12 February 2015

Ancestry 2015 Product and Content Being Added for the Commonwealth

This press release from Ancestry.com details initiatives being taken by the company in 2015. There are several additions and improvements aimed to improve service for all.

For Canada the specific announcements are:

  • Following the successful launch of AncestryDNA in the UK, we will soon be bringing the service to our members in Australia and Canada, and in doing so, will connect the major English-speaking migrations and globally connect families like never before.
  • Last winter, Ancestry expanded the availability of Archives.com to users in the UK, and just last month in Australia and Canada.
No mention of any new Canadian records. I'm sure some are coming but they're obviously not as significant as for elsewhere.

For the UK and Ireland
  • Ancestry will make available in the UK, a variety of content collections including WWI War Diaries, Parish Baptism Marriage and Burial Registers, and a collection of Francis Frith historic photos gathered from over 7,000 individual cities, towns, and villages across the UK from 1860-1960.
Nothing for Ireland.

For Australia
  • Following the successful launch of AncestryDNA in the UK, we will soon be bringing the service to our members in Australia and Canada, and in doing so, will connect the major English-speaking migrations and globally connect families like never before.
  • Last winter, Ancestry expanded the availability of Archives.com to users in the UK, and just last month in Australia and Canada.
  • This spring, Ancestry will release the comprehensive service records collection for the Australian Imperial Forces -- the main expeditionary force of the Australian Army during World War 1. Made available in time for Australia's 100-year commemoration of its entrance into the war, the historical records will help honour (spelling corrected) the brave men and women that served.
Nothing for New Zealand!



2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've subscribed to your blog for several years, and find it most valuable.
Would you have any opinion on the deal currently being offered by MyHeritage in partnership with FTDNA, of a year's international membership for $99.95 USD?
The offer has been extended to Feb. 15th, and I'm considering it, since I have done two tests with FTDNA.
My memebership with Ancestry is coming up for renewal, so it's a timely offer.
Thank you.
Linda S.

JDR said...

Linda S: Thank you for the comment. Whether this offer is a good deal for you depends on your situation. Does MyHeritage give you the databases you need and are the other services they provide what you're looking for? Does Ancestry or Findmypast or any other site provide you what you want? How much can you afford? Can you get sufficiently convenient access through an institution such as a public library or Family History Centre? Convenience is a big factor to consider. Are you happy with the privacy policies?
My interest is largely in England and to some extent Canada. MyHeritage does not offer the 1911 census for England. It's missing many of the Canadian censuses - but many are free from LAC.