Genealogy: Discovering Your Family History with FamilySearch

Discovering Your Family History with FamilySearch

This guide will help you explore your family history using FamilySearch.

Step 1: Start a FamilySearch Account

If you don't already have one, create a free account on FamilySearch:

• Go to FamilySearch.org.
• Click Sign In.
• Click Create Free Account and follow the prompts.

Step 2: Navigate to the Family Tree

Once you're logged in, go to the Family Tree:

• In the top menu, click Family Tree.
• Select Tree from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Add Yourself to the Tree

Begin building your tree by adding yourself:

• Click on your starting position in the tree.
• Click Add Yourself.
• Enter your information in the form that appears.
• Click Create Person.

Step 4: Add Your Parents

Add your parents to start expanding your tree:

• Click the Add Father or Add Mother button on your profile.
• Enter the information you know about your parent.
• Click Next.
• If FamilySearch finds possible matches, review them. If not, click Create Person.

Step 5: Explore Record Hints

FamilySearch may provide hints that can help you discover more about your ancestors:

• On a profile page, look for the Research Helps section.
• Click on a record hint to review the details.
• If the record belongs to your ancestor, attach it to their profile.

Step 6: Search Records

You can search historical records to find information about your ancestors:

• From the FamilySearch homepage, click Search.
• Select Records from the dropdown menu.
• Enter the information you know about your ancestor, such as name, location, and dates.
• Click Search.
• Review the search results and attach any relevant records to your ancestors' profiles.

Step 7: Explore the FamilySearch Wiki

The FamilySearch Wiki can help you understand record types and research locations:

• From the FamilySearch homepage, click Search.
• Select Wiki from the dropdown menu.
• Enter a location or topic in the search box.
• Click Search.
• Read the articles to learn more about researching in that area or with those records.