Explore Your American Roots with Free Access to U.S. City Directories This Independence Day

As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, there’s no better time to explore the people and places that shaped your family’s story. Whether your family has lived in America for generations or you have relatives who once called the U.S. home, historical records can help you uncover their lives and better understand your connection to America’s past.

To celebrate Independence Day and America 250, MyHeritage is offering free access to the U.S. City Directories collection from July 1–5, 2026.

Search the U.S. City Directories for free!

The MyHeritage U.S. City Directories collection contains 561.5 million records compiled from more than 25,000 city directories published between 1860 and 1960. These directories provide a unique look at where people lived, what they did for a living, and how their lives changed over time.

City directories are especially useful because they can:

• Fill gaps between census years: They help track people between federal censuses and are particularly valuable for researching the years surrounding the largely lost 1890 U.S. Census.
• Follow families over time: Because directories were often published annually, you can trace changes in addresses, occupations, and household members from year to year.
• Add context to your research: Many directories include occupations, business listings, and other details that help paint a fuller picture of your relatives’ daily lives.

Although these records are normally available with a Complete, Data, or Omni plan, they’ll be free to search and view from July 1 through July 5, 2026. A free MyHeritage account is all you need to access them during the promotion.

If you’re celebrating America 250 by learning more about your family’s place in American history, this collection is an excellent place to start. You may discover where your relatives lived, the work they did, and how they contributed to the communities they called home.

For more ways to explore your family’s connection to American history, visit the MyHeritage America 250 website, featuring historical records, family stories, and genealogy resources celebrating 250 years of American independence.

Happy Independence Day, and happy exploring!