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Help with Family Search
How to Access the Full Site
For over 100 years, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide. Access to unrestricted FamilySearch records is freely available from any web-enabled device. As a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, we’re able to provide access to around 400 million restricted FamilySearch records while using the site in the library.
To access the site’s features, you’ll need to create a free account through FamilySearch or sign in with a preexisting account.
Family Search Icons
Sign in to your FamilySearch account to search and review many historical records. In your search results, you’ll see icons shown to the right. Below is an explanation of the icons.
- Magnifying Glass: Search the Index
- Paper with Folded Corner: View Record Details
- Camera: View the Image from Anywhere
- Camera with Key: Access Restricted, View Only at Listed Locations
- Reel: View on Microfilm Only at Listed Locations
- Flow Chart: View Attached Family Tree Person
More Ideas for Getting Started
Not sure where to start with your genealogy research? Check out the FamilySearch Wiki. Type in a record collection, state, or country to begin genealogy research. For example, entering “Wisconsin Genealogy” brings you to this Wiki page walking you through the different records for those with Wisconsin ancestors and links you to digital collections available on main genealogy websites.
Accessing Restricted Content
Records containing a camera with a key icon indicates access to an image is restricted and only viewable in the library or at a FamilySearch Center. To view restricted records, you’ll need to access them on a library computer or on your device in the library (on our WIFI). You’ll need the microfilm/image group number, collection name, or a link to the collection you want to view so you can easily access the collection again.