Why Genealogy Search Websites?

People all over the world are catching the genealogy bug. Some say they find peace in the future through exploring the past. Others, while searching for their roots, discover a new sense of self worth and appreciation for their forefathers and foremothers. Whatever your reason for genealogical research, the web plays a central role.

The Internet provides more genealogy information than the shelves of the largest libraries, and all of it is accessible in your own home. Genealogy search websites provide access to tons of databases, some contain up to 3 billion names. You can search newspapers, court records, cemeteries, military records and so much more.

Researching genealogy through the Internet provides the opportunity to connect with other genealogists that can provide priceless information. You may even run into a relative from another country or someone working on the same pedigree chart or family tree.

In this site, you'll find articles on genealogy and comprehensive reviews on genealogy search websites that will help you make an informed decision on which website is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™

What to Look for in Genealogy Search Websites

During the last decade computers have connected people from all over the world, they are now connecting generations. Genealogy search websites add a new dimension to genealogical research—so get involved and discover your past. Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate genealogy search websites:

Names & Information Databases
Each service uses a main database and other databases to gather genealogy information. The site should have access to a large database that provides vital information such as birth dates, marriage dates, death dates, places of birth and death and so on.

Worldwide Focus
Genealogy websites should provide information that benefits everyone, regardless of nationality, race or country. If the site is specifically for a certain group of people, then this should be stated on the homepage.

Other Resources
The service should provide access to resources that benefit genealogy research through links or by other means. For example, military records, court cases, land grants and so on provide valuable information to genealogists.

Ease of Use
The genealogy service's website should be organized, intuitive and easy to navigate, so even the novice genealogist feels confident using the features on the site. Tips and courses on research methods can also be very helpful.

Help/Support
The service should provide a FAQs page or other types of support including tutorials, online classes and so on. Customer support should be available by phone or email to answer questions.

Click here to read about the #1 genealogy search site, Ancestry.com, or, if you are a novice genealogist, and not ready for a monetary investment, look into the FREE site Rootsweb.com, our 3rd-ranked genealogy search website.