Review of Ancestry.com

 

Databases, Tools, and Extras

• US and UK Census Data - - Birth, Marriage & Death Records
• US Military Records
• US Immigration Records
• Family Tree Maker
• Passenger Manifest Lists
• Learning Center
• Special Collections like Jewish, African American Family Records
• Community Forum and Blog
• Ability to upload and share photos and other documents
• Membership fees include unlimited access to all databases
• Y Chromosome (DNA) testing (additional cost)
• and more...

Membership Options and Costs

• US Membership:

Annual: $12.95/month (pay all in advance)
Three month: $16.95/month
Monthly: $19.95

• World Membership:

Annual: $24.95/month
Three month: $27.95/month
Monthly: $29.95

14-Day Free Trial – This is our only criticism with this site.  The free trial does not include access to the really cool stuff – just the family tree making tool and photo and document uploading features, so you won’t get a true picture of how the site operates.

Suggestion: If you’re a beginner try the monthly or three month membership until you’re sure they have the information you’re seeking and you enjoy your new hobby.  It’s a little bit more, but not enough to make it too onerous.

Here's What We Like About Ancestry.com

1. It has the largest database of any of the genealogical sites, hands down (their 3,000+ databases contain over 2 billion names) so it's a safe bet you'll find enough information to make the cost more than worth it. In other words, it's a great value - extremely affordable for almost everyone. And, they have some exclusive databases - ones you won't find elsewhere. Better yet, they're still growing (so that means they're adding more data every day); they offer 24/7 access so you can work when - and where - it's conventient for you!

2. In addition to their extensive "regular" information (e.g. birth, marriage, and death certificates; ship manifests; immigration records, etc.) they also have excellent specialized databases, such as:

	Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books
	American Genealogical Biographical Index
	AIS Census Index
	U.S. Federal Census Images (1790-1920)

 

3. They also have lots of great extras and tools. For instance, you can:

	Use their tools to create your family tree
	Learn how to extract records and use the information to enhance your search
	Connect with others who need help, can offer you advice, and/or chat about your mutual hobby
	Find answers to your tough research questions
	Write a book about your family history

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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