“In temple and family history work, we discover who we are... we become more complete, more unified, more filled with love. This is the spirit of coming unto Christ.” (“We Each Have a Story,” Oct. 2022 General Conference)
The Family History Department purpose statement reads: “We enable inspiring journeys that bring joy to all people as they discover, gather, and connect their family—past, present, and future.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides FamilySearch free of charge to everyone, regardless of tradition, culture, or religious affiliation. FamilySearch resources help millions of people around the world discover their heritage and connect with family members.
An Invitation to Deepen Your Family History Journey
You already have a FamilySearch account and a growing family tree—but what’s next? Join us for a five-week, hands-on workshop series designed to help you discover new details, gather meaningful sources, and connect with the inspiring stories of your ancestors.
The FamilySearch Family Tree is a shared, collaborative effort—each ancestor’s page represents the contributions of many. These workshops will help you develop the skills to evaluate, appreciate, and build on the work that’s been done, while strengthening your own connection to your family’s story.
Whether you’re a Temple & Family History (T&FH) consultant, a curious family historian, or someone who simply wants to find joy in the journey, this series will guide you in making discoveries that bless generations—past, present, and future.
Course Overview
Prerequisite
Participants should have an active FamilySearch account and at least one family line extending back seven generations. If your tree isn’t quite there yet, connect with a T&FH consultant or visit a FamilySearch Center to get started.
Everyone is Invited.
Bring your laptop and FamilySearch log in. See you in-person.
Everyone is Invited.
Bring your laptop and FamilySearch log in. See you in-person.
Everyone is invited. Bring your laptop and FamilySearch log in.
Week 1 – Navigating Your Tree with Purpose, 21 August, 2025, 7:00 PM
Explore different pedigree views and when to use each
Discover how the Person Page holds the key to deeper understanding
Search the FamilySearch tree (more about searching in week 3)
Join us to experience how exploring your family history can be joyful, insightful, and life-changing.
Let’s discover together. Let’s gather what matters. Let’s connect generations.
Slide deck available here.
Everyone is invited. Bring a laptop and your FamilySearch log in.
Week 2 – Strengthening the Story with Sources
Evaluate the validity of the attached sources
Use and refine Record Hints
Add your external sources
Attach memories as meaningful documentation
Join us to experience how exploring your family history can be joyful, insightful, and life-changing.
Let’s discover together. Let’s gather what matters. Let’s connect generations.
Slide deck available here.
Everyone is Invited.
Bring your laptop and FamilySearch log in. See you in-person.
Everyone is Invited.
Bring your laptop and FamilySearch log in. See you in-person.
Everyone is invited. Bring a laptop and your FamilySearch log in.
Week 3 – Expanding the Search
Search FamilySearch historical records like a pro
Use partner sites (e.g., Ancestry, MyHeritage) to uncover more
Learn from the FamilySearch Wiki
Leverage AI tools to enhance discovery
Join us to experience how exploring your family history can be joyful, insightful, and life-changing.
Let’s discover together. Let’s gather what matters. Let’s connect generations.
Slide deck available here.
Everyone is invited. Bring a laptop and your FamilySearch log in.
Week 4 – Working Together: Tools for Collaboration
Use Family Groups to share trees and ordinances
Discover the power of the Family Tree Together app
Who is adding sources to your tree?
Who is adding memories to your ancestors?
Join us to experience how exploring your family history can be joyful, insightful, and life-changing.
Let’s discover together. Let’s gather what matters. Let’s connect generations.
Slide deck available here.
Everyone is Invited.
Bring your laptop and FamilySearch log in. See you in-person.
Everyone is invited. Bring a laptop and your FamilySearch log in.
Week 5 – Continuing the Journey
Find more ways to learn and grow your skills
Explore how you can help others in their journey
Reflect on your experience and create a plan to inspire your family
Join us to experience how exploring your family history can be joyful, insightful, and life-changing.
Let’s discover together. Let’s gather what matters. Let’s connect generations.
Slide deck available here.