About 4Genealogy

4Genealogy is a web search engine and resource platform built specifically for people researching family history. It focuses on publicly available archival records and genealogy-focused sites found on the public web -- not private or restricted collections -- and is designed to help hobbyists, family historians, librarians, and local researchers locate the kinds of documents that matter when tracing ancestors and building a family tree.

Why 4Genealogy exists

The basic search engines are useful for a wide range of queries, but family history research often requires a different approach. Genealogy research depends on specific document types (census records, birth records, marriage records, death records, probate and wills, military records, immigration and naturalization papers, parish records, and other vital records), awareness of repository practices, and careful source citation. Many results that surface in general web search are noisy for a family historian: forum posts with incorrect conclusions, obituaries behind paywalls without citation details, or duplicate indexes that obscure the original record.

4Genealogy exists to reduce time spent chasing irrelevant results and to highlight the documents, repositories, and practical next steps genealogists need. Our mission is practical and straightforward: help you find relevant records faster, understand what those records mean, and turn leads into documented conclusions.

What the search engine is -- and what it is not

At its core, 4Genealogy is a specialized search engine tuned to the workflows of family history research. It crawls and indexes public genealogy resources such as digitized records, historical newspapers, library catalogs, repository finding aids, genealogical society collections, and other archival records that are available on the public web. We also maintain a proprietary index of structured record types so results are grouped by document type and provenance.

4Genealogy is not a replacement for original records or professional genealogy services. We link to source providers and respect copyright; for paywalled or physical holdings we provide citation details and instructions for obtaining copies. We do not index private family trees behind access controls or restricted database content that is not publicly available.

How 4Genealogy works -- the search flow

The search experience is built around plain-language inputs and genealogy-aware filtering. Enter a name, place, date range, or record type and 4Genealogy searches across our combined index and external partners. Results are categorized by document types such as census, vital records, probate, land, military, immigration, parish records, and historical newspapers to reduce ambiguity and help you spot the most promising leads.

Indexing and combined sources

We combine multiple indexes: national archives, regional repositories, genealogical societies, digitized newspapers, library catalogs, and selected commercial databases that publish public-facing content. Combining these sources gives researchers a broader set of leads in one place and helps reveal records that might otherwise be buried.

Result presentation

Each search result includes:

• A short snippet that explains the document or mention
• Document type (for example: census, probate record, birth record, marriage record, military record)
• Source confidence and provenance indicators (how the record was indexed and by which repository)
• Options to view similar records, suggest search variants, or draft an archive request

Key features you can expect

4Genealogy is built to support practical, source-driven research. Some features you will find useful:

• Source-aware ranking -- results are prioritized by record type and provenance rather than general web popularity, helping you find primary source documents like census records, parish records, vital records, and probate records more quickly.
• Combined indexes -- a single search pulls leads from national archives, local archives, regional repositories, genealogical society collections, and public digitized holdings.
• Specialized filters -- narrow results by record type (census search, parish records, probate records), date range, repository, language, and level of indexing (fully transcribed vs. partial index vs. image-only).
• AI-assisted research tools -- tools to suggest search variants for names and places, assist with document transcription, draft polite archive request scripts, and propose next steps based on what you find. These tools are meant to speed routine tasks; you should verify transcriptions against original images.
• Editorial resources -- practical articles, checklists, templates, and research plan outlines written by experienced genealogists and librarians to help improve search strategy, citation, and analysis.
• Search filters and advanced search -- refine by repository, record type, keyword, surname search, family tree search, or use advanced search forms to combine parameters.

Types of results and record categories

Family history research relies on a range of historical records. 4Genealogy groups search results into familiar categories so you can quickly identify likely evidence:

Census records

Census records are a foundational resource for family history. A census search will return enumerations (names, ages, occupations, relationships), index entries, and links to the holding repository. We indicate the year, jurisdiction, and whether the listing is an image, transcription, or indexed extract.

Vital records -- birth, marriage, death

Birth records, marriage records, and death records are core vital records that often provide critical dates, parents' names, and places. Results show the type of document (certificate, register entry, parish register), source, and guidance on how to obtain certified copies or archive copies when available.

Probate, wills, and land

Probate records and wills can provide family relationships, property details, and heirs. Land records and deeds are also grouped in this category. We include repository notes (county probate office, state archives, etc.) and citation templates to request copies.

Military records

Military records can include enlistment registers, service records, pension files, and casualty lists. Results point to digitized collections, archive guides, and recognized genealogy databases that hold images and indexes.

Immigration and naturalization

Immigration records, passenger lists, and naturalization papers are essential when tracking ancestors who crossed borders. 4Genealogy highlights immigration records and points to port indexes, ship manifests, and naturalization case files in local archives.

Parish records and church registers

Parish records (baptisms, marriages, burials) are a mainstay for pre-civil registration eras. We surface parish records, transcriptions, and links to microfilm or digitized copies where available.

Historical newspapers and obituary archives

Digitized historical newspapers are searchable for obituaries, social notices, and local news that add context. Results highlight snippet text and link to host sites or local archive collections.

Cemetery and burial records

Cemetery records and gravestone transcriptions often supplement vital records. 4Genealogy will identify cemetery indexes, headstone transcriptions, and local society projects that index burial information.

Practical search strategies -- getting better results

A good search strategy combines broad discovery with focused follow-up. Here are practical steps to get the most from 4Genealogy and other genealogy tools:

1. Start with a clear question: Rather than searching only a name, add a place and a date range where possible (for example: "John Smith 1870 Boston census" or "Anna Kowalska 1905 birth parish"). This helps the engine prioritize relevant record types.
2. Use record-type filters: If you know you need a will or probate record, narrow to probate records. If you're verifying a birth date, filter to vital records and parish records.
3. Try surname and place variants: Use AI-assisted name variant suggestions and common spelling variants. For international names, consider transliteration or local name forms.
4. Examine snippets and provenance: Before clicking, read the snippet and look for repository details. Knowing whether a result is an index entry, transcript, or full image helps set expectations.
5. Document your path: Use research notebooks or the platform's bookmarking tools to note which collections you searched, the queries used, and citations for promising results.
6. Request copies carefully: For records held in archives, use the archive contact scripts and request templates to ask for copies or research help. Include exact citation details and preferred formats.
7. Verify and cite sources: Always match transcriptions against original images when possible and create source citations that include collection names, repository details, and URLs or call numbers.

AI assistance and human judgment -- a balanced approach

Our AI-assisted tools are designed to speed routine tasks: suggesting spelling variants, offering transcription hypotheses, drafting archive request scripts, and proposing next research steps. AI can save time, but it is not infallible. Users should treat AI outputs as suggestions and verify any transcription or interpretation against original records. We provide guidance on source citation, document transcription, and hypothesis testing so researchers can apply sound methods.

Tools and resources beyond search

4Genealogy complements other genealogy tools and software rather than replacing them. Researchers often combine our search with:

• Genealogy software and family tree programs for organizing evidence and generating charts
• DNA testing and DNA match interpretation tools for identifying genetic connections (we provide neutral guidance on DNA testing and recommend verification through documentary evidence)
• Genealogy collections and subscription databases for deep image access where available
• Local archives and historical societies for unique manuscript collections and parish registers
• Scanning equipment, photo preservation supplies, and archival-quality storage for preserving family materials

Shopping and services

Many researchers buy DNA test kits, genealogy books, subscriptions, or scanning equipment. 4Genealogy provides neutral information and comparisons (for example, DNA kit comparison summaries or family tree software feature lists) to help users make informed choices. We do not sell genetic tests or make medical or legal claims about DNA results.

Archival contact, requests, and visiting repositories

Locating a record is often the first step; obtaining a copy or visiting the repository follows. To help, 4Genealogy offers:

• Archive contact scripts and templates -- short, courteous drafts you can adapt when emailing a county clerk, parish office, or manuscript repository
• Citation templates and advice on what identifiers to include (collection name, box/folder, page or entry number, date)
• Guidance on fees and turnaround expectations for archive copies
• Advice for planning archive visits -- what to bring, how to request materials in advance, and how to record findings

Privacy, responsibility, and ethical considerations

We are committed to responsible data use. 4Genealogy indexes public web sources and links back to original providers. We do not claim ownership of records indexed from external repositories and respect copyright and terms of use.

For user-contributed notes, family trees, or transcriptions hosted on our platform, privacy controls allow you to manage visibility. We recommend limiting the public posting of sensitive information about living people and following established privacy norms and local legal requirements.

Our AI tools suggest research steps and draft text; they are not substitutes for professional advice. Transcriptions and interpretations generated by AI should be verified against original images and primary sources before being used in published research.

Who benefits from 4Genealogy

4Genealogy is designed for a broad audience:

• Hobbyist researchers getting started with family history
• Serious family historians working to verify conclusions and break through brick walls
• Professional researchers and genealogists conducting client work
• Librarians, archivists, and local historians seeking to discover digitized holdings
• Students and academics exploring genealogy or local history topics

Whether you want to verify a birth date, locate a probate file, trace immigration and naturalization records, or prepare for a repository visit, 4Genealogy is tailored to help you find the right record faster and understand what to do next.

The broader genealogy ecosystem

Genealogy is an ecosystem of archives, societies, volunteer projects, commercial databases, DNA testing companies, academic researchers, and publications. Some broader topics you'll encounter include:

• Record digitization and public records updates -- new collections and archive releases are constantly added
• Genealogy news, DNA discoveries, and academic studies that affect how we interpret evidence
• Local history projects, genealogical society announcements, conferences, and workshops that help preserve and share records
• Preservation news and archive partnerships that improve access to historical maps, parish records, and manuscript collections

4Genealogy links to and indexes many of these sources and also publishes practical updates and alerts about new collections, record digitization projects, and relevant conferences or family history events.

Common use cases -- real-world examples

To make the platform's benefits concrete, here are common tasks researchers use 4Genealogy for:

• Verify a vital date: Use a combination of birth records, baptismal entries from parish records, and census records to confirm a birth year and parent names.
• Trace an immigrant ancestor: Search passenger lists, naturalization records, and local newspapers for arrival details and occupations.
• Locate a probate record: Use a surname search and probate filters to find wills and estate inventories that list heirs and relationships.
• Resolve a surname variant: Use AI-assisted variant suggestions and historical records to determine likely name changes or transliterations.
• Plan an archive visit: Identify relevant finding aids, request templates, and repository hours before you travel.

Getting started -- a short checklist

If you are new to 4Genealogy, try this quick checklist:

1. Create a simple query: enter a name plus a place or year and run a census search or vital records search.
2. Apply filters by record type and repository to narrow your results.
3. Open a promising result and read the snippet and citation details.
4. Use the AI-assisted transcription or name-variant tool if you hit a transcription barrier.
5. Save interesting results to your research notebook and draft an archive request if you need a copy.

Research best practices and education

Accurate family history depends on documented conclusions. We encourage users to:

• Follow source citation best practices -- record where you found each piece of information
• Create a research plan that states your question, known facts, and next steps
• Use systematic sampling strategies when reviewing records (for example, checking every census within a 20-year span rather than a single isolated year)
• Keep research notebooks or digital logs to avoid repeating searches

4Genealogy also provides editorial guides, checklists, templates, and links to genealogy education resources and workshops to help researchers build sound methodology.

Questions, feedback, and collaboration

We welcome feedback from users at every level. Whether you have a suggestion for a specific feature (search filters, archive integrations, or AI improvements), notice a missing collection, or want help with a tricky search strategy, reach out and tell us about it.

You can contact us any time at this page: Contact Us

Closing note -- how we think about genealogy work

Family history research connects people with identity, place, and community. 4Genealogy is built to make that work simpler, not more complicated: by focusing on the records genealogists rely on, surfacing the repositories that hold originals, offering practical tools and templates, and promoting careful, evidence-based research. Use 4Genealogy as a discovery and planning tool -- then verify, cite, and preserve the records you find.

We aim to support a wide range of users, from someone writing down the first names they heard from a grandparent to a professional preparing documentation for a client. If you're ready to begin, run a simple search for a name and place, refine with the filters, and follow the leads to original records. And if you need help turning a lead into a documented conclusion, our editorial resources and AI-assisted suggestions are there to guide the next steps.