How to Find Your Ancestors on FamilySearch.org

How to Find Your Ancestors on FamilySearch.org

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to discover and connect with your ancestors using the free resources on FamilySearch.org.

1. Create or Log In to Your FamilySearch Account

   Before you begin, you'll need an account. Go to FamilySearch.org and click the "Free Account" button in the top right corner if you don't have one, or "Sign In" if you do. Creating an account is free and only requires basic information like your name, birth date, and an email address.

2. Start with What You Know – Begin Your Tree

   The best way to find ancestors is to start with yourself and work backward. Once logged in, click on "Family Tree" in the top menu, then select "Tree." You will likely see yourself already in the tree. Click on your parents, then grandparents, filling in as much information as you know for each person (names, birth dates, birthplaces, death dates, deathplaces). This provides a foundation for the system to find records.

3. Utilize the "Search" Menu for Records

   If you have an ancestor in mind who isn't already linked in your tree, or if you want to find more information about one, navigate to the "Search" menu at the top of the page and select "Records." This will take you to the main historical records search page.

4. Enter Your Ancestor's Information

   On the "Search Historical Records" page, enter as much information as you know about your ancestor:

   • First Name(s) and Last Name (try variations if initial search is unsuccessful).
   • Birth Place and Birth Year (use a range if unsure, e.g., 1850-1860).
   • Death Place and Death Year (if known).
   • Any known Spouse's Name or Parent's Names can help narrow the search.
   After entering the details, click the blue "Search" button.

5. Review Search Results and Attach Records

   FamilySearch will display a list of potential records matching your search criteria.

   • Carefully review each result, looking at the names, dates, and places.
   • Click on a promising record (often indicated by a magnifying glass icon or a camera icon to view the image) to see its full details.
   • If the record matches your ancestor, you can then "Attach to Family Tree" directly from the record detail page. This adds the information and the source to your ancestor's profile in the Family Tree.

6. Explore and Expand Your Family Tree

   Once you've attached records and expanded your tree, return to the "Family Tree" view. As you add more individuals, FamilySearch.org will often provide "Record Hints" (a blue icon next to an ancestor's name) on their profile page. These are suggestions of historical records that might belong to that ancestor, making it easier to find new information and extend your lines.

7. Add Unlinked Ancestors Manually

   If you know of an ancestor who doesn't appear in search results or isn't connected to your existing tree, you can manually add them. In the "Family Tree" view, locate a person you know they are related to (e.g., a parent or spouse) and click "Add Child," "Add Parent," or "Add Spouse" as appropriate. Fill in their known details, and then search for records specifically for them.

8. Always Verify and Source Your Findings

   As you find ancestors, remember to verify information from multiple sources where possible. Attaching historical records as sources to each person in your tree ensures accuracy and helps others in the shared FamilySearch tree to build upon reliable information.