Genealogy is never finished. There are always more surnames to explore,
deeper details to uncover, and new relatives to discover.
For those wishing to continue their own research beyond MyCousins,
we offer practical guidance based on real-world experience.
Ancestry.com — Our Primary Research Platform
Ancestry.com is the platform we use most often for active research.
Its strengths include extensive record collections, powerful indexing,
and automated hints that connect trees, documents, and DNA matches.
Short-term subscriptions work well for focused research periods.
Trees remain accessible even when subscriptions lapse,
allowing research to continue at a sustainable pace.
MyHeritage — Polished and International
MyHeritage offers excellent international records and DNA tools,
with a strong emphasis on collaboration and design.
Annual subscriptions make it best suited for ongoing research projects.
FamilySearch & WikiTree — Community-Based Research
These platforms emphasize shared trees and collaborative accuracy.
They are ideal for researchers who value transparency,
sourcing discipline, and global connections.
Desktop Software for Backups
Maintaining a local copy of your research is essential.
Programs such as Family Tree Maker and RootsMagic
synchronize with online trees and preserve both data and media.
The choice between them is largely personal preference,
but having a local backup ensures long-term security.
A Shared Philosophy
Choose tools that match your research rhythm,
protect your work, and serve your curiosity.
Genealogy is about preservation, not pressure.
— John P. Elcik, IV & Beth Gamache