Genealogy Resources

Getting Started

If you are new to genealogy, these links will help you start your research. More resources can be found in the Pioneer Room.

  • Genealogy.com's Getting Started (PDF): A curated list of articles for the beginning genealogist.
  • FamilySearch's Guided Research: Pick a location and follow the guided prompts to learn more about the resources available for that location.
  • Pioneer Room's Beginning Genealogy Forms: (Available in English (PDF) and Español (PDF)). These form-fillable PDF files include a 4-generation ancestor chart, family group sheet, genealogical resources, tips for beginning researchers, a research log, a relationship chart, and a how-to guide developed by Pioneer Room Volunteer and 30-plus-year genealogist Beth McIntyre.
  • Pioneer Room's YouTube Playlist: Watch the Beginning Genealogy series to learn how to search for your ancestors on Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.

Resources

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Ancestry.com 

The Pioneer Room Archive offers Ancestry.com, Fold3, and Newspapers.com to researchers during our open hours. Please visit us for more information.

  • Ancestry.com provides access to billions of historical records, family trees, and DNA testing services to help users trace their family history and build ancestry profiles.
  • Fold3 provides access to military records like service records, pension files, and draft registration cards.
  • Newspapers.com offers access to historical and contemporary newspaper articles from thousands of publications.

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FamilySearch.org

The Escondido Public Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. FamilySearch is a free genealogy website operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It offers access to a vast collection of historical records, family trees, and research tools to help you trace your ancestry and build family histories.


Genealogy Tool Kits & Online Reference Tools

These sites help display your work once you've collected photographs, birth and death records, and other pieces of your family history.

Escondido Resources & Organizations

These local resources and organizations can help you with your genealogy research.

  • Escondido Family History Center: Everyone is welcome at the Escondido Family History Center. There is free on-Site Internet Access for Genealogy. The entrance is on the northwest side of the building. Ring the doorbell or call 1-442-273-2254 for assistance.
  • Daughters of the American Revolution - Rincon Del Diablo Chapter: This organization provides members with genealogy research help.
  • DigitalReel: DigitalReel allows access to Escondido newspapers published before 1995, including The Advocate, The Escondido Times, and the Times-Advocate. Please Note: This resource is only available on Library computers and the library's wireless network.
  • Pioneer Room's Physical Collections: These are non-circulating books, indexes, and records that may help you find ancestors across the United States.