Ancestry

Ancestry

Ancestry is a genealogy website that allows users to research their family history, build family trees, connect with relatives, and view historical records. It has an extensive collection of over 20 billion historical records from around the world.
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family-tree historical-records genealogy-research find-relatives

Ancestry: Explore Your Family History

Genealogy website with over 20 billion historical records, allowing users to research family trees, connect with relatives and view historical documents.

What is Ancestry?

Ancestry is one of the most popular online genealogy services, providing access to billions of historical records to help people research and build out their family trees. Founded in 1983 as a magazine for genealogists, Ancestry expanded online in 1996 and now has over 3 million paying subscribers.

Key features of Ancestry include:

  • Database of over 20 billion historical records including censuses, birth/marriage/death certificates, immigration documents, military records, directories, photos, and more from over 100 countries
  • Powerful search tools and hints to help connect the dots in your family history research
  • Family tree building software to visually map out your ancestry
  • DNA testing and analysis, with a database of over 18 million customers to match relatives
  • Newspapers.com archive of 7,000+ newspapers going back to the 1700s
  • User profiles and messaging to connect with other researchers working on your family lines
  • AncestryProGenealogists team that can provide professional research assistance

Ancestry offers monthly and annual subscription options, with discounted rates for 6-month and 12-month plans. Occasional promotions offer the first month free for new subscribers. There is also a 14-day free trial available.

Ancestry Features

Features

  1. Build family trees
  2. Access historical records like census data, immigration records, military records
  3. DNA testing and analysis
  4. Connect with potential relatives
  5. Search historical newspapers and city directories
  6. Access ancestry information on the go with mobile apps

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based
  • Freemium

Pros

Extensive collection of historical records

Easy to use interface and tools for building family trees

DNA matching can help find new family connections

Active user community makes collaboration easy

Available on web and mobile

Cons

Can be expensive for full access to records

Most features require paid subscription

Some international records are limited

Advanced DNA tools cost extra

Interface can be overwhelming for new users


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