Lecture on New Ancestry Platform Features

Introduction

• Recent quiet rollout of new features on Ancestry platform.
• Discussion on new DNA and tree features.
• Presenter: Connie Knox, lifelong genealogist.

DNA Match List Features

• Colored Boxes & Groups
  • New colored boxes with letters replace old dots.
  • Ability to modify, rename, and use an edit pencil for group names.
  • Grouping based on ancestral couple tagging.
  • Challenges with previous color-coding schemes.
• Favorite Star Option
  • Star matches for special projects.
• Adding New Groups
  • Use of emojis for group names suggested by Donna Rutherford.
  • Tip: Use Windows key + period for emoji screen.

Parental Sides & Filters

• Custom Labels
  • Creation of maternal and paternal sides before automatic grouping by Ancestry.
• Browser Trick for Page Navigation
  • Change page number in the browser’s URL to navigate faster through match lists.

Platform Upgrades

• DNA Origins Map
  • Ethnicity estimates with AI assistance.
  • Updates typically occur in late summer.

Profile View Enhancements

• Photo Request Feature
  • Collaborate on ancestors without needing an Ancestry account.
• Activity Tab (Beta)
  • Track collaboration responses and activities.

Tree Features

• Tasks & Changes
  • View and assign tasks for genealogical research.
  • Collaboration features to assign and track tasks.

Dark Mode & Pro Tools

• Dark Mode
  • Enable via tree viewing options for comfort.

Pro Tools Add-On

• Tree Checker
  • Possible errors and duplicates.
  • Location-based searching.
• Tree Mapper
  • Visual map of tree locations and filters for analysis.
• Charts and Reports
  • Generate reports in various styles, family group sheets, etc.

Insights and Member Search

• Profile Interest Sharing
  • Add research interests to profile.
  • Search for members with similar interests.

Ancestry’s Public Archive Collaboration

• NARA Partnership
  • Multi-year agreement to digitize and publish records.

Genealogy TV Academy

• Membership Courses
  • Self-guided courses with monthly additions.
  • Live Zoom meetings with presentations and discussions.

These notes capture the essence of the lecture, covering new features on the Ancestry platform, DNA matching, tree features, and opportunities for collaboration and advanced research tools.