Walk for an Ancestor

One of the most meaningful parts of trek is walking on behalf of an ancestor. We invite you to find an ancestor that you can perform ordinances for in the temple prior to trek. Here's how to find yours.

As part of your trek experience, we invite you to identify a family name to bring to the temple. You don't need to be an experienced genealogist. The resources below — especially Family Name Assist — make it simple to find a name, even if you've never done family history work before. We also invite you to learn more about your ancestor. Then, during trek, we invite you to remember, think about, and find strength from this new relationship you are building with your ancestor. 

Speaking of baptism for the dead, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect." (D&C 128:15.) Therefore, "shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, [brothers and sisters]; and on, on to the victory!" (D&C 128:22.)

FamilySearch and Family Name Assist

Family Name Assist is the easiest way to get a name ready for the temple. FamilySearch lets you go deeper and explore your own family tree if you want to find the name yourself.

Family Name Assist

This guided tool walks you through finding and printing a family name card for the temple. It connects directly to FamilySearch and can take just a few minutes.

Before you start, try to think of a deceased grandparent, great-grandparent, or other relative. It helps to know their name and an approximate birth or death year and country.

Family Name Assist — Helper Flow

This version of Family Name Assist is designed for a helper (parent, family history consultant, ward leader, or friend) to sit with you and guide you through preparing a family name. It handles account creation automatically and walks through the process step by step.

FamilySearch Family Tree

Want to find a name yourself? Sign in at FamilySearch.org to explore your family tree, view ancestor profiles, find photos and documents, and search for names whose temple ordinances still need to be done. Your tree may already have several generations filled in from other family members who have contributed.

FamilySearch Activities

Family history doesn't have to start with serious research. These free activities from FamilySearch are a fun way to connect with your roots and start learning about yourself and your ancestors.

Pioneer Ancestors

Discover pioneers in your family tree and learn their stories.

Where Am I From?

See where in the world your family came from.

Compare-a-Face

See which ancestors you most resemble.

Famous Relatives

Discover your connection to famous people from history.

All About Me

You are one of a kind. Learn more about yourself and your family.