Getting Started: An Introduction to FamilySearch.org

Getting Started: An Introduction to FamilySearch.org

This guide provides a simple, step-by-step introduction to beginning your family history journey on FamilySearch.org.

1. 1. Create or Sign In to Your Free Account

   • Go to FamilySearch.org in your web browser.
   • Look for the Free Account button in the top right corner if you need to register, or click Sign In if you already have an account.
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to create your account, providing basic information like your name, birth date, and country. You will also create a username and password.

2. 2. Navigate the Home Page

   • After successfully signing in, you will land on your personalized FamilySearch home page.
   • Take a moment to notice the primary navigation menu at the top of the page, which includes options like Tree, Search, Memories, Activities, and Help.
   • For getting started with your family history, our main focus will be the Tree section.

3. 3. Start Your Family Tree

   • Click on the Tree menu item located in the top navigation bar.
   • If this is your first time, you will likely see a prompt asking you to add yourself or connect to an existing family tree.
   • Click the Add Yourself button or a similar prominent prompt to begin.
   • Enter your basic personal information (your name, birth date, birth place, and whether you are living or deceased). Then, click Next or Create Person.

4. 4. Add Your Immediate Family

   • Once you've added yourself, you will see a card representing you in the tree view.
   • Look for the links on your card to Add Mother and Add Father.
   • Click Add Mother, then input her details (name, birth date/place, etc.). Repeat this process for your father.
   • Continue backward by clicking the "Add Mother" and "Add Father" links on your parents' cards to add your grandparents, providing as much information as you know. The more data points you provide, the easier it will be for FamilySearch to find matches.

5. 5. Explore Your Tree View and Potential Matches

   • As you add more ancestors, your family tree will visually expand.
   • Keep an eye out for specific icons that may appear on person cards:
     • A blue square with a small person icon (often labeled Research Help) indicates that FamilySearch has found potential matches for this individual in its vast database or possible record hints.
   • To investigate further, click on a person's name or card, then navigate to their individual Person page to review suggested records or shared ancestors.

6. 6. Understand the Power of the FamilySearch Shared Tree

   • One of FamilySearch's most powerful features is its "Shared Tree." This means that all users contribute to and benefit from a single, collaborative family tree.
   • When you add your ancestors, FamilySearch actively tries to connect them to existing individuals already in the shared tree. This is where those blue "Research Help" icons become incredibly valuable.
   • By reviewing and confirming these hints, you can often connect to lines already researched by millions of other users, potentially extending your family lines back many generations very quickly.