5 New Genealogy Websites to Try in 2016

Top Genealogy Websites from RootsTech Innovator Showdown

Online genealogy research has come a long way in recent years. In this digital age where you can find genealogy records with just a few clicks of a mouse, and even collaborate with family members on virtual family trees, beginner and seasoned genealogists alike seem to have higher expectations when it comes to new advancements in genealogy research tools.

Recently, top genealogy and family history developers from all over the world came together at RootsTech 2016 where 46 teams introduced their new and innovative genealogy websites, apps, and tools to the masses. And while there could only be one winner at this year’s RootsTech Innovator Showdown, all of the finalists are winners in our big family history book.

The following are 5 of our favorite, new and emerging genealogy websites from the RootsTech Innovator Showdown. Each is as innovative as they are helpful!

1. AncestorCloud

AncestorCloud is a community and social marketplace for family discovery. This genealogy website not only connects you with professional genealogists to help with your research, but also a community of other family historians in over 52 countries who are available to lend a helping hand. Community researchers can pick up records, take local photographs, translate documents, help with research questions and more.

Cost: Free to join and post a request.

2. The Family History Guide

The Family History Guide focuses on helping you achieve your family history goals, step by step. It’s a great resource for beginners as well as seasoned genealogists. Some site features include: links to over 1,000 videos and articles from leading genealogy and family history sites like FamilySearch and Ancestry; quick links to search records from multiple sources; project tracker sheets and classroom materials for self-study or group instruction; and over 400 goals for learning.

Cost: Free. Donations encouraged.

3. The History Project

The History Project is your living time capsule that helps to collect artifacts and share family stories. This innovative new family history website offers a private, secure place to collaborate with your family members on collecting family photos, videos, social media and important documents. You can also add your own audio recordings, music, newspaper articles and more in order to authentically convey family members’ stories.

Cost: Free to use. Offers additional paid services.

4. JRNL.com

JRNL.com is an online collaborative journal that can help you record, preserve, reflect and publish your family history. You can add stories via web, mobile and even email entries to your journal, making sharing your family stories an even easier part of your everyday activity. Journal entries are backed up securitly and can be accessed on all your devices. JRNL makes it simple to preserve your family stories in a hardbound book with their Publishing platform.

Cost: Free for online journaling.

5. TapGenes

TapGenes is a family history service that offers tools to identify the genetic thread that ties families together. The site allows allows you to crowdsource your family’s health history. TapGenes offers a safe, secure place to store your family health data, plus digitally preserve your family’s history on your Family Health Tree.

Cost: Membership is invite-only. Sign up to reserve your spot!

Do you know of other new genealogy or family history websites we should add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

This entry was posted by Crestleaf in Genealogy 101, Genealogy Resources, Genealogy Tips, and tagged genealogy resources, genealogy websites, RootsTech on February 4, 2016 by Natalie L
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