Getting Started with LDS Family History on FamilySearch.org

Getting Started with LDS Family History on FamilySearch.org

This guide will help you begin your journey into LDS family history using FamilySearch.org, focusing on connecting with your ancestors and preparing names for temple work.

Your First Steps on FamilySearch.org

• Step 1: Access FamilySearch.org and Sign In

  Open your web browser and go to www.familysearch.org. Click the "Sign In" button located in the top right corner. If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, use your LDS Account username and password. If you don't have a FamilySearch account yet, click "Free Account" and follow the prompts, ensuring you select the option to link your Church membership for full access to temple ordinances.

• Step 2: Navigate to Your Family Tree

  Once signed in, locate the main navigation menu at the top of the page. Click on "Family Tree" and then select "Tree" from the dropdown menu. This will take you to your personal family tree view, typically starting with yourself at the center.

• Step 3: Find and Verify Your Place in the Tree

  Ensure that you are viewing your own profile. Your name should be prominently displayed. If you don't see your parents, click the "Add Father" or "Add Mother" links to input their information. For members of the Church, your direct line should often connect automatically to the larger shared family tree. Verify the names and dates for yourself, your parents, and grandparents, making sure they are correct.

• Step 4: Explore Your Direct Ancestral Lines

  From your profile, navigate upwards through your ancestors. Click on your parents' names, then your grandparents, and so on. You can change the view by clicking the "Landscape" dropdown menu at the top left of the tree, trying options like "Descendancy" or "Fan Chart" to visualize different aspects of your family history. Look for missing information (like "Unknown" parents) or gaps in your direct lines.

• Step 5: Utilize Record Hints and Research Helps

  As you explore your tree, pay close attention to the small blue shaky lines (record hints) next to an ancestor's name. These indicate that FamilySearch has found potential historical records for that person. Click on a name, then click on the "Hints" tab in their profile to review and attach these records. Also, look for the "Research Helps" section in a person's details page for suggestions on what information is needed or where to look next.

• Step 6: Add Memories and Sources

  To enrich your family history, consider adding photos, stories, and documents. On an ancestor's profile page, click the "Memories" tab to upload items or the "Sources" tab to add specific references to historical records. Every piece of information, big or small, helps create a more complete picture of your ancestors.

• Step 7: Identify Opportunities for Temple Work

  As you build your tree, look for ancestors with green temple icons next to their names. This signifies that an ordinance may be ready to reserve for the temple. Click on the ancestor's name, then select the "Ordinances" tab. Follow the prompts to review the information, check for duplicates, and then reserve the ordinances. You can also print family ordinance cards directly from FamilySearch.org.