Connect One New Family Member
Verify the Evidence and Attach Them to Your Tree
Every family tree holds stories still waiting to be discovered. Sometimes all it takes is one historical record, one familiar surname, or one previously unknown relative to uncover a new connection.
You don't need to be an experienced genealogist. You don't need to research an entire family line. Just begin with one person and follow the clues.
This month's invitation is simple: Find one new family member, verify the evidence, and connect that person to your FamilySearch Family Tree.
Three Easy Steps:
Search for a New Family Member
Sign in to FamilySearch.org and open Family Tree. Begin with a relative you already know, then explore their parents, siblings, spouses, or children to see whether someone is missing. Start with the names and places you know, and see where the records lead.
Verify the Evidence
Before adding someone, make sure the records support the relationship. Don't rely on a matching name alone. Look for several details that fit together, and check whether the person might already exist in FamilySearch's shared Family Tree.
Connect Your Family Member
Once you've confirmed the relationship, return to your Family Tree and open the record of the relative to whom your new family member belongs. Attach the sources and review the relationship to make sure everything is correct.
Did you know? Adding one verified family member can open the door to an entire branch of your family. That person may have children, parents, siblings, photographs, memories, and stories that you haven't yet discovered.
Each carefully documented connection helps make the family tree more accurate and more useful for everyone who shares those ancestors. You don't have to complete your entire family tree. Just find one person, check the evidence, and make one meaningful connection.
Remember: Finding someone with the same name doesn't necessarily mean you've found your ancestor. Take a few extra minutes to check dates, places, and relationships before adding anyone to Family Tree. A carefully verified connection is worth more than several uncertain ones.
One small discovery. One eternal connection.
Search Historical RecordsDiscover the Heart of Family History
Every name has a story. Every family has a history. Every connection matters.
Help Gather Israel is a free, independently created family history resource developed by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is not an official website of, or affiliated with, the Church or FamilySearch.
