FAQ
What are the credentials or expertise of the researchers who will be working on my ancestry project?
The researchers managing the projects have varieties of backgrounds and are handpicked by Identify My Ancestry. They all have years of experience in conducting genealogical research in various regions around the world. Your project report will be internally reviewed for accuracy prior to sharing the final results.
How long does a typical project take?
The standard lead-time for the Starter Package is 6-8 weeks. Larger or more advanced projects may have longer lead-times. Additionally, lead-time can vary based on the current demand. Your free personalized estimate/quote from Identify My Ancestry will include an estimate of the lead-time for your specific project.
How is Identify My Ancestry able to keep our costs down?
Identify My Ancestry typically employs generalists as opposed to specialists. Just like you wouldn’t go to a heart surgeon for an annual checkup, we don’t believe you need to go straight to a specialized genealogist to research your family tree. We analyze every project as part of our free quotation process. If, as part of this preliminary analysis, we believe a specialist will be required or that we do not possess the expertise to work on your research, we will notify you and/or refer you to another company at no cost.
How do I send documents or files to Identify My Ancestry?
If you have files or documents you would like to share with Identify My Ancestry to assist in your research project, you can email them directly to info@identifymyancestry.com. Please include your Invoice Number in the subject of the email. Anything you choose to share is covered under our Privacy Policy.
What type of report(s) will I receive?
You will receive two digital documents by email upon completion of your project:
- A detailed report in PDF format providing a summary of your family tree and background. Included in the report will be images of any key documents, photos, etc found by the researcher during the course of the project. Click here to view a sample report.
- A GEDCOM file containing a digital copy of your family tree. A GEDCOM file (or GED) is a data file that stores family history and genealogical data. It is the standard file format for sharing genealogical data and can be opened by many different programs and websites. You can find a list of free sites to upload and view your GED data below.
Where can I view my family tree (GEDCOM file)?
Almost all family tree software and websites support GEDCOM files. Identify My Ancestry recommends anyone of the following free options below. Follow the link to the upload page:
Ancestry.com: www.ancestry.com/family-tree/pt/uploadfile.aspx
My Heritage: www.myheritage.com/family-tree
Geni.com: www.geni.com/gedcom/import
Family Tree Builder: www.familytreebuilder.com/download (this is a free software you can download to your computer)
Can I get a hardcopy of my family tree or the ancestry report?
While Identify My Ancestry does not provide hardcopies of the reports as part of our standard package, we can create hardcopies of your report and your family tree at an additional cost. Please inquire after completion of your ancestry project.
Do you offer DNA Testing?
Identify My Ancestry does not offer DNA testing. However, we can utilize any DNA results you have to assist in your research project. It can be a powerful tool to help identify ancestors. The following is a list of some vendors that can conduct your DNA testing:
Ancestry.com: www.ancestry.com
23 and Me: www.23andme.com
Family Tree DNA: https://www.familytreedna.com/