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SURNAME WEBRINGS

© Christine Sievers

You have a webpage with your family tree on it. Maybe, you have added a few links and information about one or more of your surnames. But, you are thinking that it would be great if you could link your page with others researching the same surnames. There is a way; it's called a WebRing.

First, find out if there already is a ring for your surname at Surname Specific WebRings, the largest list I found for surname WebRings. If your name is included, take a look at the ring to see if you want to join it, or make your own ring.

Next, you need to decide which of your surnames you want to use for the WebRing. Because it has become so easy to make webpages (if you join Suite101 you can get free web space), I would suggest setting up one that traces the descendents of just one of your ancestors. Use that surname for you WebRing.

You can create your own ring at Welcome to WebRing. You need to have at least 5 links to start you ring.

Finding those 5 links may be a challenge- depending on your surname. But, there are resources you can use to help. Here is a list of places that have surname webpages:

1. SurnameWeb Search Engine. (Next week, I will be going into more depth about the SurnameWeb and the Surname WebRing.) The search engine will give you webpages and other contacts for your surname.

If it includes a mailing list for your surname, joining it is another way to find the webpages for your ring. Post to the list your intent to start a WebRing, asking for anyone who would like to join.

2. A number of links at RootsWeb

RootsWeb Surname List - Interactive Search: check all the contributers to see if they have a URL

Surname Helper Search for a Surname: on search page type in the surname, then highlight personal web page for the types of sites to search

GenSeeker - RootsWeb Site Search

Surname/Family Lists: This is the list of surname mailing lists the RootsWeb hosts. If your surname is listed, join the mailing list and let them know that you are looking for sites to add to your WebRing.

3. Cyndi's List - Personal Home Pages Index. Just click on the letter of the surname you are looking for. Unfortunately, they are listed by the web page title, and not the surname. Nevertheless, there are enough webpages starting with the surname to make it worthwhile to check. (Something to keep in mind when you name your webpage.)

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