FamilySearch Community FAQs
What are FamilySearch Community Research Groups?
A free platform for gathering knowledge, sharing information, attending interesting events, and connecting with helpful community members to further your family history and genealogy research.
How do I get started with FamilySearch communities?
Click on the Go to Communities button below.
Explore the different research groups for your genealogy interests.
Explore the different research groups for your genealogy interests.
Is a FamilySearch account required to ask questions in the Communities?
Yes. You must be signed into your free FamilySearch account to access the research groups.
Who can ask and answer questions in a research group?
Anyone with a FamilySearch account.
Which regions are included in the FamilySearch research groups?
Africa
Asia Pacific
Europe
Latin America
North America
Asia Pacific
Europe
Latin America
North America
How do I search for a specific group?
Select groups on the left side-bar and then select Research Groups. You can then filter by language, location, and region.
Do I have to join a group to ask a question?
Yes. Select the group for your question and click Join on the far right.
How do I ask a research question?
1. Sign in with your FamilySearch account
2. Find the group that corresponds to your question (see How do I search for a specific group? above).
3. Join the relevant group.
4. Scroll down to the Discussions heading. Click the arrow by New Discussion and select Ask a Question.
2. Find the group that corresponds to your question (see How do I search for a specific group? above).
3. Join the relevant group.
4. Scroll down to the Discussions heading. Click the arrow by New Discussion and select Ask a Question.
How do I get translation help?
Join the research group for the country of the language you need help translating from. Post your question under Ask A Question in that group with a link to the image and an explanation of what you have been able to figure out so far.
What is the difference between posting a new discussion and asking a question?
Questions are best when asking for help with translation, finding records, and getting answers to research questions.
Discussions are for sharing new resources, ideas, and links, as well as for starting conversations.
Discussions are for sharing new resources, ideas, and links, as well as for starting conversations.
What is an accepted answer?
When someone adds a comment to your question, an option will appear that asks you if that entry answered your question. If you are satisfied with the answer, click yes, and it will mark that answer as accepted. If you still need additional help, leave it unanswered so that others will know help is still needed. (This option will not appear if you post a discussion instead).