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Memories Book

Guide

Family history book examples for different readers and family projects

The right example depends on who will read the book. Use these four scopes to decide where your book should begin and how much material it needs.

A family group that could anchor a reunion history book
Photos and stories from your treeShown with the people they belong to
Grandparent gift book
Photo-rich ancestor book
Shared-ancestor reunion book
Research reading copy

Grandparent gift book

Start with the grandparent and include two or three earlier generations. Keep living relatives on if the opening should show how the recipient connects to the branch. Use the 25-photo option for a book that is easier to finish in one sitting.

Photo-rich ancestor book

Start with one ancestor who has a strong memory collection. Use your first book or Premium to include all available photos, written stories, and useful PDF documents. Keep the generation range narrow so the book remains centered on that person's life and immediate family.

Shared-ancestor reunion book

Begin with the ancestor shared by the reunion group. Include the generation depth that explains the family line without adding distant branches most attendees will not know. Build early enough for relatives to review names and captions before the event.

Research reading copy

Include PDF memories and a broader generation range when the goal is review rather than a short gift. Use the preview to spot empty profiles, duplicated items, and records that are attached to the wrong person. Return to FamilySearch for corrections.

From tree to book

Three steps from your tree to a finished book

1

Connect FamilySearch

Sign in and choose the person and generations for the book.

2

Generate the pages

Memories Book gathers supported memories and organizes them by person.

3

Review your book

Read the finished pages and make sure the people, stories, and photos feel right.

Questions

What to know before you start

Which example is best for a first book?

A focused grandparent or single-branch book is easiest to review. It also helps you learn how the available memories affect page count.

Can one book serve as both a gift and a research copy?

It can, but the goals often compete. A gift is usually shorter and more selective. A research copy may include more documents and incomplete profiles.

Can I rebuild the same example with more generations later?

Yes. Change the settings and create another version.

Ready to see what is in your tree?

Build your first family history book

Start with a small branch and see the photos and stories your family has already saved.

Sign In with FamilySearch