How to Find Your Ancestors for Free on FamilySearch.org

How to Find Your Ancestors for Free on FamilySearch.org

This guide will walk you through the process of discovering your family history using the powerful, free resources available on FamilySearch.org.

Step 1: Create Your Free FamilySearch Account

• Go to FamilySearch.org.
• Click the "Free Account" button in the top right corner of the page.
• Follow the prompts to enter your personal details and create a username and password. You will need to verify your email address to gain full access to all features.

Step 2: Start with What You Know in "Search Records"

• Once logged in, navigate to the top menu, hover over "Search", then click "Records".
• On the "Find Your Ancestors" search page, enter as much information as you currently know about your direct ancestor, such as their first and last name, birth year (or range), birth location, and spouse's name. Providing more details helps refine your results.
• Click the blue "Search" button.

Step 3: Analyze and Refine Your Search Results

• Review the list of search results. Each result typically includes the ancestor's name, key birth/death details, and a link to the record.
• On the left-hand side, use the "Filter Results" options to narrow down by collection, event type, or specific location if your initial search yielded too many matches.
• Click on a promising result to view the record details, which may include an image of the original document. Carefully compare the information with what you already know.

Step 4: Explore the Collaborative Family Tree

• From the top menu, hover over "Family Tree" and click "Tree".
• Add yourself and your direct line of ancestors (parents, grandparents) to the tree. As you add individuals, FamilySearch may automatically connect you to existing entries in the shared tree.
• Look for the "Person Page" of an ancestor. This page compiles all known information, sources, and memories associated with that individual from the collective FamilySearch tree.

Step 5: Utilize Sources and Memories

• On an ancestor's "Person Page", click the "Details" tab to see their vital information and family members.
• Click the "Sources" tab to view all attached records and documents. These are crucial for verifying information. You can also add new sources you discover.
• Navigate to the "Memories" tab to find photos, stories, documents, and audio recordings shared by other users, which can add rich context to your ancestor's life.

Step 6: Leverage "Relatives at a Glance" (if connected)

• If you are connected to the shared FamilySearch tree through an ancestor, on their "Person Page", you might see a "Relatives at a Glance" or "View My Relationship" option.
• Clicking this can show you your direct line connection to that individual, helping you visualize your lineage within the broader tree and identify immediate gaps in your direct ancestral line.

Step 7: Use the Research Wiki for Localized Guidance

• From the top menu, hover over "Search", then click "Research Wiki".
• Type in a specific place (e.g., "Germany genealogy" or "New York census records") or a general topic to find articles, record availability, research strategies, and local archive information. The Wiki is an invaluable resource.

Step 8: Systematically Expand Your Tree

• Once you have a verified ancestor, go to their "Person Page" and look for their parents. If parents are listed, click on them to explore their information.
• If parents are missing, click "Add Father" or "Add Mother" and use the "Search Records" feature again with the ancestor as a child. Work backward generation by generation, carefully verifying each connection with sources.