Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost?

There is no cost to participating in Tell Me About Your Family. We believe that family is of eternal importance and that knowing where you come from helps you know where you are going. We believe this so strongly that we want everyone to have the opportunity to learn about their ancestors. This is our gift to you, with no strings attached.

Who is doing the research?

We have an amazing team of Family History Consultants who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These volunteers are not only passionate about family history but are also incredibly skilled at searching and finding information about your relatives.

What if I don’t have all of the dates and information you are requesting?

We encourage you to ask around for this information. Old photos, the family bible, and your aunts, uncles, and cousins may be able to provide missing details. We understand that not all information may be readily available. Do the best you can. The more accurate the information you provide, the more details we will be able to uncover about your relatives.

Is my information private?

Yes. The information you provide will be used by our Family History Consultants to find information about other relatives. It will not be shared with anyone else. The names and dates you provide will be entered into FamilySearch, but your information, and any information about any living relatives, will remain hidden to everyone but you.

How will I get my family history packet?

Once your packet is complete, church representatives will contact you to arrange delivery. If you provided us with the name of a friend who referred you when filling out your form, we will do our best to have that person deliver your packet.

I have my packet, but I’m not sure what to do next.

At the back of your packet is a page with instructions for next steps. This is a great place to start. Creating an account on FamilySearch will also be helpful if you haven’t done so already. You can also check out our Resources page for other helpful websites. If you still need help, our Family History Consultants are always available to provide assistance. Go to the Contact page to get in touch.

What areas do you serve? What if I live outside of California?

We primarily serve the San Joaquin Valley. Although our efforts are regional, we will do our best to help you, even if you live outside of our area. If we can’t help you, we will put you in touch with someone who can.

How many of my relatives will you find?

Our goal is to find your first four generations. That means that we hope to locate the names, dates, and important information up through your great-grandparents. Often we are able to find even more relatives! However, our success will be dependent on the information you provide, as well as the records that are available.

The more accurate the information you provide, the higher likelihood we can find your relatives. Keep in mind that some countries and areas within the United States have less detailed or available records than others, which can impact our ability to locate important information.

What if I’m ready to get started on my own?

Great! We love that attitude. A good place to start is our Resources page, where we have several websites listed to help you on your family history journey. Creating an account on FamilySearch is completely free and a great first step. You may also wish to get the help of one of our Family History Consultants, which you can do from our Contact page.

What is your connection to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?

We are a group of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the San Joaquin Valley area who are passionate about family history and connecting people to their ancestors. While this website is run by members of the church, it is not an official, sponsored website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.