Genes Reunited was launched in 2003 as a sister-site to the internet phenomenon Friends Reunited and quickly grew to become one of the most popular family history websites. Today, one new name is added to the site every single second.
It marked a revolution in genealogy and ancestry by combining search with online social networking, making family history accessible to a much wider audience. Members are able to build their family tree, investigate which ancestors they share with other members and potentially connect to living relatives. They can also search historical records, such as the complete run of censuses from 1841 to 1911, and birth, death, marriage and military records.
The company, formerly part of the Friends Reunited Group, was bought by brightsolid in March 2010 and now forms a key part of its family history staple.