Genealogy.com Introduces Virtual Cemetery, Allowing Family History Enthusiasts to Share Tombstone Images Online

Genealogists Can Now Share Images of Tombstones Without Having to Travel

March 1, 2000 (FREMONT, CALIFORNIA) — Genealogy.com, LLC today announced Virtual Cemetery, the first online tombstone archive designed for the family history enthusiasts that allows the sharing of tombstone images of ancestors without having to leave home. Enthusiasts may post and browse images of tombstones worldwide in this easy-to-search, free archive, eliminating the cost and time of travel associated with capturing this pertinent information.

These cemetery inscriptions are a key part of the genealogy research puzzle, as they are often the most permanent, inclusive, and accessible records available.

"The fact that birth and death information is literally chiseled into stone makes tombstones perhaps the most permanent record in the preservation of family history," said professional genealogists and president of Ancestral Connections, Maureen Taylor. "These records are originals and are preserved for hundreds of years - - long after any burial books have been lost or destroyed."

Online now at www.genealogy.com, the Virtual Cemetery archive contains continuously updated, user-generated content that is unique and difficult to duplicate. All images are filed geographically, and include text transcribed from the tombstone, making it easy to locate tombstone images by geographic location or by content.

Virtual Cemetery users may also choose to use this service as an online memorial to loved ones by sharing images of their final resting place with family members and friends.

To access or post images to Virtual Cemetery go to www.genealogy.com. For every image submitted, the user will be entered into Genealogy.com's Digital Camera Sweepstakes, where an $800-valued digital camera will be given away.

About Genealogy.com, LLC

Genealogy.com, LLC was launched with $37.5 million in funding from major media corporations in November 1999. Genealogy.com, which previously operated under the corporate umbrella of Broderbund Software, is acknowledged as a decade-long leader in the genealogy technology space. The company is based in Fremont, California, and has approximately 90 employees. Information on Genealogy.com and its services and resources can be found at www.Genealogy.com. All of its award-winning products and services are offered online and through direct sales; its software programs are also distributed at retail by the Broderbund Software unit of Mattel Interactive.

# # #

NOTE: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Genealogy.com