Private Family Trees

[darkerhorse]

Is there a way to view private family trees in Ancestry.com. perhaps with a paid subscription?

[MarcuccioV]

Is there a way to view private family trees in Ancestry.com. perhaps with a paid subscription?

No, paid subscriptions give no private tree access. If by doing a search you've found someone on a private tree, your only recourse is to contact that tree owner for permission -- usually that comes in the form of an invitation link that will give you access to the tree as a guest.

Good luck with your discoveries..!

[BobNY]

Asking permission to root around in a stranger's private tree is a fool's errand.

As a 20+ year paid member of ancestry with a private tree, I would suggest a slightly different approach. Your chances of getting an invitation to access a private tree is very slim; even getting a response from the tree owner is minimal.

I would suggest you contact the tree owner to first ascertain if the person in the tree is actually the person of interest to you. Since the tree owner has a private, but searchable tree (I assume that is how you found a target name to pursue), there is some likelihood that he/she is interested in sharing information. In your communication, give specific details about the target so that the tree owner can make an informed decision that you are discussing the same person. If that is established, let the tree owner know what information you are seeking regarding the subject and, just as important, what additional areas of information you might offer to fulfill his/her needs.

Keep in mind that it is estimated that over 90% of information in online trees is stronzata. Look for verifiable sources for the material and, if none, search for your own. Good luck.

[darkerhorse]

Thanks for your reply. Good suggestions.

Unfortunately, I use public access to Ancestry and I can't contact any family tree owners.

[greglam]

Asking permission to root around in a stranger's private tree is a fool's errand.

As a 20+ year paid member of ancestry with a private tree, I would suggest a slightly different approach. Your chances of getting an invitation to access a private tree is very slim; even getting a response from the tree owner is minimal.

I would suggest you contact the tree owner to first ascertain if the person in the tree is actually the person of interest to you. Since the tree owner has a private, but searchable tree (I assume that is how you found a target name to pursue), there is some likelihood that he/she is interested in sharing information. In your communication, give specific details about the target so that the tree owner can make an informed decision that you are discussing the same person. If that is established, let the tree owner know what information you are seeking regarding the subject and, just as important, what additional areas of information you might offer to fulfill his/her needs.

Keep in mind that it is estimated that over 90% of information in online trees is stronzata. Look for verifiable sources for the material and, if none, search for your own. Good luck.

I am wondering why people are so unhelpful on Ancestry? What is the point of even being on there if you refuse to reply, let alone provide any helpful information, even to a close genetic relative/DNA match? It is VERY frustrating.

[MarcuccioV]

I am wondering why people are so unhelpful on Ancestry? What is the point of even being on there if you refuse to reply, let alone provide any helpful information, even to a close genetic relative/DNA match? It is VERY frustrating.

Fear, for the most part. Too many people are afraid someone is going to "do" something with their information. Yes, it's true, hackers are out there, but a little common sense goes a long way.

Never give info like a mother's maiden name or a correct birthplace as a password reset hint. Make something up or use a program like Bitwarden.

I've read blog posts now lately about Ancestry's privacy terms changes (allowing them permanent access and use of your photos, etc) that have everyone's undies in a bunch. I'm not concerned about it. I've posted them because I WANT them to be seen and/or found.

My tree is public so I CAN make connections. And I've succeeded a couple of times, although I wish it could be more. I have potential relatives with private trees which is aggravating for me, too. Having to go through all the steps indicated by BobNY (no offense to him personally) just takes all the fun of discovery out of it and makes it a chore. It's just not worth the aggravation, especially if it turns out to be a dead end or red herring.

My tree will remain public. I have no control over the general public, nor would I want any. Quel che sarà sarà -- Whatever will be, will be.

[greglam]

My tree is public so I CAN make connections. And I've succeeded a couple of times, although I wish it could be more. I have potential relatives with private trees which is aggravating for me, too. Having to go through all the steps indicated by BobNY (no offense to him personally) just takes all the fun of discovery out of it and makes it a chore. It's just not worth the aggravation, especially if it turns out to be a dead end or red herring.

My tree will remain public. I have no control over the general public, nor would I want any. Quel che sarà sarà -- Whatever will be, will be.

Well said, Mark, and I'm with you.

-Greg

[pricklypear]

I feel exactly the same in regards to private vs public. I am very happy to keep all my trees public because I know it has been useful to others who are fitting out their tree. I've had many people message me and I always do my best to reply.

Currently working on my boyfriend's tree (he's the Italian one!) and connected with a second cousin of his via Ancestry DNA and we have even added each other on Facebook now which is nice. Another person who is his closest DNA match has a family name in her small tree that is in mine, and critical information I don't have (potentially the parents of his great-great-grandmother). I sent a message a month or so ago to confirm the connection and no response yet which is disappointing and frustrating. There is another close DNA match to this person who I could probably try contacting as well, I might give that a go. Sigh

[darkerhorse]

I don't see any way to contact a family tree owner on Ancestry, either public or private.

[MarcuccioV]

I don't see any way to contact a family tree owner on Ancestry, either public or private.

I think you need to be a member to do so. I have links for both, and have been in contact with other members...

[greglam]

I am wondering why people are so unhelpful on Ancestry? What is the point of even being on there if you refuse to reply, let alone provide any helpful information, even to a close genetic relative/DNA match? It is VERY frustrating.

Fear, for the most part. Too many people are afraid someone is going to "do" something with their information. Yes, it's true, hackers are out there, but a little common sense goes a long way.

Never give info like a mother's maiden name or a correct birthplace as a password reset hint. Make something up or use a program like Bitwarden.

I've read blog posts now lately about Ancestry's privacy terms changes (allowing them permanent access and use of your photos, etc) that have everyone's undies in a bunch. I'm not concerned about it. I've posted them because I WANT them to be seen and/or found.

My tree is public so I CAN make connections. And I've succeeded a couple of times, although I wish it could be more. I have potential relatives with private trees which is aggravating for me, too. Having to go through all the steps indicated by BobNY (no offense to him personally) just takes all the fun of discovery out of it and makes it a chore. It's just not worth the aggravation, especially if it turns out to be a dead end or red herring.

My tree will remain public. I have no control over the general public, nor would I want any. Quel che sarà sarà -- Whatever will be, will be.

Interestingly/Ironically/Typically, Mark, the person whose comment I quoted in re people with private trees on Ancestry being so unhelpful, did not reply to my query as to why people keep their trees private and are so unhelpful.

c'est la vie, I guess.

-Greg

[MarcuccioV]

Interestingly/Ironically/Typically, Mark, the person whose comment I quoted in re people with private trees on Ancestry being so unhelpful, did not reply to my query as to why people keep their trees private and are so unhelpful.

c'est la vie, I guess.

-Greg

I suppose the frustration will continue, Greg. Good luck to us both.

[rp76226]

What does "private" mean?
Limited information about deceased individuals in your tree (name, birth year, and birthplace) will still appear in Ancestry search results. However, no one can view your actual tree without your permission. If another member wants to view your tree, they can contact you anonymously through our Connection Service to request more information. Keep in mind that these individuals may also have helpful information to share with you.

[greglam]

What does "private" mean?
Limited information about deceased individuals in your tree (name, birth year, and birthplace) will still appear in Ancestry search results. However, no one can view your actual tree without your permission. If another member wants to view your tree, they can contact you anonymously through our Connection Service to request more information. Keep in mind that these individuals may also have helpful information to share with you.

And? Not sure of the point of this post, as no one was debating - or unclear about - the definition of "private".

[rp76226]

It's from Ancestry.com. It confirms what I already knew. Private trees generate hints for deceased people, especially member Tree hints, and we can see those parts of the private tree containing deceased people.