Genealogy Search Review
Why Use Genealogy Search Websites?
The whole world seems to be getting into the family history hunt. Celebrities may not always model the best behavior, but genealogy enthusiasts have got to be happy about their participation in shows like "Who Do You Think You Are," a series on NBC that follows actors and musicians as they investigate their ancestry. It seems that more and more folks from all walks of life are utilizing the genealogy search tools that are now available to track down their roots.
Serious genealogical research used to involve traveling to all of the places your family has lived, dusting off gravestones and pouring over original documents in local libraries, oftentimes in a language you could not speak. It even involved contracting a professional genealogist in many cases. Sometimes it still does, especially as you reach further and further into your family's past, but with the proliferation of genealogy search resources online, you can do a lot of work from the comfort of your own home.
You will still have to look for old newspaper clippings and census records in order to find out about your predecessors, but so many of those documents have now been photographed and digitized so that they can reside on websites. As you research and network online, you may run into relatives from other parts of the world who can help you trace your family line back even further.
In this site, you'll find comprehensive reviews and articles about genealogy search websites that will help you make an informed decision about which one will best help you explore the branches of your family tree. Ancestry, Archives and FamilySearch impressed us the most with their extensive document collections and other useful genealogy tools.
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Genealogy Search Websites: What to Look For
During the last decade, computers have connected people from all over the world, and they are now connecting generations. Genealogy search websites add a new dimension to genealogical research, making it easy to get involved and discover your past. Below are the criteria we at TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate genealogy search websites:
Names Database
Each service uses a main database and other databases to organize 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 as many users as possible, regardless of nationality, race or country. If the site is specifically for a certain group of people, then this should be obvious from the homepage.
Other Resources
The service should provide access to resources that benefit genealogy research through links or by other means. Outside of the main database of names and dates, the best sites offer family-tree makers, surname searches, social networking, courthouse records and more.
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.
The best genealogy search websites make it possible for anyone to start piecing together a family tree. Uncovering your ancestors' stories can help you appreciate who they were and who you are.
