OneGreatFamily is different from the other genealogy search sites in our comparison. It is structured more like a research project that people across the world are working on together. Everyone who joins the cause benefits from the research of all who have worked before them.

OneGreatFamily weaves together family trees from different corners of the world in an effort to create one large, interconnected tree. Each time someone enters new information OneGreatFamily determines whether or not the new information already exists, whether or not it can help other users or whether there is any conflicting information. The system will offer prompts to alert users about any of those scenarios. It will email users whenever new information impacting their family tree becomes available.

All of these make it a good resource for certain types of research. This may not be the site to find out interesting stories and facts about great-great grandparents – though if other researchers share that information you will have it – but it can help you find their names and trace your roots further back than you have been able to go before.

The family tree software on the site allows you to view hundreds of family trees with data entries attached. You can zoom in on an individual name to examine the entry and documents associated. They could be photos, birth certificates, video clips, or anything else the original research has collected. All users contribute to the database, and the materials added by other users to your common ancestors will automatically be added to your tree. You can reap the benefits of the research without having to do any of the work.

There is also a surname index that is categorized alphabetically. This makes finding your own last name effortless.

OneGreatFamily's database is completely dependent on its clients. If there are clients from all parts of the world, the information would be of interest and useful to peoples of all nationalities.

OneGreatFamily has a tools section which provides users with resources other than the site databases for genealogy search. This section includes the surname index, a genealogy learning center, a newsletter archive, and genealogy resource page. This page contains links to the following resources:

• Canadian Genealogy Center
• JMK Genealogy Gifts
• GenAnswers
• AfriGenas
• GenalogyBlog.com
• NewspaperAbstracts.com
• UltimateTributes.com
• FindAgrave.com

It is very simple to find the information needed. There are no unnecessary pages or links to surf through. From the main page you are given the option to enter your family’s surname. You then see the number of matches within the sites database. From there you will be given the automatic updates on your common ancestors.

If the automatic update database leaves you feeling worthless, take comfort in knowing you can perform a manual search by the following information:

• Parents
• Spouse
• Children
• Siblings
• Birthday
• Death date
• Baptism/confirmation/Bar Mitzvah date
• Residences/locations

OneGreatFamily offers a FAQs page and an email address to submit questions—because the site is so basic, we don't think the average person will have any problems using the service.