About
The Family History Guide (TFHG) is a comprehensive, free online resource designed to help individuals and families discover their ancestry and preserve family stories. Operated by The Family History Guide Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the platform serves beginners through advanced researchers by offering structured learning paths across major genealogy platforms including FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast. The site is organized around guided learning modules, a robust knowledgebase, country- and region-specific research guides (covering the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and more), and ethnic research resources for groups such as African American, Hispanic, Jewish, and Native American communities. Users can access surname eBooks, quizzes, practice exercises, 2-minute demo videos, and a Q&A center. Beyond research, TFHG supports family engagement with activities for youth and kids, a home school section, photo and story preservation ideas, and weekly family history activities. It also provides tools like an Online Tracker and training resources for genealogy societies, libraries, and educators. TFHG is an education and resource partner of the National Genealogical Society and is linked from FamilySearch, making it a trusted resource within the genealogy community. Whether you are just beginning your family history journey or are an experienced researcher, The Family History Guide offers structured, easy-to-follow guidance to help you find and connect with your ancestors.
Key Features
- Guided Learning Paths: Step-by-step learning modules for major genealogy platforms including FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast, suitable for all experience levels.
- Country & Region Research Guides: Detailed research guides spanning dozens of countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific to help locate records specific to your ancestors' origins.
- Knowledgebase & Q&A Center: A searchable knowledgebase paired with a Q&A center that helps researchers resolve common genealogy questions and record conflicts.
- Ethnic & Cultural Research Resources: Specialized guides for African American, Hispanic, Jewish, Native American, Asian, and Basque ancestry research to address unique record-keeping histories.
- Family Activities & Youth Engagement: Interactive activities, kids corners, home school resources, and weekly family history exercises to engage the whole family in preserving their heritage.
Use Cases
- A beginner starting their family history journey and needing step-by-step guidance on how to use FamilySearch or Ancestry effectively.
- A genealogy researcher looking for country-specific record strategies for ancestors from Europe, Latin America, Asia, or Africa.
- A teacher or genealogy society trainer seeking structured curricula, exercises, and presentation resources for group instruction.
- A family wanting to engage children and youth in discovering their heritage through interactive activities and the kids corner.
- An experienced researcher seeking to resolve conflicting information across genealogical records using the knowledgebase and Q&A center.
Pros
- Completely Free: Operated by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all resources are available at no cost, making professional-quality genealogy guidance accessible to everyone.
- Wide Geographic Coverage: Research guides cover an impressive breadth of countries and regions worldwide, helping researchers with diverse ethnic and geographic backgrounds.
- Beginner-Friendly Structure: Clearly organized learning paths and guided modules make it easy for newcomers to start their family history journey without feeling overwhelmed.
- Trusted Partnerships: Official recognition as a partner of the National Genealogical Society and FamilySearch lends strong credibility to the platform's content.
Cons
- No AI-Powered Features: The platform does not incorporate AI-driven record matching, smart suggestions, or automated tree building found on commercial competitors.
- No Built-In Record Database: TFHG is a learning and guidance platform only — users must access actual genealogical records through third-party sites like FamilySearch or Ancestry.
- Limited Interactive Tools: Beyond the Online Tracker, the site offers few interactive or collaborative tools compared to full-featured genealogy platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Family History Guide free to use?
Yes, The Family History Guide is completely free. It is operated by The Family History Guide Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, and all learning resources, guides, and activities are available at no cost.
What genealogy platforms does The Family History Guide support?
TFHG provides dedicated learning paths and guides for FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and Findmypast — four of the most widely used genealogy research platforms in the world.
Can beginners use The Family History Guide?
Absolutely. The site is designed with beginners in mind, offering a 'Get Started' section, guided learning, computer basics, and FAQs to ease newcomers into family history research.
Does it cover international ancestry research?
Yes. The Family History Guide includes country-specific research guides for dozens of nations across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands.
Are there resources for educators and genealogy societies?
Yes. TFHG provides a dedicated section for trainers and educators including teaching guides, partner site resources, practice exercises, quizzes, and presentation materials for genealogy societies, clubs, and libraries.
