Using Multiple Websites in Tandem to Solve Problems

Key points and insights

In this comprehensive Genealogy Guys Learn webinar, veteran genealogist George G. Morgan shared expert strategies for broadening research horizons by using a variety of online genealogical resources—far beyond the most well-known platforms. Emphasizing that no single website holds all the answers, Morgan guided viewers through a detailed exploration of databases, archives, and digital collections, revealing how each offers unique strengths for different record types and geographic areas. His presentation blended methodical instruction with practical insights, empowering genealogists to refine their focus, avoid “rabbit holes,” and organize their online research for maximum efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

• Go Beyond the Big Four: While Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast remain foundational, Morgan highlighted dozens of additional resources—including Cyndi’s List, Chronicling America, JewishGen, and the American Battle Monuments Commission—that provide specialized access to newspapers, cemeteries, military files, and local histories often overlooked by mainstream databases.

• Organize and Verify for Better Results: Morgan urged researchers to build structured bookmark folders for genealogy by topic, location, and record type, ensuring easy return access to valuable sites. He also stressed the critical importance of verifying all information with original or near-original records, warning against relying solely on online trees, indexes, or user-submitted data.

• Combine Digital Tools with Traditional Research: Although the internet offers millions of digitized records, Morgan reminded attendees that not everything is online. He encouraged contacting local libraries, courthouses, and archives directly to access unindexed or unpublished materials. His case study of the Wilson family demonstrated how cross-referencing online and offline sources—such as census data, marriage bonds, obituaries, and land records—can reconstruct entire family networks.

Packed with practical demonstrations and detailed examples, the session offered a roadmap for conducting smarter, deeper, and more accurate genealogical research. Morgan’s approach underscored that effective genealogy requires a balance of curiosity, critical thinking, and disciplined recordkeeping.

For genealogists ready to elevate their research, viewing the full webinar provides valuable tutorials on navigating key websites, using advanced search features, and building a personalized online research toolkit. Be sure to consult the accompanying syllabus, which contains direct links, search strategies, and recommended repositories—an indispensable companion for anyone ready to expand their family history research far beyond a single website.