Researching on Ancestry
Ancestry is the largest paid family history website. It has billions of records, millions of family trees made by its members, and AncestryDNA. You can build a tree for free, but most records need a subscription.
Getting started
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Create a free account
A free account lets you build a family tree, get hints (the little shaking leaves) and search the free collections. Seeing most records needs a subscription.
There is usually a 14-day free trial. Set a reminder to cancel before it ends if you don't want to pay.
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Search the records
Choose Search → All Collections. Enter a first and last name, a birth year and a place, then narrow the results with the filters on the left.
Some collections are free to everyone, for example the 1950 US census, Find a Grave listings and the free index collections. The Card Catalog lists every collection.
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Look at other members' trees
Choose Search → Public Member Trees and search for a person. If they appear in several trees, use View all. You can message a tree's owner from their profile.
Without a subscription you only see some details, and searching trees only works in a web browser, not the app.
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Build or share a tree
Start with yourself, then add your parents and grandparents; Ancestry will start suggesting records. You can also upload a GEDCOM file exported from another program, and invite family to view or help edit your tree.
Good to know
Hints are only suggestions
Ancestry's hints and other people's trees are often copied from each other, mistakes included. Check the actual record before you accept a hint.
Free at the library
Many public libraries offer Ancestry Library Edition free on their computers, and FamilySearch centers give free access too. That's a good way to see paid records without a subscription.
Found something new?
Send it to Jordan so it can be added to the Family Portal. Message Jordan
