Why do Mormon's do Family History?

     Mormon's do Family history for a variety of reasons, all of them very rewarding.  We can learn about where we came from. We can learn from the successes and problems our ancestors have had.  We can just have fun reading the interesting experiences they've had.  There are so many reasons to do it!  A really amazing part about family history is that we know that families can be together forever, and because we know that, we want to do all we can do to make it so.  Jesus Christ gave the power to make it so whatever Peter bound on earth would be bound in heaven (Matthew 16:19 - such as families).  That power has been restored again today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In Holy temples it is used to seal families together forever, and is also used to give those who have passed on the opportunity to accept proxy ordinances that would seal them together.

    Proxy ordinances were done in Christ's church in bible times (1 Corinthians 15:29), and are continued today for the benefit of those who have passed on.  They are ordinances, such as baptism, done for people who have passed.  This gives them the opportunity to accept it.  In the case of Baptisms for the Dead: the person having died, is in the spirit world, and having not been baptized on earth as is a requirement to "enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5), they are waiting for the ordinance to be performed.  When the Ordinance is done in the temple for that deceased person, they, then, have the opportunity to accept it and progress or reject it.  The right to choose is always with us as children of our Father in Heaven.  The same process is done for other ordinances such as sealing families together, and the same chance to accept or reject the ordinance is given to our ancestors.
  Family history is a great opportunity and like this video describes, and Family history Centers are all around. To find one near you click here.