FamilySearch
100% free genealogy. The biggest secret.
Why this is amazing
- Completely free — no subscription, ever.
- Run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Don't have to be Mormon to use it.
- Largest genealogy database in the world.
- Billions of records — birth, marriage, death, census.
- Used by Ancestry.com itself for some records.
How to start
- Go to FamilySearch.org or download app.
- Create free account — email + password.
- Start with yourself, add parents.
- Add what you know — birth dates, places.
- App suggests records to attach.
- Tree grows surprisingly fast.
Records available
- US Census records 1790–1950.
- Birth, marriage, death certificates.
- Military records.
- Immigration records.
- Church records from around the world.
- Yearbooks, city directories, more.
FamilySearch + Ancestry
- FamilySearch users get free Ancestry.com discounted.
- Free FamilySearch Center access at LDS churches.
- Free access to paid sites at FamilySearch Centers.
- Includes Newspapers.com, Findmypast, others.
- Basically free $50+/month resources.
- Find center: FamilySearch.org/centers.
Memories feature
- Upload old family photos.
- Scan documents and store free.
- Record audio stories from elderly relatives.
- Tag people in photos.
- Family members can contribute.
- Becomes shared family digital archive.
For tech-novice seniors
- Many local libraries offer free FamilySearch help.
- FamilySearch Centers — free in-person help.
- Volunteer experts answer questions.
- YouTube tutorials — search "FamilySearch beginners."
- Active forums for help.
- Genealogical societies often host classes.
Skip Ancestry — start here
If you're considering Ancestry.com's $30+/month subscription, try FamilySearch first. The basic family tree functionality is identical, the records are similar, and it costs nothing. Many genealogists use both — FamilySearch for the free database, Ancestry for DNA matching. Save your money for an AncestryDNA test ($99) instead of monthly fees.