Many volunteers come to KYGenWeb with a background in genealogy, local history, or community research—not web design. That is completely okay. Our county websites use simple HTML because it keeps the pages easy to maintain, long-lasting, and accessible to anyone who wants to help.
If you have never built a website before, you might be wondering what HTML is and how you are supposed to update a county page. HTML is just the basic structure of a web page, and the kind we use is very simple. Most coordinators only need to know how to edit text and links. The resources below include free editors, beginner tutorials, and tools that make it easy to learn—no technical background required.
The following links were recommended by the county coordinators. However, there are many other resources available on YouTube and other sites that can help you get started.
If you know of some helpful tools, send an email with link and why you like it to the state coordinator.
These links provide quick explanations of the basic HTML tags used on KYGenWeb pages. You don't need to memorize anything—just use these references when you want to check how to make a heading, link, list, or other simple page element. They are helpful when you want to understand what you're seeing in an existing file.
An HTML editor is the tool you use to open, edit, and save your county's web pages. Some editors work visually—like a word processor—while others let you see the simple HTML behind the page. You don't need anything fancy; these editors make it easy to update text, fix links, and add new material to your site.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) programs are how you upload your updated pages and images to the KYGenWeb server. Think of them as a bridge between your computer and your county's website files. These programs let you drag-and-drop files, create folders, and keep your site organized on the server.
These tools help keep your site clean, accurate, and easy to maintain. They include validators that check for coding errors, utilities that tidy up messy pages, and programs that help you manage graphics or monitor changes. You won't use them every day, but they are very helpful when you need them.
These links offer extra support—useful genealogy tools, copyright guidance, blank charts, and other resources that make your work easier. They aren't required for maintaining the site, but they're helpful additions for coordinators and researchers alike.