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Ancestor Hunt is a free site that allows users access to genealogy search engines and databases. This site brings together several handy records all in one place. Here are some of the options available on Ancestor Hunt:
- Free genealogy search engines
- Family bible records
- States search
- Free directories
Ancestor Hunt is a compilation of the best parts of many other genealogy search sites. For instance, Ancestor Hunt offers links to RootsWeb and Ancestor.coms’ directories and databases. There is also a page dedicated entirely to LDS Church’s website, FamilySearch. This search option pulls information directly from the FamilySearch database. We found this to be the case with many of the Ancestor Hunt’s search engines. Although this feature was helpful in searching multiple resources at once, many of the information found could only be accessed if we paid for a subscription.
The name database on Ancestor Hunt seems to be extensive, but works a little different than other genealogy search sites. Generally, you would put in a name and search the databases for a match. When searching for vital records on this site, you would click the U.S. state vital records link. You are then taken to the state index page where each state is shown as a link. Each link provides collections and information pertinent to finding vital records and histories in that state. Information included would be addresses and phone numbers for county vital record departments or specific collections like the Utah death certificate index from 1905 through 1956. Basically, Ancestor Hunt does the leg work for you, but does not give specific information on an individual. It will however give you links to sites that will.
The two main search engine portals that Ancestor Hunt links to are RootsWeb.com and Ancestry.com. This means when you search information you will be redirected to either RootsWeb.com or Ancestry.com. This is typical of Ancestor Hunt.
Ancestor Hunt does have an obituary search portal, a surname search portal; family bible record search, prison records, and sheriff and police officer listings. These are found exclusively on Ancestor Hunt.
Ancestor Hunt does have links for UK genealogy research. While the research for the U.S. is vast on this site, we were unable to find any other internationally focused resources besides the links provided for the UK.
Unfortunately, the user interface of this site is unorganized and does not look very professional. Also there are too many links that lead to other sites. It’s confusing having to browse through four to five pages just to get useful information, and most of the time you have to pay to access the information. We found ourselves having to do multiple back clicks and page closes just to get to back to the original search page.
This site does not offer FAQs or a help menu. They also do not have phone support or email. You can, however, email the webmaster.
Ancestor Hunt has enough information and resources to be considered a useful genealogy site. We recommend Ancestor Hunt to use as a tool but it is not an all inclusive genealogy search site like our top ranked site, Ancestry.com.
