First Steps

Want to find your ancestors, but don't know where to start? It's easier than you think.

Getting Started

Not sure where to start your family history journey? Check out our First Steps series of online classes. They'll teach you what you need to know to get the most from Ancestry.com.

Learn More

You've got the basics, but what's next? These articles will give you some tips that go beyond the basics and will help you grow your tree.

Why Start a Family Tree?

Starting a family tree on Ancestry.com is one of the best ways to get ahead in your research. Our family trees help you organize your research, find new leads, and connect with other researchers. And best of all, they're totally free.

Start with Paper and Pencil

Maybe you're not ready to bring your research to the computer just yet. As great as Ancestry.com is, sometimes there's no replacement for good ol' paper and pencil. Ancestry.com has got you covered. These forms can get you started so you can jot down notes and sort things out before you commit it to the computer.

No matter where you go, your tree can grow.