Research Resources

These resources support genealogical research in Collin County, Texas and beyond. Links are organized by type - from local archives to national databases, and expert blogs. If you need hands-on help, check the calendar for Research at the Library and Help Sessions at the Plano Sr. Center. 
DNA Reference Materials are on the DNA Special Interest Group Page

Genealogy Friends Sites

Collin County Links

Libraries, Archives & Museums - Texas

Education

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Blogs

Reference Materials

Libraries, Archives & Museums - National 

Software & Tools

Database Programs - use to store family tree and research. 
​Brick Wall Buster Cards $- deck of cards with questions on them, answer the questions to answer research questions, write a story, plan your research, and break down brick walls.  

​Spreadsheet Tools
Website Tools
  • Census Birth Year Calculator - Enter the census year and the ages of the household members and this tool calculates their birth year. 
  • Parallax View - tools to count the days between two dates, calculate a date using the date of the event and time frame (month, days, weeks, years), range of possible birth dates given the date of the event and age, and analyses of the overlap between multiple date ranges. 

Online Records

  • FamilySearch - Free Site packed with records, books, and educational materials.
  • Ancestry $ - Free Access to Library Edition in the Library - records and educational materials
  • MyHeritage $
  • FindmyPast $ 
  • ​History Geo -$ Free Access from home through Dallas Public Library - Historic Maps
  • Fold3 $ - Free Access from home through Plano and Dallas Public Libraries - Main Focus is Military Records




















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Last updated June 30, 2026