Below are introductory explanations and references to help you begin your journey in Temple and Family History work. To get started, you will need to log in to FamilySearch.org. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can log in using their membership credentials. If you are not a member, simply create a free account on the website.
There are a few related areas to the redemption of our deceased ancestors:
- Data Digitization: Involves indexing, reviewing names, verifying places, and more
- Building and Expanding Your Family Tree: Adding family members, and connecting with your heritage.
- Temple Work: Performing sacred ordinances on behalf of our ancestors.
More information on each of these areas is provided below.
Data Digitizing
Data digitization involves searching records for information about our deceased ancestors. New physical records are added daily, and to make these records accessible to a broader audience, they must be indexed so that their contents become searchable.
Get started with Indexing
Three other opportunities related to digitizing records
- Quick Name Review
- Full Name Review
- Verify Places
Some people find these activities engaging, almost like a game! For more information, please see: FamilySearch Get Involved and click on “Get Started” or “Find Places”.
Additionally, FamilySearch offers mobile apps to support these activities, available for both Android and Apple devices:
FamilySearch Mobile Apps
Building and Adding to Your Family Tree
Link yourself to your living and deceased ancestors by identifying and recording a few essential details.
Finding information about deceased ancestors is easier thanks to indexing, as described above
Start building your Family Tree:
Family Tree Overview
Temple Work
After identifying and linking ancestors, we can perform essential ordinances for their salvation, including Baptism, Confirmation and Gift of the Holy Ghost, Priesthood Ordination (for male ancestors), Endowment, Eternal Marriage, and Sealing of children to parents. This sacred work takes place in the temple.
You can use the “Ordinances Ready” feature on the FamilySearch Family Tree mobile app or the FamilySearch website to find names to take to the temple for specific ordinances.
Schedule your Temple visit (to ensure you have a spot in the session):
Youth temple trips occur quarterly where baptisms and confirmations are performed. All members, including new members, are encouraged to attend regularly and experience the blessings that temple work brings.
Here are published frequently asked questions published at Family Search: Family Search FAQ