Getting Started

Family history is much more than dates, records, and research. Learn how to begin your family history with these simple activities.

Find a friend to help you

Start your family history with a family member or a friend who can help you. You can also ask your local temple and family history consultant to assist you. Go to www.familysearch.org/ask/help to find help in your area.

Create a Church account, and then log in to FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch is the tool you need to take your own ancestors’ names to the temple. You can log in to FamilySearch using your Church account ID and password. You can also do this work with the free FamilySearch Tree app. The FamilySearch Tree app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Try Ordinances Ready

Ordinances Ready is a new feature found in the FamilySearch Tree mobile app. This feature searches through your family tree and finds ancestors for whom temple ordinances can be performed. This feature allows you to request a specific ordinance to perform. Learn more about using Ordinances Ready.

Interview family members and share stories

This can be easily done on the FamilySearch Memories app. Gather your family stories and memories, and record them for generations to come. The FamilySearch Memories app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Gather, take, and share photos

Taking photos of living relatives, heirlooms, and so forth can provide powerful experiences for future generations. Add these to your family tree through the FamilySearch Memories app as well. The FamilySearch Memories app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Help index records

FamilySearch indexing makes the records of our ancestors freely searchable online. Indexing is vital to temple and family history work because it helps “fuel the find.” To see how, click here.