Ancestry.com Introduces Community Groups: A Sneak Peek at a New BETA Feature

Ancestry's New Community Groups Feature

Exciting news for genealogists and family historians! Ancestry.com has introduced a new BETA feature, Community Groups, set to transform how we connect, share, and collaborate in our genealogical journeys. While still in its testing phase and available to select users, this feature promises to be a valuable addition to Ancestry's toolkit.

What Are Community Groups?

Currently, the Community Groups feature showcases three public groups:

• DNA and Matches: A space for discussing DNA results, seeking help with interpretations, and connecting with genetic matches.
• Brick Walls and Research: A group dedicated to tackling those stubborn genealogical challenges, offering a platform for advice, tips, and support from fellow researchers.
• Sharing Discoveries: An area for celebrating milestones and sharing exciting family history discoveries with a community that understands the thrill of the hunt. 

First Impressions and Potential

Though still in BETA and not fully accessible, the feature appears to be aimed at fostering community engagement and collaboration. Users can join groups, but full functionality—including viewing and participating in discussions—is not yet available. The placeholder message reads:
​
"Coming soon: Community groups. We’re building a space for you to connect with others, celebrate your milestones, ask for help, and uncover more about your family history. Check back soon for updates."

Why This Matters

As a professional genealogist, the prospect of these community groups is incredibly promising. Here’s why: 

• DNA and Matches: The DNA group could be a game-changer for genetic genealogists, providing a dedicated space to discuss matches, share strategies, and get help interpreting complex DNA results.
• Brick Walls and Research: The brick wall group could become an essential resource for breaking through those tough research barriers. Collective brainstorming and shared experiences often lead to breakthroughs.
• Sharing Discoveries: Celebrating milestones and sharing discoveries can reinvigorate our research efforts. This group could become a vibrant space for inspiration and motivation.

Final Thoughts

While we await the full rollout, the anticipation surrounding Ancestry’s Community Groups is Real. This feature has the potential to enhance our research by providing a supportive community where we can share knowledge, seek assistance, and celebrate our genealogical achievements together.
​
Stay tuned for further updates as Ancestry.com continues to develop and refine this exciting new feature. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just starting your journey, Community Groups could soon become an invaluable part of your research toolkit.

More Ancestry and Genealogy Resources

Learn about more Ancestry updates, tips, tools, and features and other family history and genealogy resources under the Ancestry.com and the Genealogy Resources categories of my blog and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.