Family History work may be something you’re truly interested in, but for some reason, you just can’t seem to get started. Perhaps you feel confused, daunted, and even frustrated with the getting started process. Here at FamilySearch, we can help you start your free family tree. All you have to do is enter the information you already know about the first 4 generations of your family.
Watch the How-To Video
The video below provides step-by-step instructions of how to add family members to your tree.
Handy Notes and Takeaways
Start with What You Know
The best, and usually easiest, way to begin family history work is to start with what you know. Do you know the names of your parents and grandparents? If so, then you’re already on your way! Do you also happen to know when and where they were born? Great! You'll be able to add that to your family tree as well. Try to recall all the information you know about your family.
For the information you may not know, try asking your living relatives. Maybe your aunt remembers when and where your great-grandfather was born. Perhaps your father has your great-grandmother’s birth certificate. Your living memory and the living memory of your relatives is the best place to start when gathering your family history information.
Build Your 4 Generation Tree
Now it’s time to take that information and build your family tree! Begin by adding yourself and then adding your parents. Then you can add your grandparents and great-grandparents. If there are pieces of information you still don’t know, leave those spaces blank for now. You can always go back and fill them in later.
Once you have the first 4 generations of your family saved in your family tree, then you can begin exploring records from FamilySearch and other sources to discover more family generations and add them to your tree.
Watch Our Other How-To Videos
At FamilySearch, we care about connecting you with your family, and we provide fun discovery experiences and family history services for free. Why? Because we cherish families and believe that connecting generations can improve our lives now and forever. We are a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more about our beliefs, click here.
