Ancestry.com Review

Ancestry.com is the premier website for researching family genealogy.  I got started with a 14-day free trial promotion.  On the main page, I began by entering the name of my great-great grandmother's name and locality.  Within seconds, I got a hit and discovered her spouse, marriage date, place of marriage, age, and maiden name.  That result started me on a journey to finding a history of incredible depth and breadth. 

Because of slavery, it's much more difficult for Black Americans to uncover their roots than other ethnic groups.  But that doesn't mean it's impossible.  With the help of Ancestry.com, I was able to access the census databases that provided valuable information on my great-grandmother's entire household; including parents, siblings, in-laws and cousins.  Armed with the names, ages, and relationships of my ancestors, I input them into the Ancestry Family Tree database and created a family tree that goes all the way back to 1819 - the approximate year of birth of my 4th great-grandmother. 

The Ancestry Family Tree software was once a free download that is no longer offered by Ancestry.com.  However, they do have an online program that you can use to build your family tree.  In addition, there are many genealogy software programs that you can buy to record your precious family data. 

After a year of researching, I compiled my findings into a family album that I printed, bound, and gave to family members for Christmas.  The album has not only the raw data and family tree charts, but also the stories my mother remembers, facts about life during that time in history, and old pictures that survived.  Using Ancestry.com's message boards, I found two different cousins who were conducting their own searches.  We shared our information which helped me fill in missing information, and I even received some priceless photos from one cousin that I would never have even known existed.

Currently, a yearly membership at Ancestry is $12.95/mo; quarterly is $16.95/mo.; and monthly is $19.95/mo. for complete U.S. records access, which includes census data, immigration records, military records, historical newspapers, marriage, birth, and death indexes, and so much more. The international databases cost more.  Check with your local library before you buy a membership - many libraries have purchased a subscription and provide their patrons with free access for in-library use.

I'm beginning work on my paternal ancestry as I continue to chip away at "brick walls" of missing information.  Ancestry.com is continually adding more information to their databases, and I know it's only a matter of time before I can knock down a few of those walls successfully.