iMemories by Ancestry is a professional digitization service from Ancestry that lets you send physical keepsakes (like photos, documents, audio recordings, and videos) for conversion into high-quality digital files. It can also enhance and transfer digital media, like DVDs and flash drives, to your Ancestry account. With no item limit, you can pack and send as many items as you can safely fit in your kit. Once processed, your files are easy to view, listen to, download, and link to people in your tree on Ancestry. It’s an easy way to preserve your family memories for generations to come.
iMemories by Ancestry helps you:
- Convert your family memories into high-quality digital files
- Preserve meaningful photos, videos, documents, recordings, and more
- Organize and link your files to people in your tree
- Keep secure digital backups of your media on Ancestry
- Access your files anytime, anywhere with Ancestry
Using iMemories by Ancestry
For help with using iMemories by Ancestry, select what you want to do:
iMemories by Ancestry kit contents and services
When you purchase an iMemories by Ancestry kit, you get everything you need to pack and ship your items to Ancestry safely, plus secure delivery of your processed files to your Ancestry account.
Kit supplies
An iMemories by Ancestry kit purchase includes:
- 1 sturdy, crush-proof box (18" × 12" × 6")
- 4 protective, waterproof bags:
- 3 bags (11" × 14")
- 1 bag (14" × 17")
- Shock-resistant cushions
- Prepaid shipping label
- A welcome guide
Shipping and handling
An iMemories by Ancestry kit purchase covers:
- Delivery of your kit
- Shipping your keepsakes to Ancestry
- Up to $200 in shipping protection for each shipment containing your items
- Email updates with tracking and status information
- Secure delivery of your processed files to your Ancestry account
- An email when your processed files are ready to view
Return shipping of your original items is not included and will be billed separately. The return shipping cost is calculated based on the total weight of your kit and is shown during quote review before you pay for digitization.
Available services (billed separately)
Digitization, transfer, and enhancement services are billed separately. After we receive your items, we’ll send you a personalized quote outlining your options. This lets you choose the services you want and only pay for what you select.
Available services include:
- Professional digitization or transfer of the items you send*
- Optional AI enhancements** to improve quality
*Priced per item.
**Availability varies by media type.
What’s the process?
After we receive your items, we’ll send you a quote so you can choose what to digitize, transfer, or enhance. Processing begins after you make your selections and pay for the services you want.
Files are usually added to your Ancestry account within a few weeks after processing begins. Once everything is complete, we’ll carefully pack and return your original items to the same address we used to ship your kit. We’ll send a shipping confirmation email with tracking information when your package is on the way. Returned items usually arrive within 3–5 business days of shipment.
Frequently asked questions
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What types of items can I send?
You can send photos, documents, audio recordings, and videos for digitization into high-quality digital files, as well as existing digital media like DVDs and flash drives, for enhancement and transfer to your Ancestry account. This includes supported formats like slides, letters, cassette tapes, and more.
For the full list of supported media types, sizes, and formats, read Collecting and Packing Items for iMemories by Ancestry.
How many items can I send?
You can send as many items as you can safely pack in your iMemories by Ancestry kit. There’s no limit. We’ll review your items, send you a quote, and let you choose what to digitize, transfer, or enhance.* You only pay for what you select.
*Enhancement availability varies by media type.
For more information, read Collecting and Packing Items for iMemories by Ancestry.
How long does processing take?
Once we receive your items, we’ll send you a quote so you can choose what to digitize, transfer, or enhance. Processing begins when you make your selections and pay. Files are usually added to your account within a few weeks of the start of processing.
Timing may vary based on:
- The number, type, and condition of items in your kit
- Current demand and processing volume
- Busy times of the year, like holidays
Will I get my items back?
Yes. Once processing is complete, we’ll carefully pack and return your items to the same address we used to ship your kit. We’ll send an email with tracking information when your package is on the way. Returned items usually arrive within 3–5 business days of shipment.
For more details, read Shipping and Tracking for iMemories by Ancestry.
How will I get my files?
Once your items are processed, we’ll upload your files to the Memories tab of your Ancestry account. We’ll send you an email when they’re ready.
Who can see my digitized files?
Only you can view, edit, and download your iMemories by Ancestry files at first. Once you link or tag a file to someone in your tree, it’s added to that person’s media gallery and the tree’s gallery, then follows that tree’s privacy settings:
- For public trees: Media linked to deceased people will be visible to others.
- For private trees: Only people you invite can see the media linked to deceased people.
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For living people: Media is kept private. Only those you invite as an editor or grant access to can view it.