In my classes and conversations, I am often asked, “Which is really better, Ancestry or FamilySearch?”
I usually answer back with a question, “Which is yummier, a hot baked potato or a ripe juicy orange?”
“Well, those are different!” comes the answer. “Not really,” I reply. “They are both food, nourishment for your body. And they are both good food, each good for you but each with different nutrients.”
That’s how I explain the difference between Ancestry and FamilySearch. They are both sources of documentation; they are both good to use in pursuing your family history; they each have differences. They are both good.
My favorite way to teach about Ancestry and FamilySearch is to show this photo of a Ponderosa Pine tree. It grew as one trunk and then divided itself into two trunks or branches. One trunk, two parts, make one whole tree.
Both FamilySearch and Ancestry are equal parts in the opportunities you have for finding documentation and answers about your ancestors.
One family history (one trunk with roots going deep), nourished (revealed) by two branches or sources of information.
To me, Ancestry and FamilySearch offer equal opportunity to find information about the ancestors I am seeking. I find lots of “maybe” information in both places and much “for-sure” documentation in both places. I teach that you really should use both sources equally.
Does that make sense to you all?? Do you agree?
Donna, aka Mother Hen, until next peek.