How it works:
Start with your family tree.
The first step in tracing your history is building a tree. Begin with yourself then go back as far as you can. Don't worry if you're unsure of the details — guesses work too. In fact, they can help us find clues to new information about your ancestors.
Take a hint.
As soon as you begin a tree, we automatically look through billions of historical records, photos, and other Ancestry trees for information about your family. When we find something, a green leaf appears on your family tree. Just click the Ancestry Hint to review the details.
Discover the story.
A document isn't just a piece of paper — it's a snapshot of your family's past. Plug a name into a search of our vast collections, and there's no telling what you'll find.