Learn how to confidently research, build, and understand your family tree — without feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
Family Tree Foundations
SELF-GUIDED ONLINE COURSE
Discover your roots.
There's an innate desire to understand where you come from. A pull to go deeper and uncover your beginnings.
But how do you actually do that?
You need a family tree — and more importantly, you need to know how to build it, use it, and trust it.
introducing
Family Tree Foundations
Inside this course, you'll learn how to:
- Find and understand the right records
- Build and organize your family tree properly
- Avoid common mistakes that slow your progress
- Continue researching beyond the basics
Lesson 1
Get Your Family Tree Setup
- Setup your tree on FamilySearch
- Understand the different tree views
- Add people to your tree correctly and avoid duplicates
You'll finish with your family tree started and a clear understanding of how to continue building it.
FamilySearch Overview
- Learn about the tools FamilySearch offers
- Navigate your ancestor's person page with confidence
You'll leave able to navigate FamilySearch and understand how to use it to discover more.
Types of Records
- Evaluate records using a clear method
- Understand accuracy and what information to trust
- Learn different record types
- Attach record hints correctly in FamilySearch
You'll gain a solid understanding of which records to use and how they help build your tree.
What You'll Learn
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Searching for Records
- Learn best practices for searching
- Know when and how to use a research log
- Use the Research Wiki effectively
- Attach sources properly
You'll be able to find the records you're looking for and know where to search next.
FamilySearch Tree Tips
- Merge duplicates correctly
- Fix incorrect changes
- Add notes and maintain accuracy
You'll understand how to maintain a clean, accurate, well-sourced tree.
Research Methods and Goals
- Research your tree based on your goals
- Understand how to maintain and grow your tree
You'll finish with a clear understanding of how to continue researching your ancestors independently.
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Building Your Tree on Ancestry.com
- Learn how to use the Ancestry family tree builder and why it's helpful.
Navigating Public Trees on Ancestry.com
- Learn how to benefit from public trees and what to look for before copying information.
Searching on Ancestry.com
- Learn how to see what records are available to search on Ancestry and effective ways to do so.
Bonus Lessons
Attaching Outside Sources on FamilySearch
- Learn how to attach sources from other sites or documents to your ancestor on the FamilySearch tree.
Memories on FamilySearch
- Learn how to properly add photos, documents, and audio files to your ancestor's page on FamilySearch.
Get your entire tree from FamilySearch to Ancestry.com
- Learn how to get your full family tree from FamilySearch to an Ancestry tree.
Hi! I'm Megan
I'm a genealogist, podcast host, and mother of seven — and I help people learn how to truly know their ancestors.
In 2020, I completed my degree in Family History Research and learned how to do genealogy effectively and professionally. But what I quickly realized is that most people don't know how to find, understand, and use records to actually build their family tree.
That's why I created this course.
Because when you learn how to research your ancestors the right way — everything changes. You stop guessing. You stop feeling stuck. And you start uncovering real stories.
Over the years, I've become deeply connected to my own ancestors by learning how to find and understand their records. That connection didn't come from just collecting names — it came from knowing how to research their lives properly.
And that's exactly what I want for you.
This course will show you how to build your family tree with confidence — and give you a process you can continue using long after you finish.
Ready to Get Started?
Building your family tree doesn't have to be complicated.
Maybe you already have a family tree — but don't know how to use it or add to it.
Maybe someone else in your family has started one, but you don't know how to access it or trust it.
Or maybe you're starting from scratch and don't even know where to begin.
This course meets you exactly where you are — and shows you what to do next.
