How to Get Started

November 20, 2015

Many people would like to do their family history, but few know how to get started. Here are some tips to get you excited about your own family history.

To find a family, use FamilySearch Family Tree or Ancestry Public Member Trees. Family Tree is a compiled tree that anyone has access to and can make changes on. Although this can be good, as it allows researchers to share their research, it also results in incorrect data. It is very important to try to be as accurate and thorough with family history research. Ancestry Public Member Trees are individual trees that are shared with other Ancestry users.

For help getting started on FamilySearch, please see the videos on this page: https://familysearch.org/ask/gettingStarted.

Ancestry is a subscription website. LDS members can access it for free through this website: https://familysearch.org/partneraccess or a subscription can be purchased. Once you have a subscription, you can search "Public Member Trees" under the search tabs.

Some people may think that their family history is already done and there is nothing more to do. Family history work is never done. Your ancestors had siblings who had children that also need to be found. Family history never goes in just one direction. It goes up, out, and down numerous of times. If there seems to be a lot of sources and documentation for your direct lines, try looking at the siblings/nieces and nephews of your ancestors. All of these people matter and they also help you learn more about your ancestor and where they came from.

I recommend starting by learning more about the lives of your ancestors. By doing so, you can gain a greater understanding of where you came from and a better appreciation for those who came before you.

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