I started my own surname website when I became frustrated with incorrect family trees and family histories that were posted on the Internet without source references.
I was inspired to have a place on the Internet that would preserve information on one surname.
Several big moves had brought out family into a smaller house.
With space at a premium, so I also hoped to clear out boxes of notes and photocopies I had accumulated over a half decade of research.
Whether you choose to put up a traditional website or take advantage of any of the options available as part of genealogy websites, it's important to choose the option that will allow you to scan and post your photos, records, and notes on the site.
Remember if you choose put your information on a website that requires membership, you will not be found by non-members who may have something valuable to add to your research.
Regardless of the initial goals or whatever system you choose to launch your site, you're bound to find unexpected surprises that will turn out to be the biggest benefits of having a genealogy website.
1.
Seeing Your Ancestors for the First time.
I expected to put my own old photos on the website and be happy to share them with others.
Because my grandfather left home at an early age and didn't keep in contact with this large extended family of aunts and uncles, I had no idea that there were other photos and even older photos in the possession of distant cousins.
One especially treasured discovery was a cousin I met through another cousin who had found the website.
She kindly lent me her collection of pre-1880 tin types to scan and put on the website.
I feel it is priceless to finally see the face of an ancestor who was just a name and landmark dates.
Suddenly they become real people where we can trace our family resemblance.
2.
Become The Go To Source.
When you put up a website and it gets into the search engines like Google and Yahoo! People will find you.
A couple years ago I received an email from a distant state; a police officer was investigating in an overgrown field when he tripped over a grave marker.
He took his camera out of the back of his car and photographed the tombstones and then looked on line for some interested in the surname.
I received an email sounded too good to be true: an 1850's family Bible had been found on a trolley many years ago and the current owner wanted the information to go to people who were either directly related or had a genealogy interest.
They found a lively website that had the interest of active researchers who were thrilled to see the photos! When you can be found as the "go-to" source on the Internet you get the good stuff! 3.
Safe Storage.
Have you ever tried to order a marriage record only to find that the courthouse burned and you're out of luck? I used to think this was a lame excuse for misfiled records until I learned that many courthouses did burn in the Civil War or because old dry papers burn rapidly after a lightning strike or an accident with an oil lantern.
Having your notes and other documentation online means they will be safe from accidents in your own home.
Think how easy it is to lose papers to spilled coffee, a natural disaster, or a broken pipe.
We had three natural disasters hit our home in one year and my genealogy records were safe and sound on the Internet! I encourage dedicated family history researchers to put their family history online.
You'll enjoy the surprises that bring new connections to build your family tree.