A list of tools and resources for the beginner genealogist.

Genealogy, the study of family history and origins, is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. Hobbyists pursue genealogy for a number of reasons: to satiate their intellectual interests, to discover or solve family mysteries, to foster connections with one’s ancestral lineage, to preserve family histories, and sometimes to build a historical record for future generations to appreciate. Many researchers conduct their research from the comfort of their homes via various web platforms and databases, but these resources are protected by expensive paywalls. Libraries and archives often offer access to the same resources, and community or region-specific resources are free or low-cost.

Are you ready to embark on a genealogical journey? North Dakota libraries and archives offer a variety of resources for genealogical research for beginner-level genealogists and seasoned historians. This article features only a handful of libraries in North Dakota that offer genealogy tools. If there is a specific resource you have in mind, it’s best to contact your local library before your trip just to be sure that they have what you’re looking for.

Popular Resources

Ancestry Library Edition can only be accessed on-site from the library. It allows you to search census data, birth records, death records, marriage licenses, newspaper articles, and more. Check with your local library to see if you have access to the library edition of Ancestry. North Dakota’s state libraries have partnered with Ancestry.com to offer free access to their full database of census records, birth and death certificates, military service records, and much more.

Curated resource lists can be especially valuable when conducting genealogical research. For extra resources, check out these curated resource lists provided by Grand Forks Public Library, James River Valley Library System, North Dakota State Library, and the West Fargo Public Library. Curated lists can help you save time when searching for reputable genealogical tools. Each of the resources on these lists is trusted and verified.

Digital Horizons includes collections from libraries, historical societies, and museums in North Dakota and neighboring states, such as South Dakota and Minnesota. Documents on this platform date from the late nineteenth century to the present. Researchers can explore visual records of their ancestors' communities. Digital Horizons also houses numerous regional newspapers.

Family Search allows researchers to research historical records and upload their own documents for free. Researchers can collaborate to build a shared family tree and join community forums to troubleshoot obstacles they may encounter during their research. Family Search is managed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Find a Grave allows you to access free cemetery records. You can use this website for research or sign up as a volunteer to contribute headstone data from your community. Find a Grave can be used to locate ancestors’ burial sites and birth and death information, as well as establish relationships between deceased family members. With a tool like Find a Grave, you will likely discover extended family you would not have otherwise known existed.

Genealogy classes are sometimes offered by local libraries, honing in on one or two skills or databases. For example, Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library provides beginner-level genealogy courses throughout the year.

Microform collections are often housed in libraries and archives. Many North Dakota libraries have microfiche or microfilm collections where you can access copies of old newspapers and magazine articles. If a library is missing the issue you seek, you can request the resource you need through the library’s interlibrary loan service.

RootsWeb is one of the oldest genealogy sites on the web, and it’s free to use. Share family trees, collaborate with other researchers, join message boards, and subscribe to genealogy mailing lists. RootsWeb is owned by Ancestry, so when you conduct a search on RootsWeb, you have the option of extending your search on Ancestry.

Special collections contain a mix of physical and digital resources. The University of North Dakota’s Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections includes several genealogy collections. The Bygdebøk Collection may be of particular interest to genealogists; it includes a collection of farm and family histories compiled by local Norwegian groups. 

The State Historical Society of North Dakota is a crucial player in preserving North Dakota's rich historical and genealogical records. SHSND provides information on the state's history, archives, educational programs, exhibits, events, historic preservation efforts, and publications. Teachers who visit the site may also use the Ask-an-Expert tool to ask questions of the experts. Questions may be related to ND studies, history, geography, civics, and more. Their archives include US federal census records, passenger lists, Social Security Death Index, military records, and World War I draft registrations.

Genealogy research in North Dakota is well supported through a combination of state and local libraries, online resources, and historical societies. By utilizing North Dakota’s library resources, you can broaden your understanding of the connections between your family and the state's history and preserve the legacy of generations past.