Family Tree Utah refers to the free, collaborative family tree database operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is particularly strong in Utah records because of the Church’s genealogical work. It is not a separate Utah-only website; rather, it is the global FamilySearch Family Tree, and Utah users often use it to connect their lines to the extensive pioneer and Latter-day Saint records digitized by the Church. The Family Tree is accessible at FamilySearch.org, and while anyone can create a free account, the tree itself is a single, shared tree where users add, correct, and link records.
Background of FamilySearch and the Utah Connection
FamilySearch has its roots in the Genealogical Society of Utah, founded in 1894. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints established the society to gather genealogical records, partly because of the religious practice of performing proxy ordinances for deceased ancestors. Over the decades, the organization microfilmed records from around the world, and Utah became a major repository. In 1999, FamilySearch launched its first website, and in 2013 it introduced the Family Tree as a replacement for the older Pedigree Resource File and new FamilySearch Tree. Because the Church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City is one of the largest genealogical libraries in the world, and many Utah residents have deep pioneer ancestry, making the Family Tree especially relevant for them.
How the Family Tree Works
The Family Tree is a single, shared tree, meaning that every user sees the same record for a given person. Unlike traditional genealogy software where you maintain your own separate tree, the Family Tree allows multiple users to collaborate. You can add individuals, attach sources, and link records to historical documents. Each person in the tree has a unique identifier (PID), and changes are tracked in a change log. Users can also add memories, such as photos and stories. The tree is free, and there is no subscription fee. To start, you create an account at FamilySearch.org, then click on the “Family Tree” tab. You can begin by adding yourself and your parents, then work backward. The system automatically searches for possible duplicates and suggests record matches from FamilySearch’s vast collection of indexed records.
Utah-Specific Records and Resources
Utah has a rich set of genealogical records, many of which are available on FamilySearch. Key collections include:
- Utah, Birth Certificates and Indexes (various years, many are digitized)
- Utah, County Marriages (often covering the 1800s and early 1900s)
- Utah, Death Certificates and Indexes (typically from 1904 onward, with earlier records in county files)
- Utah, Salt Lake County Records (including naturalizations, probate, and land records)
- Utah, Pioneer and Mormon Migration Records (such as the Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel database)
- Utah, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Record of Members (often called “Membership Records”)
The Family History Library in Salt Lake City also has a large collection of Utah county histories, biographies, and local newspapers, many of which are searchable on FamilySearch. Additionally, the Utah State Archives and the University of Utah’s Marriott Library have complementary resources, but FamilySearch is the most comprehensive free online source for Utah records.
Choosing Between Family Tree and Other Tools
When you search for “Family Tree Utah,” you might also encounter commercial sites like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage, which offer their own family trees. The key difference is that FamilySearch’s Family Tree is free and collaborative, while Ancestry and MyHeritage are subscription-based and typically allow you to have a private tree. If you want to collaborate with others and access a massive free record collection, FamilySearch is a strong choice. If you prefer privacy or want to use DNA matching (which FamilySearch does not offer), you might use a commercial site. Many genealogists use both: they use FamilySearch for the tree and records, and they use Ancestry or MyHeritage for DNA and additional record collections. For Utah research specifically, FamilySearch is often the first stop because of the Church’s extensive digitization of Utah records.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
One common problem is duplicate entries. Because the Family Tree is shared, the same person may have been entered multiple times. FamilySearch has a “Possible Duplicates” tool that suggests merges. You can review the suggested duplicates and merge them, but be careful to ensure you are merging the same person and not accidentally combining two different individuals with the same name. Another issue is incorrect information that is hard to correct because other users may revert changes. If you find a mistake, you can edit the person’s details and add a reason or source. If a conflict arises, you can use the “Discuss” tab to communicate with other users. A third problem is the “green arrow” hints that sometimes point to incorrect record matches. Always review the source before attaching it. If you are new, start with your own immediate family and verify each generation with at least one source.
Costs and Safety Considerations
FamilySearch is free to use, including the Family Tree, record search, and the Family History Library’s online resources. There is no charge for creating an account or accessing most records. Some partner sites may require a subscription, but FamilySearch itself does not ask for payment. In terms of safety, be cautious about sharing sensitive information about living people. The Family Tree automatically restricts access to information about living individuals – only you and people you invite can see details for living relatives. For deceased individuals, the information is public to all users. Be careful not to post personal data about living people in the tree, such as birth dates or addresses, unless you have permission. Also, be aware that FamilySearch is a Church-operated site, and some users may be uncomfortable with the religious context, but the genealogical data is open to people of all faiths.
Alternatives to FamilySearch for Utah Research
If you are looking for Utah ancestors and want to explore other options, consider:
- Utah State Archives – free access to many state records, including birth, marriage, and death indexes.
- Utah Division of State History – historical sites, markers, and some online resources.
- FamilySearch’s Utah Research Wiki – a guide to Utah records and strategies.
- Ancestry.com – has a large collection of Utah records, but requires a subscription.
- Findmypast – has some British and Irish records that may be relevant if your Utah ancestors came from those regions.
- Local county clerk offices – for vital records not yet digitized.
Each of these has its own strengths, and you may need to combine sources to build a complete picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FamilySearch Family Tree really free?
Yes, FamilySearch is completely free to use. There is no subscription fee for accessing the Family Tree, searching records, or using the Family History Library. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints funds the operation as part of its genealogical mission.
Can I use Family Tree without being a member of the LDS Church?
Absolutely. FamilySearch is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. You only need to create a free account with an email address. Many non-members use it for genealogy research.
How do I find my Utah pioneer ancestors on Family Tree?
Start by searching the Family Tree for your known ancestors. If you have a pioneer ancestor, look for the “Pioneer” tag or search the Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel database. You can also browse the “Utah, Pioneers” collection on FamilySearch. If your ancestor is already in the tree, you can see the trail of sources and links.
What if I find an error in someone else’s entry on Family Tree?
You can edit the entry directly if you have a source to support the correction. Add a reason statement explaining the change. If another user disagrees, you can use the “Discuss” tab to communicate. If a conflict persists, you can contact FamilySearch support, but most issues are resolved through collaboration.
Does Family Tree have DNA features?
No, FamilySearch does not offer DNA testing or DNA matching. It is purely a genealogical tree and record repository. For DNA, you would need to use a service like AncestryDNA, 23andMe, or MyHeritage DNA, and you can then link those results to your tree on those platforms.
Are there any privacy concerns with the Family Tree?
For living individuals, the tree is private – only you and people you invite can see their information. For deceased individuals, the information is public to all FamilySearch users. Be cautious about adding sensitive details for living people, and always follow FamilySearch’s community guidelines.
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