Findmypast yesterday launched Tree Search, a new feature that gives members the ability to easily discover ancestors, connections and stories in other members’ family trees.
Now available to all members to explore, the feature allows users to search other members’ trees to find ancestors in common, as well as merging them into their own tree to progress their research.
New users will be able to rapidly start and grow their family tree, while experienced members will be able to enrich their family stories further, discover new connections, and validate their own family trees.
Members can find new “leaves” to add to their own trees by heading to their family tree, choosing an ancestor, and then Search Trees.
The technology pre-fills details to help you find ancestors in other trees faster. After only a few clicks, you can merge the new finds into your own tree.
Chris Brake, head of Data Products at Findmypast, describes Tree Search as a huge development. He said, “This update marks the beginning of an exciting new era at Findmypast.”
You can also contact a tree owner via private messaging.
Only deceased ancestors can be searched
Living relatives are not included in Tree Search. Only those marked as deceased or over 110 years old are visible.
Anyone who doesn’t want their deceased ancestors to appear in Tree Search or doesn’t want to share they family tree can opt out from their family tree settings at any time.
How to access Tree Search
You can use Tree Search for free when logged into your Findmypast account via the site menu or directly from your family tree builder. To view search results in more detail, you will need an active, valid subscription or a 14-day free trial.
Private messaging too private?
At first glance, the only downside I can see with Findmypast’s Family Tree feature is that the tree owner is not identified by name or username. That means we can end up private messaging several people with whom we’ve already been in contact.
