Product Overview of Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com is the largest for-profit genealogy company in the world, headquartered in Lehi, Utah, and owned by The Blackstone Group. The platform is dedicated to helping users explore and understand their family history through a vast array of genealogical, historical records, and genetic genealogy tools.
Key Features
Historical Records and Genealogy Database
Ancestry.com provides access to over 30 billion historical records from 80 countries worldwide. These records include census data, birth and death certificates, marriage records, military documents, and other historical sources. While some records are available for free, the majority require a paid subscription to search and view.
DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy
AncestryDNA, a subsidiary of Ancestry.com, offers direct-to-consumer genealogical DNA tests. Users can submit a DNA sample for analysis, which helps infer family relationships with other Ancestry DNA users and provides “ancestral regions” or ethnicity estimates. The DNA database contains over 18 million completed DNA kits, making it the largest provider of consumer DNA testing globally. The tests are performed by Quest Diagnostics, and users can participate in the Human Diversity Project to contribute to scientific research on population history and human health.
Family Tree Tools
Users can create and manage their family trees using Ancestry.com’s tools. This includes the ability to upload and share family trees, connect with other users who may be researching the same ancestors, and utilize features like MyTree Tags to organize and annotate ancestors. The platform also offers Thrulines, which generates suggestions for possible ancestors based on DNA results and the user’s family tree.
Pro Tools Add-On
Introduced in December 2023, the Pro Tools add-on enhances the functionality of Public Member Trees. Key features include error-checking for family trees to highlight errors such as duplicate people or illogical birth dates, charts and reports (including Ahnentafel and descendancy charts), and additional options for filtering tree profiles. These tools are designed to improve the accuracy and organization of family trees.
Specialized Portals and Services
- Fold3: A premium portal specializing in military genealogy, offering access to military records, stories, photos, and personal documents.
- Find a Grave: A platform acquired by Ancestry.com in 2013, providing burial information and allowing users to create and manage memorials for their ancestors.
- RootsWeb: A free genealogy community with online forums, mailing lists, and resources to help users research their family history.
- We Remember: A free online memorial platform to preserve and share photos and videos about the deceased.
Additional Services
Ancestry.com also offers genetic testing for pets, currently limited to dogs, which compares the pet’s DNA to over 400 breeds. Additionally, the platform provides mobile apps and various tools to facilitate genealogical research on the go.
Subscription and Access
Ancestry.com operates on a subscription-based model, with users needing a paid membership to access most of the site’s features. Subscriptions are available on a monthly or six-month basis, with discounts for longer-term commitments. The Pro Tools add-on is an additional $10 per month for users who want advanced features for their family tree management.
In summary, Ancestry.com is a comprehensive platform that combines extensive historical records, advanced DNA testing, and robust family tree management tools to help users delve into their family history and connect with distant relatives. Its wide range of features and specialized services make it a leading resource for genealogical research.