Have you ever wanted to unlock billions of genealogy records for free? The Family History Center Portal is a miraculous resource that provides free access to massive, privately-owned databases that usually charge hefty monthly subscription fees. By simply visiting a local building, you can break through your research brick walls without spending a single dime.
What is the Family History Center Portal?
The embedded document below outlines the incredible resources available through the Family History Center Portal. By simply logging onto a computer inside one of these dedicated facilities, you can instantly unlock the world’s most powerful genealogy websites. By taking advantage of this free access, you can find missing ancestors without spending a single dime.
The portal is a specialized network gateway that grants free patron access to 14 premium family history websites. While an individual member might get free access to a few of these sites at home, the vast majority can only be accessed while physically inside the center.
You do not need to travel far to find one of these amazing facilities. There are currently 4,600 local family history centers located in 126 different countries where anyone can access these genealogical records. These centers are completely free and open to the general public.
Unlocking Massive Global Databases
The most popular feature of the portal is the free access it grants to the heavyweights of the genealogy industry. For instance, patrons can freely search Ancestry, which hosts a staggering 16 billion records and over 5 billion public member trees.
You can also access MyHeritage, which features 9 billion records and translates its interface into 42 different languages. Additionally, the portal provides access to American Ancestors, which holds 400 million searchable names and is widely respected for its extensive Mayflower descendant records.
Specialized European and Military Records
If your ancestors immigrated from overseas, the portal offers specialized databases to break down those international brick walls. You can search Findmypast, which contains 4 billion British and Irish records, or ArkivDigital, which boasts about 77 million images of Swedish church records.
For those researching military ancestors, the portal provides free access to Fold3. This massive database features 118 million records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of men and women who served in the military.
American Pioneer and Civil War Archives
Fascinating historical stories can also be uncovered through the portal’s historical newspaper and diary collections. The Alexander Street Press database allows scholars to read close to 200 intimate letters written during the American Civil War, alongside searchable information on 4.3 million soldiers.
You can also explore Paper Trail, an incredible collection documenting the 19th Century westward American migration. It features over 3,500 original documents and journals containing 74,000 searchable names.
Advanced Research Tools Like Puzzilla
Finally, the portal grants access to premium analytical tools like Puzzilla. This unique software views your family tree like a spider web, allowing you to easily spot descendants who may be missing from FamilySearch. The premium version available at the center even provides clickable hints and source titles to speed up your research.
Take time to read the phenomenal 6-page document below to review the full list of these 14 premium websites! You can also check out our previous post on Reserving Temple Names to learn what to do once you find your missing family members. To get started today, click here to find your local family history center and unlock these incredible tools!
