Anyone use Ancestry.com? Looking for opinions

[Sleestack]

If you have used Ancetstry.com (or another similar site) what is your opinion on how well it all worked? I have very little information on family, just a few names literally, and am not sure which site would be best... if any. Thanks for any info.

 

[suejai]

I am using Ancestry.com to research our family trees. I find they have a lot of very good information, especially if you are searching for names in the early 1900's. They have scanned a large number of original documents, and are continually adding to the database. I also found a lot of connections from other peoples family trees. I found it worth the price. Having said that though, I have not tried any other sites.

Another method that worked for me was just doing a google search for the name you are researching, I found the most amazing information that way on a really distant ancestor.

Good hunting . I warn you though, it becomes addicting

 

[amid chaos]

My mother had the names, birth and death years of her parents, that's it. Through ancestry.com I have found over 100 names in her family tree. Well worth the fee.

 

[perdidobay]

I've had good success with ancestry.com, but as another poster said, try googling the surname you are looking for along with the word genealogy, I've found alot of great websites with info for free doing so.

 

[WDWBarb]

I ancestry.com! I've found out SO much about my family that I never imagined. I only had immediate family names but, thanks to all the good information on the site, I was able to search my family WAY back. It's a lot of fun!

Just be careful when using info from other users. I've found quite a bit of misinformation and a lot of assumptions being made.

 

[laurafergie]

Big genealogy buff here.

Ancestry.com is well worth the fee and is absolutely the best out there as far as the sheer volume of databases and information. I have been a member off and on for years, as my time allows to research. Right now is an off period. I would suggest to set aside a block of time and research like crazy and then close the membership when you don't use it so much.

However - Most main branches of libraries have a history room, and you can access Ancestry for free with your library card.

Also, most libraries have access to HeritageQuest Online and with your library card barcode you can access that database from home for free.

familysearch.org is free

All the USGenWeb sites are free.

All the forum (Ancestry, rootsweb, genealogy.com) boards are free and have a ton of info out there.

Cindi's List and Linkpendium are great too.

Findagrave is wonderful!! I have had many a break through because of the wonderful volunteers on that site.

And as other posters have mentioned - Google is your friend.

Get your tree online (properly sourced!!! of course) as soon as possible, so people can find you. I love all the genealogy emails I get, and love to exchange info and photos.

Just remember to source everything - that way other researchers or family members can come behind you. And most important - Don't believe anything you see on the internet unless there are sources attached to it.

 

[Sleestack]

Thanks everyone for the GREAT info!! I Deffo will set aside a block of time while I'm a paid user, otherwise Ill end up paying and procrastinating!

Thanks!

 

[Poohbear123]

I joined Last month, and found out a lot...some sad..found out my last living Aunt died 5 years ago...also found out my DH's 3rd wife died 5 years ago of Breast Cancer. Found out a lot about my Dad's and Mom's family when they came here, etc.

 

[maddiel]

I started with the free trial on Ancestry.ca in March and decided to continue with a paid three month membership. I think when my three months are up I'll do a month of worldwide membership - there are some trails I'd like to try to follow in the US and in Scotland and the Netherlands.

I never thought it would be this fascinating! I was able to cross reference much of the Ancestry information with the on-line vital statistics available for free here in Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, RC church records are generally not available on-line here, so I think I'll be heading to the Public Archives to hunt them out.

The Ancestry sites really are as easy to use as they say in the ads!

M.