Using Online Databases for Genealogical Research

12.26.09 |

Background records. The name seems so clinical, perhaps even legalistic. We think of background records when we need to hire people, when we’re doing credit checks, and when we’re applying for jobs. But background records cover so much more information and provide so many other useful functions. For example, if you’re researching your family’s genealogy you will find that some background records databases may be very helpful.

Just as an example, many Irish-American families are learning to search backgrounds databases to learn more about Irish immigration records. There are so many databases online now that you can sometimes drill down to the exact group and region you’re looking for when studying your family’s history.

Privacy advocates will advise you, however, that not all databases are very helpful. For example, most if not all genealogical records sites require that living persons give their permission for their personal information to be included in a genealogical database. Otherwise their listings may violate their privacy, which has become a matter of increasing concern.

If you are trying to find close relatives who are still alive your best bet may be to use telephone directories and to look for cousins on sites like Facebook. Some professional directories may also help you find relatives if you know the companies they work for.