Ancestry helps people research family history with records, family tree tools, and DNA testing. It gives households a practical way to learn where relatives lived, how families connected over time, and what historical records say about earlier generations.
How it works
Start a family tree, enter what you already know, and search records such as census data, birth records, military files, and immigration documents. You can also use AncestryDNA to get ethnicity estimates and possible relative matches that connect back to your research.
Key features
- Search tools for census, birth, marriage, death, and military records
- Family tree builder with hints and suggested record matches
- AncestryDNA kits for ethnicity and family matching
- Shared trees and collaboration tools for relatives
- Mobile and web access for research anywhere
- Historical collections from the United States and other countries
Who is it for
Ancestry is a strong fit for adults interested in genealogy, family stories, and local history research. It is especially useful for people organizing family records, tracing older relatives, or building a shared family tree across generations.
Reputation
Ancestry says its collections include more than 65 billion historical records and more than 3 million paying subscribers. It is one of the best-known genealogy platforms and has been a mainstream name in family history research for many years.