Family Search

Family Search

This is the LDS church's free online genealogy program. It takes the place of Personal Ancestral File, also a free program that was downloaded to your computer. In order to use the program, you must set up an account; you do not need to be a member of the LDS church in order to do this.

This new program incorporates their old search site with new features that allow you to both search and more easily keep and access your family tree. It also allows uploading of photos and stories. Documentation is made easier, at least for sources found by searching through this site, as they can be added to a "source box" and then attached to your tree without typing out the details. A search link on the page of an individual opens a new window and automatically searches for that person. One feature you may or may not like is the ability for anyone to make changes to people in your tree. Changes are supposed to be supported by documentation or at least an explanation. You have the option of "watching" an ancestor for changes that are made. All in all, a powerful program that continues to develop. In fact, you may find as you check back that you are surprised by continuing changes.