Exploring Your Family History with
is a comprehensive online genealogy website designed to help you trace your family history. With access to vast collections of records and user-contributed family trees, it offers a powerful tool for connecting with long-lost relatives. Let's delve into how works and what previous users have experienced in their journey to uncover their ancestral roots.
How Works
At its core, provides a platform for individuals to explore their family tree through various means. The website accesses extensive records such as census data, birth, marriage, and death certificates, along with user-submitted family trees. Utilizing these resources, users can input their family information, and the platform's advanced data matching algorithms help identify potential relatives and connections. This powerful feature can lead to the discovery of distant relatives and the fleshing out of your family history.
In addition to records, also allows users to take DNA tests. By testing your DNA and comparing it to the family trees of others, you can potentially connect with distant relatives you've never known existed. This DNA testing service can be a game-changer, as it can reveal connections that traditional records may not have disclosed.
User Experiences with
Many genealogists have found to be a valuable tool in their quest to uncover family history. One seasoned genealogist noted, I have been a genealogist since the late 1970s, and I find to be worth every penny. However, it is important to recognize that is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The appropriate service depends on several factors, including the amount of research already done, the time and energy invested, and your level of persistence.
It is recommended to take the Ancestry DNA test and input as much genealogical information as possible, ideally going back at least 2-3 generations, and even up to 5 generations. While is American and Euro-centric in its database accessibility, similar genealogy websites generally cater to specific geographic and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, it might be worth exploring other resources depending on your family's background.
Benefits and Challenges
The benefits of using are numerous. For instance, the website offers a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to build family trees for free. However, a premium membership is required for more extensive access. There are typically four to five levels of membership depending on the level of detail and the amount of data you seek.
One user sums it up by saying, It’s pretty simple. You can sign on for free but with limited access. The more you pay the more information you can get. I think there are 4 or 5 levels. It’s not cheap but if you utilize it a lot and plan on doing a lot of research I recommend it.
While the platform may sometimes present confusing information, such as discrepancies in birth and death dates, these issues can often be resolved by cross-referencing with other records. The site also offers a search function that can help users find relevant information and connect with other people who are researching the same family lines. This collaborative aspect of can lead to surprising discoveries, such as meeting long-lost relatives or finding interesting historical connections.
Additional Resources and Tips
While is a powerful tool, there are many other resources available for genealogists. For instance, FamilySearch is a free resource that offers a wide range of databases and tools to aid in genealogical research. Google searches can also be incredibly helpful, as you might find unexpected information about your ancestors. Additionally, if you are a senior, may offer a discount on your first sign-up. Military personnel might also be eligible for discounts, but you should check the website for details.
In conclusion, provides a robust and user-friendly platform for tracing family history and connecting with relatives. While it requires a significant investment of time and resources, the potential rewards in terms of understanding your ancestry can be immense. Try the free versions and see if you become hooked, as the wealth of information available can prove invaluable in filling in the gaps of your family history.