Lost in the Southern Tablelands – November 2011
FAMILYSEARCH MORE
THAN AN INDEX - UNDERSTANDING THE NEW WEBSITE
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Presentation by Allan Murrin
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.
There are several aspects of the new layout that need exploring.
Regular enhancements are being made with new records being added.
What’s New is constantly listing new record releases and news items.
26 October 2011 Records were released for Canada Quebec 14027, Cornwall 7403, Northumberland 16093 and Norway Census 1875 13416. On a regular basis an announcement is posted listing further records being made available,
Go to https://www.familysearch.org/news and Scroll down to Records Search Update
The difference in the listing of records Browsable images would be similar to looking at a microfilm requiring you to scroll through the pages. Index images can be searched on specific filters of name.
BECOME AN INDEXER - MAKE IT EASIER FOR MORE IMAGES TO BE ACCESSED
Since 2006,
volunteers have indexed over 548 million records!
There are over 127,000 active indexers but more are needed.
All you need is a computer, internet access and small pockets of 30
minutes in time.
This web link will take you into FamilySearch and Indexing. There is a short 2 minute test drive and more instructions plus how to sign up. https://familysearch.org/volunteer/indexing
The most common use of the new home page may be Records
The International Genealogical Index [IGI] consisted of Extracted and Submitted Records. Microfilm records extraction commenced in 1960’s and is a process of 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 with perhaps limited detail.
With the former FamilySearch site, previous searches may have been limited to just the IGI. 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 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.
Search Results will provide the basic detail of an individual however there are two references that need investigation.
¨ Indexing project (batch) number
¨ Source film number
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England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 |
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Indexing project (batch) number will show all records that are included in that project (batch). The number should have a hyperlink. Click on the number and all the names will be shown. A further filter can be made whilst still in that result. By inserting the surname and parent names, could provide all family members in that record.
A reference with a source film 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. In some cases the entry in the film may provide no more detail to what is listed in RECORDS, however there are entries that do have more details.
To order the source film, 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 previous database did not.
TREES
Trees are pedigrees of different sizes and have been submitted by individuals. From 1978 to 2000 these were submitted as Ancestral File and from 1999 to present as Pedigree Resource File. Trees provide individual details, family, possible source details and submitter. Based on documents these may have errors but having identified previous research it provides an opportunity to gather and validate the records.
CATALOGUE – An Overlooked Resource
The Library Catalogue is
þ VALUABLE RESOURCE OF PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS
þ LIST ALL LDS HOLDINGS
þ INCLUDES FILMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN EXTRACTED and therefore Names are not in Historical Records search
þ FILMS can be ordered and accessed at FHC and AFFILLIATE CENTRES
þ PLACE NAME search listed documents that have been microfilmed.
LEARN
– GETTING STARTED, RESEARCH WIKI, ONLINE COURSES, DISCUSSION FORUMS
Get Tips from Experts, and
Share What You Know
The new Learning Resources
give you access to free information and tips from genealogists and research
experts. Learn about records or how to find information about your ancestors.
And to help others, you can share what you know. Click here
Get tips from experts, or share your knowledge
SOME POINTS TO REMEMBER FROM THE PRESENTATION
Advance search allows for other search fields, parents or spouse
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
Original UK Census images can be viewed when you have an account with FindMyPast
The Library Catalogue is an overlooked resource. Films may not have been Indexed. Search by place name to determine if a resource is available.
Browse the collection by region
o Click on the region of the world map, and records that have been indexed can be viewed. We demonstrated how to view images of 50000 NSW newspaper clippings
· Where the camera icon is shown, this allows the image to be viewed.
¨ Become an Indexer – Make it easier for more records to be accessed. https://familysearch.org/volunteer/indexing
¨ Learning Resources are valuable
o Access FamilySearch Wiki over 60,000 articles have been written
o View online courses currently 140 available
· Allan recorded three Australian presentations while in Salt Lake City these can be viewed at https://familysearch.org/learn/researchcourses