FamilySearch – More Than a Database
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FamilySearch – More Than a Database
Summary of Presentation by Allan Murrin at Coffs Harbour FH Society 22 Oct 2011
The new webpage set out may be a challenge to understand and whilst there is a link to use the former webpage we should resist going to the old site to utilize the benefits of the new site layout. www.familysearch.org
There are several aspects of the new layout that need exploring
Regular enhancements are being made with new records being added.
News released on Wednesday 13 April
¨ Over 30 million new records have been added to familysearch.org through indexing efforts in the last few months. Records from the following countries have been included: Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, United States, Venezuela, Wales, and Zimbabwe. In addition, the 1881 England and Wales Census index has received significant enhancements.
¨ Since 2006, volunteers have indexed 548 million records
¨ In 2010 there are a total of 127,000 active indexers
New indexing volunteers are being sought to have more records available.
Details on how to become involved can be found https://www.familysearch.org/volunteer/indexing
The most common use of the new home page may be Historical Records
The International Genealogical Index [IGI] consisted of Extracted and Submitted Records. Microfilm records extraction commenced in 1960’s and is a process by two indexers who work independent of each other. If differences occur an arbitrator would determine the accuracy of entries. Submitted records have been provided by individuals from their personal files and will be the information provided would be the assessment of that individual.
With the former FamilySearch site, previous searches may have been limited to just the IGI. Historical Records now searches all the databases of FamilySearch and not just the IGI. Do not neglect clicking on Advance Search
There is the facility to sign in – Why do I need a FamilySearch Account?
"FamilySearch wants to make as many records available to as many people as possible—and to do so on a free and unrestricted basis. However, FamilySearch does not own most of its archived records, and some custodians have placed restrictions on their collections.Visitors to FamilySearch are always welcome and have access to a fair number of unrestricted collections. Anyone who has registered for an account will have access to even more collections."
FamilySearch is a FREE site. A census transcription is viewable FREE but if I choose to view the original document a link is provided to FINDMYPAST which is a subscription site. FINDMYPAST is the custodian of the census data except 1881.
A reference to a SOURCE CALL Number is the film reference. The microfilm or fiche may be a Church Register, Bishops Transcription or any other document. Microfilm and fiche are now ordered online and will be sent to the nominated LDS Family History Centre or Affiliate FamilySearch Centre. To order, go to https://film.familysearch.org/
Email notification will be sent when the film has arrived at the nominated centre. The film is available for usually 8 weeks before it is returned.
In the study showing the results of finding Benjamin Clifton two listings showed 1861 and 1891 census. A question was asked regarding 1871 and 1881 census. Since the presentation was prepared, 1881 detail is now available on FamilySearch. However 1871 could not be found on FamilySearch or with an independent search on FINDMYPAST. It is possible that Benjamin Clifton escaped the 1871 census.
A study of Euphame Cumming in Scotland in 1793 showed that some Church Records could provide more detail then the basic detail in an index. Euphame Cumming being the 8th child, FamilySearch provided details of all eight children when the previously database did not.
The Library Catalogue – An Overlooked Resource
The Library Catalogue is
n VALUABLE RESOURCE OF PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS
n LIST ALL LDS HOLDINGS
n INCLUDES FILMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN EXTRACTED and Names are not in Historical Records search
n FILMS can be ordered and accessed at FHC and AFFILLIATE CENTRES
n PLACE NAME search listed documents that have been microfilmed.
n Manuscripts that have not been microfilmed are only viewed at the Salt Lake City Library
Some point to remember from the presentation
¨ Advance search and providing parents of Clarissa Clifton found a sibling.
¨ Scroll past the initial results to the entries beyond the banner ‘The following results don’t strongly match what you searched for, but may be of interest’
¨ Film notes clarify what can be found on a source film it is recommended to go to the Library Catalogue and insert the source number and read the details and coverage of the film
¨ Census images will open when you have an account with FindMyPast
¨ The Library Catalogue is an overlooked resource
¨ Browse the collection by region
o By clicking on the region, records that have been indexed can be viewed. We demonstrated how to view images of 50000 NSW newspaper clippings
o Where the camera icon is shown this allows the image to be viewed and was demonstrated.
¨ Learning Resources are valuable
o Access FamilySearch Wiki over 40,000 articles have been written
o View online courses current 140 available
o Allan recorded three courses while in Salt Lake City at the Rootstech Conference these can be viewed at https://familysearch.org/learn/researchcourses