FamilySearch.org: The 'Mormon' Genealogy Site for Your Family History

FamilySearch.org: The 'Mormon' Genealogy Site for Your Family History

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to begin researching your family history on FamilySearch.org.

Step 1: Creating Your Free FamilySearch Account

• Navigate your web browser to FamilySearch.org.
• Look for the "Free Account" button, typically located in the top-right corner, or "Create Account" in the center of the page. Click it.
• Fill in the required information, including your name, birth date, country of residence, desired username, and a strong password. You do not need to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to create an account.
• Review and accept the FamilySearch.org Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
• Click "Create Account" and then check your email (including your spam folder) for a verification link to activate your account.

Step 2: Starting Your Family Tree

• Once logged in, click on the "Family Tree" menu item, then select "Tree" from the dropdown.
• You will typically see your own name at the center. Click on "Add Father" or "Add Mother" to begin building your direct line.
• Enter the known information for your parents (names, birth dates, birthplaces, death dates, deathplaces). Be as accurate as possible.
• FamilySearch will automatically search for matching individuals in its vast database. If a match is found, review the information carefully. If it's your ancestor, you can attach them. If not, select "Create New Person".
• Continue adding your known ancestors (grandparents, great-grandparents) back in time. The more information you provide, the better the system can find potential matches.

Step 3: Searching for Ancestors and Records

• From Your Tree: When viewing an ancestor in your family tree, click on their name to go to their Person page. On this page, look for sections like "Research Helps" or click "Search Records" to automatically search the FamilySearch database using the information already in your tree.
• Global Search: From the main menu, click "Search" then "Records".
• Enter the ancestor's name, birth year, birthplace, and other relevant details into the search fields. You can use wildcards (e.g., `Sm*th` for Smith or Smyth).
• Click "Search". Review the results. Use the filters on the left side of the page (e.g., by collection, place, date) to narrow down your search if you have too many results.
• When you find a promising record, click on it to view the details and, if available, the digitized image.

Step 4: Using Hints and Attaching Sources

• On an ancestor's Person page in your tree, pay close attention to the "Record Hints" section, often indicated by a green dot or blue square. These are records FamilySearch suggests might be for your ancestor.
• Click on a hint to review the suggested record. Compare the information in the record with what you already have in your tree.
• If the record is a match, click "Attach to Family Tree".
• A side-by-side comparison tool will appear. Ensure you attach the record to the correct person (or people) in your tree, adding new information as needed. Attaching records adds crucial sources to your family tree, validating your research.

Step 5: Exploring Memories and Sources

• On any ancestor's Person page, click on the "Memories" tab. Here you can upload photos, write stories, or add audio recordings to preserve and share your family's history.
• Next, click on the "Sources" tab. This section lists all the records and sources that have been attached to that ancestor. Always strive to have at least one source for every fact (birth, marriage, death) in your tree to ensure accuracy. You can also manually add sources here if you find records outside of FamilySearch.