Question:   Recently I have become interested in doing research for my family's history, but I don't know how to do research or where I can search for ancestors information. I have been told by a few people that there are places online that have genealogy information, but, I first would like to see if this is a hobby that I will really be interested in enough to keep going before I spend a lot of money. I am really new at this and only have a little bit of family information, can you tell me where to start and if there are places I can go for free genealogy information? Ellen G., Bangor, ME
Answer: There are many places online to search for genealogy information many of which have some information that can help you to get started searching for ancestral information. There are also many places that you can go to for help and for searching national and international databases for ancestral records. If you are looking for physical places to go and get help and information The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has several family history centers that you can go to for information and help. The Lethbridge Family History Center also has services for free.Â
The following websites provide free information online:
Bangor Maine State and Local info
Cyndi's List of Maine Genealogy Sites
The following websites provide information for a fee:
I have found other information that may be of value in your research, and the links are listed below.
More Web Site Service Providers team with Family Search.org
Bangor Maine State and Local info
Contact your state offices for copies of records from specific towns,  they maintain records on file. Check family bibles, city directories, obituaries, old maps, old photographs, town history books and old newspapers for information. Most state archives keep a list of professional genealogists who will provide research services for a fee.
Many Genealogical centers provide classes, some are free and some are provided for a fee. I suggest trying several online and offline services for free and then decide what is best for your situation.
