Research Resources
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library preserves and shares the history and culture of Czech and Slovak people, with extensive collections supporting genealogy and family history research. Researchers can access books, periodicals, family histories, immigration resources, archival collections, photographs, and reference materials documenting Czech and Slovak immigrants and their descendants in North America. Address: 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Phone: (319) 362-8500.
National Genealogical Society
The National Genealogical Society (NGS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to genealogical education, high standards of research, and the preservation of historical records. The website offers online courses, webinars, publications, research guides, an annual family history conference, and other educational resources for genealogists of all experience levels. Address: P.O. Box 128, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. Phone: (800) 473-0060.
National Map (USGS)
The National Map, maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), provides free access to current and historical topographic maps, aerial imagery, elevation data, hydrography, geographic names, and other geospatial information for the United States. Genealogists can download historical USGS topographic maps dating from 1884 through 2006 to locate ancestral homes, communities, cemeteries, schools, churches, and other historic landmarks, as well as access current topographic maps and create custom maps.
New York Passenger Lists (Stephen P. Morse)
New York passenger lists (1820–1957) can be searched using Stephen P. Morse's One-Step search tools, which provide powerful search options for locating passengers despite spelling variations, transcription errors, and incomplete information. The tools search passenger lists from Castle Garden (1820–1891) and Ellis Island (1892–1957), making them easier to search than many of the original websites.
Passenger Lists (Olive Tree Genealogy)
Ship passenger lists are the focus of this free collection of immigration resources from Olive Tree Genealogy. The site includes passenger lists for arrivals in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa, along with naturalization records, immigration guides, and related resources. Researchers can browse ship passenger lists by port, year, or ethnic group to help trace immigrant ancestors.
State Historical Society of Iowa
The State Historical Society of Iowa preserves and provides access to Iowa's historical records and research collections. Genealogists can research state and county records, newspapers, manuscripts, photographs, maps, local histories, and vital records, as well as access research guides and online resources for Iowa family history. The Society operates research centers in Des Moines and Iowa City. Des Moines: 600 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50319, (515) 281-3007. Iowa City: 402 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52240, (319) 335-3916.
U.S. Census Questionnaires and Instructions
U.S. Census Questionnaires and Instructions provides access to questionnaires, schedules, forms, and enumerator instructions for every U.S. federal census from 1790 through 2020. Researchers can view the questions asked in each census year, download the original forms and instructions, and learn how census questions and procedures changed over time.
U.S. Emigration & Immigration (FamilySearch)
This FamilySearch Research Wiki article explains the emigration and immigration records available for the United States and how they can be used for genealogical research. It describes major record types, including passenger arrival lists, border crossings, passports, naturalization records, and emigration records, and provides research strategies, historical background, and links to additional record collections and resources.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) preserves and provides access to the permanently valuable records of the federal government. Genealogists can research census records, military records, immigration and naturalization records, land records, court records, Native American records, photographs, maps, and many other historical documents through the National Archives Catalog, research guides, and online resources. Address: 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001. Phone: 1-866-272-6272.