Family History
Overview
Family history is discovering and learning more about our family members and gathering and preserving information about them. It is also performing saving ordinances for them in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. He has prepared a way for family relationships to continue throughout eternity. By participating in temple and family history service, we discover more about ourselves and our ancestors. We can connect with our ancestors by performing essential ordinances for them in temples. As we help our deceased family members progress on the covenant path, we can increase the influence of the Spirit in our lives and deepen our testimonies of the plan of salvation.
Family history can also strengthen our relationships with our living family members. As we share discoveries, stories, photographs, and other memories, we establish family bonds and strengthen the love between our family members. In this sense, family history is much more than just researching names, dates, and places.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides a free service, FamilySearch, which helps people connect with their families. This worldwide service provides the tools, services, and technology to help all people discover, gather, and connect their families—past, present, and future.
Learn more about how you can get started on your family history and how it can bless your life.
Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
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Topical Guide, “Baptism for the Dead,” “Genealogy and Temple Work”
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Guide to the Scriptures, “Book of Life,” “Book of Remembrance,” “Genealogy,” “Ordinances,” “Salvation for the Dead,” “Temple, House of the Lord”
Messages from Church Leaders
Videos
Learning Resources
General Resources
2020 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction
Church Magazines
Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Open the Heavens through Temple and Family History Work,” Liahona, October 2017
Dale G. Renlund, Ruth L. Renlund, and Ashley R. Renlund, “Family History and Temple Blessings,” Liahona, February 2017
“Ministering through Family History,” Liahona, February 2020
Margot Halvey, “Family History at Your Fingertips,” Ensign, January 2018
Douglas Parks, “Sharing Your Family History,” Ensign, March 2018
Chakell Wardleigh, “Family History for the Non-History Buff,” Ensign, July 2018
Maryssa Dennis, “Down the Family History Rabbit Hole,” Ensign, April 2018
Bradley D. Foster, “Family History: Peace, Protection, and Promises,” Liahona, October 2016
Study Manuals
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Other Manuals
Teaching Resources
Stories and Activities for Teaching Children
“Family History Quest: Ready, Set, Go!” Friend, January 2018