#USA #Scottsdale, Arizona #Ancestry #iMemories #media digitization

Ancestry Acquires iMemories: A New Era in Family History Preservation

Ancestry, renowned as the leading platform for family history, has recently strengthened its position by acquiring iMemories, a trailblazer in media digitization and cloud-based content preservation. This strategic move, announced on July 30, 2025, aims to further Ancestry's mission of connecting individuals to their past, allowing them to discover, preserve, and share their unique family narratives.

Transforming Memories into Digital Legacies

iMemories specializes in converting various forms of analog media—including home movies, videotapes, slides, and photographs—into high-quality digital formats. These can easily be accessed and streamed through the iMemories application on smartphones, tablets, computers, or Smart TVs. With iMemories' technology, Ancestry can offer users an innovative way to enhance their family history experience by transforming physical memorabilia into accessible digital legacies.

The acquisition not only brings advanced media digitization tools into Ancestry's ecosystem but also accelerates the growth of user-generated content. The integration is expected to enhance personalized, AI-driven storytelling, providing additional value to existing subscribers and widening Ancestry's appeal to potential customers.

Howard Hochhauser, President and CEO of Ancestry, shared his enthusiasm for this acquisition, stating, "We’re thrilled to welcome iMemories to Ancestry as we make family history more visual, emotional, and accessible. By merging Ancestry’s expertise in family history with iMemories’ prowess in media digitization, we empower individuals to preserve their most cherished moments, bringing family stories to life in powerful new ways."

A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

Founded in Scottsdale, Arizona, iMemories has earned a stellar reputation over its two-decade history, having served over one million customers and digitized more than 100 million memories. The company’s commitment to preserving family history aligns perfectly with Ancestry's vision, promising a bright future for both brands in making personal histories more vivid and accessible to the public.

Mark Rukavina, the Founder and CEO of iMemories, echoed his excitement about the partnership, saying, "Joining forces with Ancestry opens an exciting new chapter for iMemories. Together, we’re redefining how families experience their history—making it easier than ever to preserve treasured memories and pass them on for generations to come."

Enhancing Family Trees with Digital Memories

With iMemories now under its umbrella, Ancestry aims not only to digitize family photos, videos, slides, and films but also to integrate these assets into users' family trees. This innovative feature will add an emotional dimension to the discoveries users make about their heritage. Leveraging AI tools, Ancestry will ensure that these family narratives become even richer, more dynamic, and personalized.

The terms of this acquisition have not been publicly disclosed, but it signifies a major advancement in the way families engage with their history—a journey that is now set to become far more interactive and emotional.

Looking Forward

As Ancestry and iMemories move forward together, the focus will be on making family history not only informative but also emotional and engaging. This partnership stands to benefit existing subscribers while also attracting new users who are looking for innovative ways to connect with their past. In an age where digitalization is key, Ancestry continues to lead the charge, ensuring that the stories of families are preserved, cherished, and shared across generations.

In conclusion, the acquisition of iMemories marks a significant milestone in Ancestry's journey to empower individuals to explore their roots while enhancing the technology available for memory preservation. Through this union, Ancestry is poised to revolutionize the family history landscape, providing users with new tools to discover, preserve, and share their story in an increasingly digital world.