Genealogy Heroes: Volunteers, Angels and Helpers

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There are so many wonderful and giving genealogists out there who make it their mission to help others. I'm always amazed at how giving and warm most genealogists are. Just researching your own tree could be a full time job for...well, basically forever! It's hard to imagine the time and effort these volunteers give on top of their own research. 

Here are just a few of many great projects I've heard of:

• Search Angels is a non-profit organization assisting with genealogy and DNA test results for those in search of their biological family roots (basic adoptive search is free)
• Family Treasures Found works to reunite lost treasures with their families
• Megan Smolenyak has researched and helped identify 188 soldiers of various US wars. For 25 years, she's assisted the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) with identification of soldiers who gave their lives in war, but had not yet been accounted for
• DNA Doe Project has a mission to identify John and Jane Does using investigative genetic genealogy
• Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK) is a place where volunteers offer to provide research time (without charge) to researchers who need "boots on the ground" genealogy help in a distant location
• 10 Million Names is dedicated to recovering the names of the estimated 10 million men, women, and children of African descent who were enslaved in pre- and post-colonial America
• Project Infant a site dedicated to every victim of the Mother & Baby Homes in Ireland

If you're thinking of giving of your time, in addition to the above projects, here are a couple ideas almost any of us can do:

• Assist with indexing, transcribing and proof-reading: Family Search has a whole page of volunteer opportunities
• Volunteer with a genealogical society such as the National Genealogical Society (NGS) or American Ancestors or ask your local genealogical society how you can volunteer with them
• Take photos or transcribe for BillionGraves or FindAGrave

For more ideas and sites: 

• Check out Cyndi's List for sites working to return reunite old photos with their family and other lost and found projects
• Investigate the numerous volunteer projects on Cyndi's List
• Browse Facebook groups - there are tons of them depending on your area of interest

While we all give in our own way, preserving and telling the stories of our ancestors - volunteers, helpers and angels are the unsung genealogy heroes. From transcribing documents to adding photos, I'd venture every one of us has benefited from the generosity of these amazing people. We may know some of their names, others remain in the shadows. If you're keen to give back to the genealogy community, take a few moments to look through some of these projects and ideas.

I've added a Volunteer Opportunities section on my Genealogy Toolbox page where you can find all of these links easily.

Cyndi's List: Links for Everything Genealogy

Cyndi's List is the absolute BEST compilation of links to everything Genealogy. No matter what you're searching for, Cyndi's List is likely to have links to resources to assist you. Best of all, you can search this site for FREE! While seasoned researchers are certainly already familiar with the site, those new to genealogy may not be, so I felt it was worth mentioning. Even if you're been to Cyndi's List many times before, it's worth remembering approximately 1500 new links are added each month (as well as updating of current links, and deletion of outdated links) so there's always something new to find. Visit the "What's New" page to see weekly updates.

Created in 1996 and boasting an impressive 250,000 unique visitors to the site each month, this well maintained and constantly updated site is something to behold. With 231 categories and 319,514 links (as of the date of this post), you're sure to be blown away by how comprehensive this compendium is. The user interface is simple and intuitive so you'll have no trouble locating what you need. If you're new to the site, start with the welcome on the home page and read the FAQs to learn more about how links are recorded and indexed. Then dive right into the alphabetical category listing or use the search box to find exactly what you're looking for. Don't take my word for how incredible this site is - search for yourself and prepare to be amazed!

It's hard to imagine the amount of hard work and dedication it takes to keep Cyndi's List up to date. The site is run by a single dedicated woman (Cyndi Ingle) who clearly has a passion for genealogy. The site is supported by affiliate links, advertisements, and donations. If you find the site helpful in your research, please consider using the affiliate links or making a donation to show your thanks. It's not often you'll find a gem such as this - make sure it's a staple in your genealogy toolbox.