What is FindMyPast?

FindMyPast is a comprehensive online genealogy platform designed to help individuals trace their family history and build their family trees. With a focus on British and Irish ancestry, FindMyPast offers a wealth of resources, including historical records, newspapers, and user-generated family trees. The tool is ideal for both novice genealogists and seasoned researchers looking to uncover the stories of their ancestors.

Features

FindMyPast boasts a wide array of features that facilitate the research of family history. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Family Tree Builder

• User-Friendly Interface: The family tree builder allows users to add family members easily, creating a visual representation of their lineage.
• Hints and Suggestions: The tool provides hints based on existing records, helping users discover additional family members and connections.

2. Extensive Record Collection

FindMyPast offers access to billions of genealogy records, including:

• Census Records: Search through various census records, including the 1921 Census and the 1939 Register.
• Military Records: Explore documents related to military service, conflicts, and armed forces.
• Birth, Marriage, and Death Records: Access vital records that document significant life events.
• Parish Records: Delve into church records for additional insights into family history.
• Travel and Migration Records: Investigate the journeys of ancestors who migrated across borders.

3. Newspaper Archives

• Historical Newspapers: Search through millions of pages of British and Irish newspapers dating back to the 1700s, offering insights into daily life and significant events.
• Search Functionality: Utilize keywords and names to find specific articles that may mention family members or events.

4. Family Trees from Other Users

• Collaborative Research: Users can search through family trees created by other FindMyPast members, potentially uncovering connections and shared ancestors.
• GEDCOM Imports: If users have family trees from other genealogy websites, they can import them into FindMyPast to discover new stories and connections.

5. Community and Support

• Active Community: Join a community of over 600,000 researchers, sharing experiences and tips.
• Customer Support: Access a friendly customer support team ready to assist with any questions or challenges during the research process.
• Educational Resources: Utilize the genealogy blog, YouTube channel, and Facebook community to enhance research skills and knowledge.

6. Free Trial and Membership Options

• Free Trial: New users can start with a 7-day free trial to explore the platform and its features.
• Subscription Plans: Various membership options are available, allowing users to choose a plan that fits their research needs.

Use Cases

FindMyPast is versatile and can be utilized in various scenarios. Here are some common use cases:

1. Tracing Ancestry

Individuals looking to trace their family lineage can use FindMyPast to access historical records and build a comprehensive family tree. The platform's extensive database makes it easier to find ancestors and learn about their lives.

2. Researching Historical Context

Historians and researchers can utilize the newspaper archives to gain insights into the social, political, and economic conditions of specific periods. This can enrich their understanding of family history and the broader historical narrative.

3. Connecting with Family

Users can collaborate with family members to build a shared family tree. By importing existing trees or searching through others, families can discover connections and share stories that may have been lost over time.

4. Genealogy Enthusiasts

For hobbyists and genealogy enthusiasts, FindMyPast offers a treasure trove of resources to delve deep into their family history. The platform's user-friendly tools and extensive records make it an ideal choice for those passionate about genealogy.

5. Educational Purposes

Teachers and educators can use FindMyPast as a resource for projects related to history and genealogy. Students can learn about their own ancestry and the historical context of their families, making history more relatable and engaging.

Pricing

FindMyPast offers a variety of subscription plans to cater to different research needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the typical pricing structure:

1. Free Trial

• Duration: 7 days of free access to explore features and records.

2. Subscription Plans

• Monthly Subscription: Ideal for users who want to explore the platform without a long-term commitment.
• Annual Subscription: Offers a cost-effective solution for dedicated researchers who plan to use the platform over an extended period.

3. Membership Tiers

• Basic Membership: Provides access to essential features and records.
• Premium Membership: Unlocks additional records and features, including exclusive access to certain databases and resources.

Note: Pricing may vary based on promotions or changes in the service offerings, so users should check the website for the most current rates.

Comparison with Other Tools

When comparing FindMyPast with other genealogy tools, several unique selling points emerge:

1. Focus on British and Irish Records

• Specialization: Unlike many other genealogy platforms, FindMyPast specializes in British and Irish records, making it the go-to choice for individuals researching ancestry from these regions.

2. Comprehensive Newspaper Archives

• Historical Context: FindMyPast's extensive newspaper archives provide a unique perspective on daily life and significant events, which many competitors may not offer to the same extent.

3. Community Engagement

• Active User Base: The platform’s large community of researchers fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing, which can enhance the research experience compared to other tools that may lack such engagement.

4. User-Friendly Tools

• Intuitive Interface: FindMyPast’s family tree builder and search functionalities are designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced genealogists.

5. Integration of User-Generated Content

• Family Trees: The ability to search and connect with other users' family trees adds a collaborative element that can lead to new discoveries, setting it apart from more isolated genealogy tools.

FAQ

1. How do I start using FindMyPast?

To start using FindMyPast, you can create an account and take advantage of the 7-day free trial. After signing up, you can begin building your family tree and exploring the records available on the platform.

2. What types of records can I access on FindMyPast?

FindMyPast offers access to a variety of records, including census records, military records, birth, marriage, and death records, parish records, and newspaper archives.

3. Can I import my family tree from another website?

Yes, FindMyPast allows users to import family trees as GEDCOM files from other genealogy websites, making it easy to consolidate your research.

4. Is there customer support available?

Yes, FindMyPast provides a friendly customer support team that is available to assist users with questions and issues they may encounter while using the platform.

5. What if I find errors in the records?

If you find errors in the records or have questions about specific entries, you can contact customer support for assistance. Additionally, FindMyPast encourages users to report inaccuracies to help maintain the quality of their records.

6. Are there any educational resources available?

Yes, FindMyPast offers a genealogy blog, a YouTube channel, and an active Facebook community where users can learn research skills and share their experiences.

In conclusion, FindMyPast is a powerful tool for anyone interested in uncovering their family history, particularly for those with British and Irish ancestry. With its extensive records, user-friendly features, and supportive community, it stands out as a premier choice for genealogical research.