Jose Mier of Sun Valley, CA knows that some of the best research facilities and technologies regarding genealogical research are found in the Mormon church and much of it in Utah. You can find a link to the Mormon explanation on family history here.
Few groups in the world have done more to advance genealogy than The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are widely known for their deep and abiding interest in family history. Their involvement in genealogy is so significant that it has shaped the global landscape of ancestral research, influenced major technological advancements in record preservation, and provided millions of people—Latter-day Saint or otherwise—access to their roots in ways that were unimaginable a century ago. This interest is more than a cultural curiosity; it is rooted in religious doctrine, strengthened by historical practice, and supported by a vast international infrastructure dedicated entirely to family history work.
To fully understand why the Latter-day Saints (LDS) have become world leaders in genealogy, one must explore the spiritual motivations behind their efforts, the historical context that helped it grow, and the remarkable systems they have built to collect, index, preserve, and distribute genealogical records worldwide. Their influence touches researchers of every background, making their commitment to genealogy one of the most far-reaching religious contributions to global historical preservation.
Doctrinal Foundations of Mormon Genealogy
At the core of the LDS interest in genealogy is a profound theological belief: families can be sealed together for eternity. In Latter-day Saint doctrine, earthly life is only one part of an eternal journey, and family relationships—parents, children, spouses, and extended relatives—are sacred and enduring. Because of this eternal view of the family, members believe that these bonds can and should extend beyond mortal life.
A key element of LDS temple worship involves performing sacred ordinances, such as baptism and other rites, on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to receive them during life. This practice, known as vicarious ordinance work, is rooted in early Christian references to baptisms for the dead (such as in 1 Corinthians 15:29) and is seen by Latter-day Saints as a loving and essential act of spiritual service.
To perform these ordinances, members must identify their ancestors—accurately and meticulously. This creates a direct, doctrinal incentive for every member of the Church to engage in genealogy. It is not simply encouraged—it is considered a sacred responsibility. Church leaders have repeatedly taught that discovering one’s ancestors is a form of spiritual work, central to fulfilling divine commandments.
Historical Development of LDS Genealogy Efforts
While doctrinal motivations predate the modern Church, organized LDS genealogical efforts began in the late 19th century. In 1894, the Church formed the Genealogical Society of Utah, tasked with helping members find their ancestors and maintain written family records. This society would later evolve into FamilySearch, the world’s largest genealogical organization.
Throughout the early 20th century, the Church sent representatives worldwide to collect and photocopy historical documents, civil records, parish registers, and other genealogical sources. At a time when many archives were scattered, fragile, or inaccessible, the LDS Church was pioneering methods of record preservation that would become standard decades later.
But perhaps the most ambitious undertaking began in the 1930s: the microfilming project. The Church purchased state-of-the-art microfilm cameras and dispatched teams to archives across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These crews preserved millions of records that otherwise might have been lost through war, disaster, decay, or political upheaval. In many cases, the LDS Church holds the only surviving copies of certain registers.
These early efforts formed the backbone of what is now the most comprehensive collection of genealogical material in existence.
The Family History Library: A Global Epicenter
Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Family History Library (FHL) is the flagship facility of LDS genealogical research. Established in 1985 (though its origins date to earlier locations), the library houses:
- millions of books
- one of the largest on-site microfilm collections
- digitized records from around the world
- a vast collection of family histories and genealogies
Researchers from every continent visit the library, not because it is a religious site, but because it is simply the best place on Earth for genealogical research. Staffed by experts and volunteers, the FHL offers free access to materials, personal assistance, and state-of-the-art technology.
For many genealogists, a trip to Salt Lake City is considered a pilgrimage—not for spiritual reasons, but because of the library’s unparalleled resources.
Family History Centers and Global Accessibility
Another groundbreaking LDS contribution is the establishment of Family History Centers (FHCs) around the world. More than 5,000 centers operate in church buildings, community centers, and libraries across over 100 countries. These centers:
- provide free access to records and genealogical tools
- offer workshops and classes
- help individuals begin or refine their research
- connect people to the vast FamilySearch database
What makes these centers remarkable is the Church’s commitment to serving everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. The centers are open to the public, staffed by volunteers, and cost nothing to use.
As a result, millions of people who might never have been able to travel to Salt Lake City—or access subscription databases—have found their ancestors through these community hubs.
FamilySearch: Revolutionizing Modern Genealogy
FamilySearch, the online arm of the LDS genealogy system, has transformed global family history research. Launched in 1999, FamilySearch.org has become one of the largest and most visited genealogical websites in the world. Unlike many commercial platforms, FamilySearch is completely free, supported by the Church as part of its mission to connect families across generations.
The site contains:
- billions of digitized and indexed records
- census collections
- birth, marriage, and death records
- immigration and naturalization files
- military records
- church registers from every continent
- probate, land, and court documents
FamilySearch’s shared, collaborative family tree also allows users to work together to build accurate lineage links. This model contrasts with private trees on subscription services, encouraging worldwide collaboration.
The Church’s indexing programs, which involve volunteers transcribing handwritten records into searchable digital text, have democratized genealogical work. Millions of volunteers—LDS and non-LDS alike—have contributed to this effort.
Technological Innovation and Record Preservation
The LDS Church remains one of the largest collectors and preservers of historical documents on the planet. Their efforts include:
- High-resolution digitization of microfilm collections
- On-site scanning partnerships with archives worldwide
- Preservation of fragile or endangered documents
- Development of cutting-edge genealogical software
The Church also maintains a secure Granite Mountain Records Vault in Utah, an underground facility designed to preserve microfilms, digital backups, and archival records under conditions ideal for long-term storage. This massive vault protects irreplaceable genealogical materials from natural disasters, degradation, or technological failure.
In an era when data loss is a growing concern, the Church’s commitment to archival security is unparalleled.
Cultural Impact and Popularity Among Church Members
For Latter-day Saints, genealogy is not a passing hobby; it is woven into daily life. Many members grow up hearing stories of ancestors, participating in family history activities at church, and learning how to build family trees long before adulthood.
Family stories, journals, photographs, and personal histories are highly valued. Members frequently interview older relatives, write autobiographical accounts, gather family documents, and teach younger generations to do the same. This culture contributes to a community in which genealogy is a shared effort.
In recent years, the Church has emphasized that family history work is not just for retirees. Youth and young adults are increasingly participating, often helping with online indexing or using mobile apps to document family memories. Genealogical work has become intergenerational, fostered by digital tools that make participation easier than ever.
LDS Influence on Worldwide Genealogy
The global genealogy community owes much to the Latter-day Saints. Their contributions include:
- Creating the largest genealogical database in the world
- Digitizing records previously inaccessible to the public
- Providing free access to historical documents
- Offering free research help through FHCs
- Developing tools used by millions of genealogists
Professional genealogists, historians, academics, and casual researchers alike depend on LDS resources. Even commercial sites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage, and Findmypast have collaborated with FamilySearch to enhance their own databases.
Without LDS involvement, modern genealogy would look drastically different—and much less accessible.
Bridging Religious and Secular Genealogy
Although LDS genealogy is rooted in spiritual doctrine, the Church has taken great care to ensure its resources serve everyone, regardless of belief. Their websites, libraries, and centers do not require membership or missionary interaction. They exist to preserve history, build community, and provide a humanitarian service to the world.
In many ways, the Mormon approach to genealogy has helped transform a once niche pursuit into a mainstream passion. Shows like Who Do You Think You Are? and the surge in DNA testing have benefited from the groundwork laid by decades of LDS record preservation and public outreach.
Conclusion
The interest of Latter-day Saints in genealogy is a remarkable blend of faith, history, technology, and dedication. Rooted in doctrine and strengthened by generations of family-focused culture, the LDS Church has built the most extensive genealogical infrastructure in the world. Through the Family History Library, FamilySearch, global Family History Centers, microfilm preservation, and digital innovation, the Church has made invaluable contributions to humanity’s collective memory.
What began as a religious imperative—to identify ancestors for sacred temple work—has become a global gift. Today, millions who are not members of the Church use LDS tools to discover their heritage, reconnect with their ancestors, and preserve their own family histories for the future.
In every sense, the Latter-day Saints have transformed genealogy into both a spiritual practice and a worldwide legacy of learning, preservation, and connection across generations.