I like to think that embarking on a genealogical journey to discover your family's history can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Thanks to advancements in technology, numerous user-friendly genealogy websites have emerged, making it easier than ever to trace your ancestry. In this blog post, I will explore a few of the most user-friendly genealogy websites available today. I have used all of them at various times to work on my family tree. They are designed to simplify your research process and help you uncover the secrets of your family's past. Using these websites may add valuable information about your ancestors that very possibly has been lost to time.
If you were not born into the “computer age,” as in my case, these websites are for you. If you take a bit of time to read and follow the directions and suggestions they include, as well as put in the time, you will be a pro very quickly.
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1. Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is one of the most popular and comprehensive genealogy websites, offering an intuitive and user-friendly platform for both beginners and seasoned genealogists. With a vast collection of historical records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, immigration records, and military records, Ancestry.com provides a wealth of resources to build your family tree. Its user-friendly interface, smart hints, and integrated search functions make it easy to navigate and find relevant information. Additionally, AncestryDNA offers DNA testing services, connecting you with potential relatives and providing insights into your ethnic origins.
One of the biggest mistakes for beginning genealogists, however, is the temptation to use any information that you may come across in your research on this website. I know that I was very guilty of doing this when I first began my family tree research. If I found some information about an ancestor that I “felt” was right…I added it to my tree. Wrong!!! Take the surname of Smith or Allen, add a common given name and I thought “Bingo, that’s my ancestor.” I am still cleaning up and correcting my trees from adding that non-corroborated information, although I’m sure that I have removed most of the erroneous information (it’s only been about 15 years). But! One is never 100% in genealogy research. So, my advice is to double and triple check your sources and the ones that others may add to trees that you think relate to your ancestors. Chances are that those other trees are on the right track but at the wrong station!
2. FamilySearch.org
FamilySearch.org, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a free and collaborative genealogy website that caters to a wide range of users. With access to a vast collection of records from around the world, including birth, marriage, and death records, census records, and probate records, FamilySearch.org provides an extensive database for your research. The website offers user-friendly search features, collaborative family tree building, and a community-driven support system, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It also provides access to valuable resources, such as tutorials, webinars, and online forums, to assist you in your genealogical journey.
The catch phrase here is “collaborative family tree building and a community-driven support system.” Anyone who uses this genealogical website can change or add to your family tree. But it is not yours exclusively. Be wary of what others add. Again, as in Ancestry.com, you must check, double check, and triple check the sources that others have used. It’s a great website to use for ideas and information about potential ancestors. It is not always correct. You may, however, change what others have added with your thoroughly vetted information about a particular ancestor. You simply change or add to the tree, but you must cite an information source or explain why you feel your information is correct. That being said, FamilySearch.org does have wonderful records and resources! It’s a great “jumping off” website to begin the search for your ancestors. And, best of all, it’s free!!
3. MyHeritage
MyHeritage is another popular genealogy website known for its user-friendly interface and innovative features. The platform offers a robust database of records, including vital records, census records, and newspapers, covering multiple countries. MyHeritage's Smart Matches and Record Matches features automatically search and match your family tree with relevant records, saving you time and effort. The website also provides DNA testing services through MyHeritage DNA, enabling you to connect with relatives and discover your ethnic origins. MyHeritage offers an intuitive family tree builder, advanced search options, and an active user community, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced researchers. In my experience I have found that many people outside of the United States use this website and their DNA testing services. It is a pay website, but they do have specials and free trial periods.
4. Findmypast
Findmypast is a genealogy website with a strong focus on English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh records, making it an invaluable resource for individuals with British ancestry.
If you have ancestors from Australia, New Zealand, Papua, New Guinea, or the Pacific Islands this genealogical website is your go-to place. My roots lie mainly in Great Britain and Northwest Europe, so I use this website periodically. The website offers an easy-to-use interface, allowing you to search its extensive collection of records, including birth, marriage, and death records, census records, and military records. Findmypast also provides unique collections such as electoral registers, parish records, and newspapers, offering deeper insights into your ancestors' lives that other genealogy websites do not. Findmypast also has millions of records not available anywhere else. The website's user-friendly search filters, interactive tools, and informative blog posts contribute to an enriching genealogical experience. Note that this website also has a paywall, but it does have specials
and trial memberships that are regularly available.
5. WikiTree
WikiTree is also a collaborative and entirely free genealogy website, just like Familysearch.org that emphasizes community-driven research and accuracy. The platform enables users to collaborate and build a shared family tree, making it an excellent resource for connecting with distant relatives and benefiting from collective
knowledge. WikiTree's user-friendly interface, guided prompts for adding information, and stringent sourcing and citation guidelines ensure the accuracy and reliability of the shared data. The website encourages collaboration, allowing users to communicate with others working on the same family lines and share valuable insights and discoveries.
I like using this website for researching historical eras, famous people, and events that happened during a particular ancestor’s lifetime. By adding historical and geographical information your personal family tree becomes more interesting and possibly more relatable. Always be aware of the collective tree and add the information about your ancestors carefully.
Embarking on a genealogical journey to discover your family's history has never been easier, thanks to the availability of user-friendly genealogy websites. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced researcher, websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, MyHeritage, Findmypast, and WikiTree offer intuitive interfaces, extensive databases, collaborative features, and supportive communities to simplify your research process. Start exploring these websites today and unlock the fascinating stories of your ancestors, building a deeper connection to your family's past.
Proceed with care, though! Genealogy can be addicting!
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