RootsTech Beginner's Track
Interested in learning how to get your genealogy started? Get all the basics and more during our Beginner’s Track at RootsTech 2026! Sponsored by BYU
New in 2026
From Down Under to Your Desk: Beginning Australian and New Zealand Research
Kelli Allen, QG, Brielle Beardall
Learn the Basics of FamilySearch
Introduction FamilySearch 101 Series
Discover FamilySearch 101, a beginner-friendly guide to starting your family tree. Learn to add relatives, explore records, and preserve memories as you begin your family history journey.
FamilySearch 101 | Episode 1
Join us in starting your family history journey in Episode 1 of FamilySearch 101. Learn to create a free account, add members, and use the app to begin building a simple, accurate family tree.
FamilySearch 101 | Episode 2
Continue your family history in FamilySearch 101 Episode 2 as it teaches you how to navigate your family tree and add memories! Begin uploading photos, stories, and audio to your family's memories.
FamilySearch 101 | Episode 3
In FamilySearch 101 Episode 3 learn to use Record Hints to find records like birth, census, and marriage records.. Learn to verify sources, search historical records, and explore Genealogies.
FamilySearch 101 | Episode 4
Continue learning in FamilySearch 101 Episode 4. Attach sources, verify ancestors, and keep your tree accurate. Learn to find and merge duplicates to preserve family history for future generations.
FamilySearch 101 | Episode 5
FamilySearch 101 Episode 5 shows how to use Family Groups, search records by place, and use Full-Text Search to find ancestors in un-indexed global documents and uncover new family connections.
2025 Sessions
Getting Started Part 1: Research Goals, logs, research plans, organization, being effective
Dr. Cacey Farnsworth, James Rasmussen
Getting Started Part 3: Analyzing data - making good decisions
Dr. Joseph Stuart, Jaclyn Pruett, Serena Juhasz
Getting Started Part 4 - Using Record Hints- Harnessing the Power of AI to Document Your Family
Liz Snow, Aubrey Ann Morris
Getting Started Part 5: Searching Smarter: Making the Most of Your Time and Resources
Dr. Sarah Reed, Kristina Kaufman
How do you want to get started?
FamilySearch offers a variety of ways to learn more about your family story.
Additional Getting Started Classes
Getting Started Part 6: Organizing, recording, and sharing your findings Webinar
Dr. Cacey Farnsworth, Emma Ruddy, Israel Murray
