Recording Information

Family history information can be recorded by hand or entered into computer systems. Your Membership Guide has forms in the back Appendix to help you get started recording what you have gathered. However, to be able to do the temple work the names MUST be put into new.familysearch.org. So as soon as you have the information and know it's correct input it, it won't do any good having it written down in a folder for years. Once you put the information into this site, it will:

-Show what information has already been gathered about your family.

-Show which temple ordinances have been completed and which ordinances need to be done.

-Provide a way for you to print Family Ordinance Request forms that can be taken to the temple.

-Allow other researches to us your family history information to help them in their research.

-Help you find and communicate with extended family members who are also searching for your ancestors. 

Simply log on to new.familysearch.org, and enter the information you have gathered, including details about how and where you got the information. Correct any of the incorrect information that you may have discovered. The system will prompt you about what to enter and let you know if more information is required before you can perform needed ordinances. 

You have two options with regards to entering your family info into a computer:

OPTION 1 – Use the New FamilySearch Website only

• This keeps a basic record of your family history information.
• Is used to submit names for temple work, and tracks your temple work.
• Lists others who have submitted information on your ancestor and lets you collaborate with them.
• However, you cannot print nice pedigree charts, narratives and notes, and import pictures, documents, etc.
• You cannot export data.

OPTION 2 – Use the New FamilySearch Website plus a simple Family History Software program

• This keeps extensive, detailed family information, confidential information, research notes, images of family photographs and documents, records of living relatives, etc.
• Tracks your temple work, submits names to the temple, and helps you collaborate with others (through New FamilySearch).
• Prints nice pedigree charts, indexes, reports, research to-do lists, a variety of amazing charts, booklets, family narratives, etc.
• You can export data — and even use the data to create a family website (with information on living relatives hidden).
• We suggest you choose a simple Family History Software Program that integrates with New FamilySearch, but it’s your choice.

There are many options for digital organization, but some programs are better than others. The website https://familysearch.org/products lists many of the programs and lays out the pro's and con's of each.  

Guidelines for Record Keeping

Chapter 4 in the Membership Guide includes more detailed suggestions for record keeping.
Record as much information as possible as you identify ancestors! For example, find the day, month, and year an event occurred, if possible. These details can give clues to discovering more information about your ancestors. Here are some guidelines for recording.

* Names: Provide names that are as complete as possible. For example, Elizabeth Bradshaw. Matthew William Harman. Juan Angel de la Cruz Vasquez Ovalle.
* Gender
* Relationships: Try to include information about the following family members of your ancestors, Spouse, Parents, Children, Siblings, etc.
* Dates