Understanding Mormonism

A Web Site Dedicated to Understanding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church)

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Family Search

Family Search is the Mormon Church's non-profit website devoted to family history research and available to anyone interested in learning more about their family history.

 

The website provides records gathered over the last 100 years. Family history work is important because Mormons believe that families can be sealed together forever through work done in temples.  The work done in temples can also be down for those who have died without the chance to do the work for themselves.  According to Mormon belief, persons may then choose to accept or reject the work done for them. In order for such work to be done, members must be able to identify their ancestors.

 

When registering on the site (which is free) it will ask you for Church membership information, but this is optional and can be left blank. The website then provides you with your own place to share records with people so that other people searching for their family history will have access to them.

 

If you are just starting family research, reading the information titled "How do I get started?" on the right hand side of the screen will give you some tips on what you will need to research your family's history. If you are stuck and cannot find anything another option is to locate a Family History Center in your area. Like the website, the services offered at Family History Centers are free and there is a place on the website that will direct you to the nearest center. There are volunteers there that can help you locate things you might not find otherwise or explain how to get started.