The Best Christmas Gifts
The article “Gifts You Can’t Wrap” (read text or see PDF) from the New Era magazine reminds us that some of the greatest gifts we can give at Christmas are those we can’t wrap. Here are some unforgettable gifts that young people can give their parents:...Preserving Digital Records
The video below gives ideas on how to preserve your digital files, such as photographs and journals. This is one video from Preserving History Instructional Videos, a series of brief video vignettes on how to care for personal records and artifacts. Related articles:...Mormons Focus on Family History
The video below shows that finding and connecting with one’s family has always been a priority for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The Church has established the largest collection of family history records in the world and...
RootsMapper Shows Ancestor Migrations
The RootsMapper web application helps you visualize the origins of your ancestors and see how they migrated. When you enter your FamilySearch log-in, it accesses the FamilySearch database, and then uses Google Maps to plot the birth place of your ancestors up to 7...
FamilySearch Branches Out
Learn more in the article “FamilySearch.org Redesign Includes Shareable Photo, Story Options.”
My Family Booklet: Stories That Bring Us Together
FamilySearch.org is an amazing technology to record the entire pedigree of the human race. From any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone in the world, you can collaborate with anyone else in the world to build your family tree. But since not everyone has a...Video: What is an Ancestor?
What is an ancestor? In the video below, children were asked “What is an ancestor?” They provide some thoughtful, interesting, entertaining, and surprising answers. How would you explain the concept of a family tree or ancestry to children?
LDS Resources on Marriage & Family Relationships
Here is a list of some of the excellent resources from the Church on marriage and family relationships: Courtship and Marriage: a video interview with Elder and Sister Cook Enduring Love video Saving Your Marriage video Marriage in the Gospel Topics section of LDS.org...
One Millionth Photo on Free Family Photo Preservation Site
On September 10th, this portrait of Ephraim Mecham became the one millionth photo uploaded to FamilySearch.org! Ephraim’s photo, along with the other million photos, will now be preserved forever for free online at FamilySearch.org/photos. The...
Family History Leads to the Temple
“I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah.” Elder David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” LDS General Conference, October 2011.
Preserving Your Records and Artifacts
The Church History Department has prepared a set of instructional videos to help members learn how to care for personal records and artifacts. The Preserving History Instructional Videos page has a series of brief video vignettes on topics such as properly housing and...
Family Reunions: Photos & Stories
In this digital age, how do you get the most out of your next family reunion? When you get together for your yearly family reunion this summer, what will you do to make sure future generations have access to important family memories? FamilySearch Photos and Stories...
Personal Ancestral File (PAF) Discontinued
Beginning July 15, 2013, the Personal Ancestral File (PAF) software will be retired and will no longer be available for download or support. Editor’s Note (December 10, 2025): See the article “Can You Still Use Personal Ancestral File (PAF) for Family...Family History Brings Power to the Living
The blessings of family history aren’t reserved for after death. You and your family can be blessed now. Participating in family history can strengthen families much like regular prayer, scripture study, and service do. And it brings with it its own unique promises of...Follow on social media