Create Your Own Genealogy Fan Chart or Name Cloud

Visualize your family history.  This website uses the information stored on FamilySearch.org to create charts of your ancestors.


Try the name cloud chart that shows the frequency of first names of those who have gone before.

The fan chart is a colorful representation of those who have gone before.  LDSAccount is required to use this service.  Have a look, it may be a helpful step as you decide who you are trekking for.

https://createfan.com

Zion or Feather Bed?

“…when it came to choosing between Zion and a featherbed, well it was a little too late to turn my back on Zion”  - Ann Rowley  - Willie Company, July 1856

Many of those who have gone before kept a record for us to follow and learn.  Anne Rowley was one who wanted us to know about what she experienced along the trail.

“There were many keepsakes that I wanted to take but couldn’t. But there was one thing I didn’t consider a luxury and that was my feather bed. I had hung onto that beloved item from the time of the auction in England and now clearly there was no room for it. It wouldn’t be bad to walk 1300 miles if one had a feather bed to sleep on at night, but no matter how I folded it, it was too bulky…. But a featherbed is a featherbed and when it came to choosing between Zion and a featherbed, well it was a little too late to turn my back on Zion…

What legacy will you leave behind for those who will follow?    

Read this and other stories

An Invitation with a Promise

As we prepare for trek, one of our purposes is to Remember.  Each of us is invited to think of someone we will remember as we trek. That person may be someone who crossed the plains, or who is alive today.  Family History and Temple Work help us to look to the past, live in the present and see a glimpse of the future. Those living today have been uniquely prepared to hasten Heavenly Father's work for those who have gone before. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve noted:

"Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation."

He then shared this invitation and promise:

“I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead. And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories.


“As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and     gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives.”

How will you, and who will you Remember as you prepare for and go on trek?

Learn more:

• Watch a video of Elder Bednar's invitation
• Visit the Youth and Family History website
• Watch, listen or read Elder Bednar's talk "The Hearts of the Children will Turn" 

Who will you trek for?

You don’t have to push a handcart…to be a pioneer! Who is it in your life who has gone before to make your life great?  Who has had a wonderful impact for good that has blessed you and your   Whether they crossed the plains 150+ years ago or endured the challenges of last year, start thinking about who it is that you will remember as we trek together.  Recently President Hermansen shared some insights about his grandfather who has blessed his life.  Think of someone who had courage, faith and fought for a cause that is right (see To Be a Pioneer)  and you are well on your way.
family today?

Who Are You Trekking For?

President Brian Hermansen: I will be trekking for my grandfather, Eric Reich.  I believe he was a pioneer in his own right.  He was born in Berlin, Germany in 1898.  Joined the church with his family at the age of eleven... see more