Help Friends Discover Their Family History

Discovering your ancestors is a powerful way to understand who you are and become better able to make a difference for good in the world.
Sharing Family Connections - Find a Name

Begin a Conversation

With the FamilySearch Family Tree App and a conversation, you can help a friend begin to discover their family history.
You might ask:
  • Which of your ancestors do you feel most connected with? Why?
  • Who’s the oldest relative you remember? What do you remember about him/her?
  • What stories do you know about your ancestors?
  • What traits do you have in common with your family? Who did those come from?
  • Have you visited an ancestor’s homeland? What was it like?
  • What do you want to know about your ancestors?
Discovering your ancestors is a powerful way to understand who you are and become better able to make a difference for good in the world.
Sharing Family Connections - All About Me

Discover Your Ancestors with These Activities

Below are several activities that you can do using the FamilySearch Family Tree app. Having your own experience will help you gain greater confidence in helping others.
Discovering your ancestors is a powerful way to understand who you are and become better able to make a difference for good in the world.
Sharing Family Connections - Share a Gospel Principle

Share How Family History Benefits You and Your Friends

Studies show people are more resilient and self-assured when they know about their ancestors. In addition, they can feel closer to God because “family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129).
As you share your experiences, people may want to know more. Here are two common questions:

  1. Why is FamilySearch.org a free service?

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors this service through the generous donations of its members because families are an important part of God’s plan for all of His children. Through Jesus Christ, we can be reunited with our loved ones after we die. Because of this, FamilySearch is a free resource to help all people learn about their ancestors and feel a connection to them.

  2. I feel something special when I participate in family history. Why?

    When we learn more about our family history, we are naturally drawn to our ancestors and feel a connection to them. This feeling of connection is a reminder from God through His Holy Spirit that families are meant to last beyond this life. Additional information about the importance of families is available here.