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Getting more out of FamilySearch.org

Past event
Alison Spring
Speaker
Alison Spring
Date & Time
Thursday, 19 June 2025 at 19:30
Location
Zoom
Details
A tour around some of the tools, resources, and records on FamilySearch.org that you may not have heard of. All free, too!

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Meeting Reports

Meeting Report - "Getting more out of FamilySearch.org" by Steve Miller by Site Admin on 22 Jun 2025 15:09

Alison Spring delivered an engaging and informative talk on using FamilySearch.org, introducing lesser-known features and the platform’s rich history. The session was aimed at helping researchers enhance their searches and discover overlooked tools.

Key Topics Covered

  • Origins and History:
    • Founded in 1894 as the Genealogical Society of Utah by the LDS Church
    • Started with a few hundred books and now hosts one of the largest genealogical databases
    • Creator of the International Genealogical Index (IGI), still available online
  • Evolution of Access:
    • First website launched in 1999
    • Research centres and affiliate libraries provide extended access
    • Records stored in secure vaults in Utah, USA
  • Record Holdings:
    • Over 4 billion digitised historical record images
    • 11+ billion names in the database
    • Recent additions include 90 million names from Argentina, Canada, and Ireland
  • Using the Site Effectively:
    • Exploration of tools and filters for targeted searching
    • Access to digitised books, research guides, and historical maps
    • Tips for collaboration and data sharing on the FamilySearch tree
  • Practical Guidance:
    • Handout provided with all relevant links
    • Answers to questions on account use and record navigation

Final Notes

Alison presented clearly and helpfully, supporting her talk with visual slides. Her handout will be made available on the Society’s website. Members found the session both informative and inspiring for future research.