New England area: https://nergc.org/
- 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/
Local Maine Resources
- Maine Probate Records – Search by county: https://www.maineprobate.net/search/
- Hancock County Deeds: https://www.hancockcountydeeds.com/search
- Maine Genealogical Society: https://maineroots.org/
- 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
- Maine Old Cemetery Association (MOCA) – Records available in the Ellsworth Library: https://www.moca-me.org/
- Woodbine Cemetery – Searchable by name from Find-A-Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/90725/woodbine-cemetery
- Genealogy Trails Maine Hancock History Group – Hancock County Cemetery locations by GPS coordinates: http://genealogytrails.com/maine/hancock/cemeteries.html
- Digital Maine Repository – Free newspapers including early issues of “The Ellsworth American” and other historical documents: https://digitalmaine.com/
US Genealogical Resources
- Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/
- Castle Garden – New York immigration 1820 – 1891 (before Ellis Island): https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/ny-castle-garden-ellis-island
- Ellis Island – 1892 – 1954 (years of operation): https://www.statueofliberty.org/
- National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/research
- American State Papers – A treasure trove of information on Colonial American Government business from 1789 – 1838 – 38 volumes: https://loc.gov/item/97080286
- The Mayflower Society: https://themayflowersociety.org/
- Mayflower Passenger List – Includes mtDNA and yDNA haplogroups for some passengers: http://mayflowerhistory.com/mayflower-passenger-list
- Salem Witch Trials: https://www.salem.org/salem-witch-trials/
- Daughters of Early American Witches: https://www.adeaw.us/
- Daughters of the American Revolution: https://www.dar.org/
- Sons of the American Revolution: https://www.sar.org/
- National Society of Daughters of Union Veterans: https://nsdu.org/
- The Prince Project – Database of slaves and slaveholders in Maine before 1800: https://princeproject.org/
- US 1950 Census: https://1950census.archives.gov/
- 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
Genealogy Tools
- Conception Date Calculator: https://www.calculator.net/pregnancy-conception-calculator.html