How to Search For Your Family in North American Archives
Online resources are the best tools when searching for your family in North American archives. Digital databases, such as MyHeritage, give you access to a range of government documents, from census records to marriage certificates and electoral rolls. Whether you’re starting from scratch or searching for lost generations, digital tools and online databases are key to navigating North American archives.
At MyHeritage, we published 105 million historical records in April 2025 with new historical record collections and documents added monthly. In this article, we’re sharing tips and advice on navigating North American archives and what to look out for when creating your family tree.
How to Get Started with a North American Genealogical Research
Wherever you’re focusing your genealogical research, always start with what you know. Talk to older family members and friends to create a basic family tree. Names, dates, relationships, and potential locations can drastically help narrow your search.
Setting your goals for your genealogical research can help you determine where to focus when choosing which archives to start with. If you’re tracing ancestors who immigrated, you’ll want to focus on passenger lists and naturalization petitions. By comparison, if you’re focusing on direct lineage, more localized records can be helpful.
Types of North American Records to Search
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you start researching your family tree. We’re breaking down four main types of records to search when navigating North American archives.
Census Records
Census records are ideal for starting your family search, especially in the United States and Canada. While the U.S. Federal Census originated in 1790, the Canadian Census began in 1851, giving you several generations of information to work with. They can provide vital clues for other family members and potential birth years to use when searching for birth, marriage, and death certificates.
Church Records
Don’t overlook church records! These are ideal to use as a supplement to census records, especially as mistakes can happen. Church records are a necessary resource if you’re searching for family members alive before census records began.
Immigration and Naturalization Records
Most people doing genealogical research in North America will look for immigration and naturalization records. Passenger lists can help you determine arrival dates and where your ancestors were traveling to after they reached Ellis Island or a Canadian port.
Military Records
If you’ve grown up hearing stories of family members serving in the military, then draft cards, enlistment records, and service files can also shed light on your family history. You never know which major historical events you might have a personal connection to.
How to Access North American Record Archives
The good news is that North American archives are some of the most accessible for family genealogists. There are multiple ways to access information with online platforms, like MyHeritage, being amongst the easiest to navigate. You can create a free account and start building out the branches of your family tree in just minutes.
National archives, including the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the Library and Archives Canada (LAC), allow you to search and request official documents online.
Your research can also start closer to home. Public libraries and local archives are invaluable resources, especially if the town your family is from has a local historical association. Most of these local historical societies will have a Facebook page or website to contact them.
Tips for Searching for Your Family in North America
While North American archives are generally easier to access, you may still face challenges when searching for family members. Start with the last family member you have information for and work backwards, cross-referencing sources where possible to confirm dates and names.
Spelling changes and name variations were common, particularly in early census documents, so keep track of your information to cross-reference regularly. Creating branches on your family tree with MyHeritage’s innovative digital tools can help you assign specific documents to individuals and even collaborate with other researchers.
Discover Your Family History with MyHeritage’s Online Database for North America
Researching your family tree can give you a sense of belonging, helping you to connect to your heritage. Genealogical research is always evolving, with more documents and archives being added to our online database monthly. Sign up for a free trial of MyHeritage and start your journey with our 7 tips for successfully tracing your family tree.
