What is Genealogy? Your Guide to Tracing Family History with FamilySearch

Your Guide to Tracing Family History with FamilySearch

This guide helps you understand what genealogy is and how to begin tracing your family history using the powerful tools on FamilySearch.org.

What is Genealogy?

Genealogy is the study of families, their origins, and their history. It's like being a detective for your own past, uncovering the stories, places, and people that make up your unique family tree. It's about connecting to your ancestors, understanding where you come from, and preserving those stories for future generations. FamilySearch.org is an incredible, free resource provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, designed to help everyone discover and connect their family.

Getting Started with FamilySearch.org

Here’s how to begin your genealogical journey on FamilySearch:

1. Create Your Free Account or Sign In:
   • Go to FamilySearch.org.
   • Click the "Free Account" button in the top right corner if you don't have one, and follow the prompts to register. It's quick and easy!
   • If you already have an account, click "Sign In."
2. Start Your Family Tree:
   • Once logged in, you'll likely land on your personal "Family Tree" page, often in the Pedigree view (a fan chart or traditional tree).
   • You should see yourself in the center or bottom. Click on the empty boxes labeled "Add Father," "Add Mother," "Add Spouse," or similar prompts.
   • Enter the names, birth dates, and birthplaces of your immediate family (parents, grandparents) – start with what you know! The more information you provide, the easier it is for FamilySearch to find matches.
3. Find Existing Relatives and Records (Record Hints):
   • After adding a person, click on their name in the tree, then click "Person" to go to their detailed page.
   • On the person's page, look for the "Research Helps" section, usually on the right. You'll often see "Record Hints" (a blue square icon with a document) or "Possible Duplicates."
   • Click on a "Record Hint" to review the suggested historical record (like a census, birth certificate, or marriage record).
   • If the record matches your ancestor, click "Review and Attach." This links the record to your ancestor and adds valuable information to their profile and your tree.
4. Add Memories:
   • From an ancestor's Person page, click the "Memories" tab.
   • Here, you can upload photos, write stories, or attach documents related to that ancestor. This is where you bring their story to life beyond just names and dates.
   • Click "Add Memory" to upload files directly from your computer.
5. Explore the "Search" and "Activities" Menus:
   • From the top menu, click "Search" to explore historical records directly by name, place, or event. This is great for more advanced searching if record hints aren't appearing.
   • Click "Activities" to find fun, guided experiences like "Compare a Face" or "All About Me," which can help you learn more about your heritage in engaging ways.

By consistently adding information, reviewing hints, and attaching sources, your family tree on FamilySearch will grow, revealing more of your incredible family history with each step!