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FamilySearch International
PredecessorGenealogical Society of Utah
FormationNovember 13, 1894; 129 years ago (1894-11-13)
Founders
Founded atSalt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
TypeNonprofit organization[1]
Purpose
Location
Area served
Worldwide
Services
  • Record digitization and preservation
  • digital record access
  • genealogical collaboration tools
  • genealogical training
President and CEO
Steve Rockwood[2]
Parent organization
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Websitefamilysearch.org

FamilySearch is a nonprofit organization and website offering genealogical records, education, and software. It is operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and is closely connected with the church's Family History Department (FHD).[3][4] The Family History Department was originally established in 1894, as the Genealogical Society of Utah (GSU); it is the largest genealogy organization in the world.[5]

FamilySearch maintains a collection of records, resources, and services designed to help people learn more about their family history. Facilitating the performance of Latter-day Saint ordinances for deceased relatives is another major aim of the organization. Although it requires user account registration, it offers free access to its resources and service online at FamilySearch.org. In addition, FamilySearch offers personal assistance at more than 5,100 FamilySearch centers in 140 countries, including the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.[6] The Family Tree section allows user-generated content to be contributed to the genealogical database. As of March 2023, there are over 1.5 billion individuals in the tree and the historical records database contains over 5.7 billion digital images, including digitized books, digitized microfilm, and other digital records.[7][8]

History[edit]

Genealogical Society of Utah[edit]

Logo of the Genealogical Society of Utah

GSU, the predecessor of FamilySearch, was founded on 1 November 1894. Its purpose was to create a genealogical library to be used both by its members and other people, to share educational information about genealogy, and to gather genealogical records in order to perform religious ordinances for the dead. It was founded under the direction of LDS Church leaders, when the First Presidency appointed Franklin D. Richards as the first president.[9]

The society published the Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine from 1910 to 1940.[10]

The GSU began microfilming records of genealogical importance in 1938.[11] In 1963, the microfilm collection was moved to the newly completed Granite Mountain Records Vault for long-term preservation.[citation needed]

In 1975, the GSU became the LDS Church's Genealogical Department, which later became the FHD. At that time, its head officer was renamed president from executive director, starting during Theodore M. Burton's term.[9] However, the title "President of the Genealogical Society of Utah" and other GSU titles were still used and bestowed upon department officers.

In 2000, the Church consolidated its Family History and Historical departments into the Family and Church History Department, and Richard E. Turley Jr. became managing director of the new department and president of the GSU. Later this decision was reversed and the Family History Department was separated from the Church History Department, becoming its own department.[12]

In 2008, the Vatican issued a statement calling the practice known as baptism for the dead "erroneous" and directing Catholic dioceses to keep parish records from Latter-day Saints performing genealogical research.[13]

Presidents of the Genealogical Society of Utah[edit]

Name Term Notes
Franklin D. Richards 1894–99 [9]
Anthon H. Lund 1900–21 [9]
Charles W. Penrose 1921–25 [9]
Anthony W. Ivins 1925–34 [9]
Joseph Fielding Smith 1934–61 [9]
Junius Jackson 1961–62 [9]
N. Eldon Tanner 1963 [9]
Howard W. Hunter 1964–72 [9]
Theodore M. Burton 1972–78 [9]
J. Thomas Fyans 1978 [9]
Royden G. Derrick 1979–84 [9]
Richard G. Scott 1984–88 [9]
J. Richard Clarke 1988–93 [9]
Monte J. Brough 1993–2000? [9]
Richard E. Turley Jr. 2000?–08 [14]

FamilySearch[edit]

FamilySearch logo used 2006–2013

In 1998, the GSU began digital imaging of records and in about August 1998 the decision was made by LDS Church leaders to build a genealogical website. In May 1999, the website first opened to the public as FamilySearch.[15] The beta version, released April 1, almost immediately went offline, overloaded because of high popularity.[4] Only a few days after the official launch, the website had received an estimated 100 million hits. To handle the load, site visitors were only given access to the site for 15 minutes at a time.[16] In November 1999, 240 million names were added, bringing the total number of entries to 640 million.[17]

In 2009, the LDS Church launched a collaborative tree known as "New FamilySearch". It was the precursor to the current "FamilySearch Family Tree", and was only available to church members.[18] The system was an attempt to combine multiple genealogical submissions to FamilySearch's databases into one single tree, but it did not allow users to edit information that they had not submitted. It also was difficult to add sources to individuals in the tree or determine what was the correct information among multiple submissions. By April 2011, plans were in place to redesign the database into a more collaborative platform.[19]

In 2011, the FamilySearch website received a major redesign. The previous site had allowed users to only search one database at a time, but the new version allowed sitewide searches of multiple databases. It also included the addition of more databases as well as some digitized and indexed microfilms.[20]

On 16 November 2012, it was announced that the new Family Tree database would be available to all users of New FamilySearch, and that the New FamilySearch database would eventually be phased out.[21] On 5 March 2013, it was announced that Family Tree would now be available to everyone, whether or not they were members of the LDS Church.[22][23] On 16 April 2013 FamilySearch completely revamped the site design generally, with new features and a changed color scheme. Some of the new features include an interactive fan chart and some printing capabilities, as well as the ability to add photos to Family Tree.[24]

In February 2014, FamilySearch announced partnerships with Ancestry.com, findmypast and MyHeritage, which includes sharing massive amounts of their databases with those companies, and members of the LDS Church receiving free subscriptions with these companies. They also have a standing relationship with BillionGraves, in which the photographed and indexed images of graves are both searchable on FamilySearch and are linked to individuals in the family tree.[25][26] At the end of 2015, FamilyTree had 1.1 billion persons added by 2.47 million contributors.[27]

In August 2017, FamilySearch discontinued distribution of physical microfilm to its family history centers due to large-scale availability of digital images of those films and planned digitization of remaining films.[28] In May 2018, FamilySearch added and digitized its 2 billionth record.[8] In September 2020, FamilySearch announced that it now includes 8 billion names, 3.2 billion digital images, and 490,000 digital books, with over 1 million new records each day. 7 billion names from almost every country were added within the last 10 years.[29]

Activities[edit]

RootsTech[edit]

Main article: RootsTech

Since 2011, FamilySearch International has organized an annual family history and technology conference called RootsTech. It is held annually in the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference is attended by professional and amateur genealogists, technology developers, and members of the LDS Church. In 2014 there were nearly 13,000 people in attendance. As of 2020, it is the world's largest family history and technology conference in the world.[30] It is the successor to three former conferences: the Conference on Computerized Family History and Genealogy, the Family History Technology Workshop[31] and the FamilySearch Developers Conference.[32]

Website[edit]

Historical Records[edit]

The main service of the FamilySearch website is to offer access to digital images and indexes of genealogical records. These images can be searched along with a number of databases. While access to the records is always free, some records have restricted access, and can only be viewed at a Family History Center, an Affiliate Library or by LDS members.[33][34] FamilySearch.org also contains the catalog of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. The library holds genealogical records for over 110 countries, territories, and possessions, including over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 742,000 microfiche; 490,000 books, serials, and other formats; and 4,500 periodicals.[35]

FamilySearch Family Tree[edit]

FamilySearch FamilyTree (FSFT) is a "one world tree," or a unified database that aims to contain one entry for each person recorded in genealogical records. All FamilySearch users are able to add persons, link them to existing persons or merge duplicates. Sources, images, and audio files can also be attached to persons in the tree.[36]

There are also several features specific to the membership of the LDS Church, facilitating temple ordinance work. In keeping with an agreement with Jewish groups and to prevent abuse, performing LDS ordinances for Holocaust victims or celebrities results in account suspension until the researcher proves a legitimate family connection to the subject of their search.[37] FamilySearch allows users to input same-sex marriages or other unions.[38]

Indexing projects[edit]

Main article: FamilySearch Indexing

Searchable indexes of the records on FamilySearch are created by volunteers of the FamilySearch Indexing program. To ensure greater accuracy, each batch of records is indexed by an indexer and is then checked by a more experienced indexer. Indexing volunteers need not be members of the LDS Church. FamilySearch is currently working with genealogical societies all around the world to index local projects.

At the end of 2010, 548 million vital records had been transcribed and made publicly available through the FamilySearch website.[39] In April 2013, FamilySearch Indexing completed their goal to offer 1 billion indexed records online.[40]

Education[edit]

FamilySearch offers free lessons on FamilySearch.org to help people learn how to find their ancestors. The topics range from basic research to training on specific record types and are designed for both beginners and experienced researchers. Most of the classes come from research consultants in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, but FamilySearch is also collaborating with partners such as the Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence, Missouri, to record and post classes.

In 2007, it was decided to start a Family History Research Wiki to help FamilySearch users and others researching genealogy and family history to find and share information on data sources and research tips. The first version of the wiki was built on the Plone wiki software product, but it was soon discovered that MediaWiki software was much more suitable, so in January 2008 it was moved to the MediaWiki platform. In the intervening years it was rolled out in other languages, and as of July 2014 it was available in 11 languages.[41] The other language wikis are found via links at the bottom of the wiki homepage. The wiki in English had over 79,500 articles and over 150,000 registered users as of July 2014.[42]

Facilities[edit]

FamilySearch Library[edit]

Main article: Family History Library

FamilySearch operates the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. The library was built in 1985 as a successor to previous libraries run by the Genealogical Society of Utah. The library is open to the public and has a large collection of international genealogical materials, including microfilm, books, and digital materials. The library's catalog and many of their digital materials are located at the FamilySearch website.

Granite Mountain Records Vault[edit]

Main article: Granite Mountain (Utah)

FamilySearch stores copies of their records in a dry, environment-controlled facility built into Granite Mountain in Little Cottonwood Canyon, near Salt Lake City, Utah. The storage facility is known as the Granite Mountain Records Vault. The vault stores over 2.4 million rolls of microfilm and 1 million microfiches.

FamilySearch Centers[edit]

Main article: Family History Center (LDS Church)

FamilySearch operates over 5,100 FamilySearch Centers in 140 countries around the world. The centers are branches of the FamilySearch Library, often located within LDS Church buildings. Their purpose is to help people with their genealogy and provide access to and help with genealogical materials and software provided by FamilySearch.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "About FamilySearch". FamilySearch. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  2. ^ Nauta, Paul G. (July 1, 2015). "FamilySearch International Appoints Steve Rockwood as President and CEO to Replace Dennis Brimhall Who Retired". FamilySearch Blog. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  3. ^ "World's Largest Family History Event Held in Utah". RootsTech. February 2, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2019. Stephen T. Rockwood is the managing director of the church's FHD and president and CEO of FamilySearch International, representing the close connection of the two organizations.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b Davis, Erik (July 1, 1999). "Databases of the Dead". Wired. Retrieved August 3, 2019. The article refers to the "Family History Department" of the LDS church as the entity behind the creation of the original FamilySearch website.
  5. ^ Noyce, David (August 3, 2017). "Mormon genealogy library unveils a fun new way to discover your roots". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  6. ^ "Find a Family History Center and FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries". FamilySearch. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  7. ^ "FamilySearch Company Facts". Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b "FamilySearch Adds 2 Billionth Image of Genealogy Records". FamilySearch News Releases. April 23, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Allen, James B.; Embry, Jessie L.; Mehr, Kahlile B. (1995), Hearts Turned to the Fathers: A History of the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1894-1994, Provo, Utah: BYU Studies, Brigham Young University
  10. ^ Meyerink, Kory Leland (1998). Printed Sources: A Guide to Published Genealogical Records. Salt Lake City, Utah: Ancestry, Inc. p. 710. ISBN 9780916489700.
  11. ^ Pugmire, Genelle. "LDS Church celebrates 120th anniversary of Genealogical Society, now FamilySearch". Daily Herald. Archived from the original on August 3, 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  12. ^ T, Justin. "Breaking News: Changes in Family and Church History Department Organization". Juvenile Instructor Blog. Archived from the original on October 6, 2015.
  13. ^ Muth, Chad (May 2, 2008). "Vatican letter directs bishops to keep parish records from Mormons". Catholic News Service. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Archived from the original on May 13, 2008. Retrieved May 5, 2008.
  14. ^ "Biography - Richard E. Turley Jr.", Church Newsroom, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, March 12, 2008, retrieved November 20, 2008
  15. ^ "Sowing Seeds for Family Trees". Wired. May 24, 1999. Retrieved August 3, 2019. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  16. ^ Toone, Trent (March 28, 2017). "How technology revolutionized family history work in recent decades". Deseret News. Retrieved August 4, 2019.
  17. ^ "640 Million Names Added to Familysearch Site". Ancestry Magazine. Ancestry Inc.: 9 January–February 2000.
  18. ^ "Updated FamilySearch.org to Bring New Features Under One Roof". Church News. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. July 16, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2019. New.familysearch.org, which replaced TempleReady last year and includes the Family Tree feature, will be integrated into the updated site.
  19. ^ "The Case for moving to "Our Tree" : A FamilySearch White Paper" (PDF). FamilySearch International. April 2011.
  20. ^ Crume, Rick (June 9, 2011). "Inside the New FamilySearch.org". Family Tree Magazine. Retrieved August 5, 2019.[permanent dead link]
  21. ^ Green, David (November 16, 2012). "Family Tree Now Available To new.familysearch.org Users". FamilySearch Blog. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
  22. ^ Wright, Matt (April 12, 2013). "Family Tree is Available to All Users". FamilySearch Blog.
  23. ^ Lloyd, R. Scott (March 11, 2013). "FamilyTree: New FamilySearch Service Promotes Collaboration". Church News. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
  24. ^ "FamilySearch launches redesigned website". KSL News. April 18, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
  25. ^ Brimhall, Dennis (February 26, 2014). "FamilySearch Partnerships: Some Questions and Answers". FamilySearch Blog. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  26. ^ "MyHeritage Partners With FamilySearch To Add Billions Of Historical Records To Its Genealogy Database". Tech Crunch. October 15, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
  27. ^ Sagers, Diane (December 29, 2015). "2015 Year in Review: FamilySearch Grows as World's Foremost Family History Resource". FamilySearch Blog.
  28. ^ FamilySearch (May 30, 2017). "Microfilm Distribution to Be Discontinued on August 31, 2017". FamilySearch Blog. Retrieved August 3, 2019. Improving search results and indexing additional records is on-going work, as is improving international resources for those living in countries outside of the United States.
  29. ^ "FamilySearch Hits 8 Billion Searchable Names in Historical Records". FamilySearch News Releases. September 24, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  30. ^ Toone, Trent (November 12, 2020). "Trent Toone/4 keynote speakers announced for RootsTech's first virtual conference". Deseret News. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  31. ^ "Family History Technology Workshop". Brigham Young University.
  32. ^ "Conferences and Workshops". ce.byu.edu. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  33. ^ "What are the image restrictions in Historical Records?". FamilySearch Help. Retrieved August 3, 2019.[permanent dead link]
  34. ^ Tanner, James (August 27, 2017). "Restricted Records on FamilySearch.org". Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: Genealogy from the perspective of a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  35. ^ "About the Family History Library". FamilySearch.org. Archived from the original on February 6, 2007. Retrieved March 11, 2010.
  36. ^ Morton, Sunny (February 15, 2019). "The World's Largest Shared Family Tree". FamilySearch Blog. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  37. ^ Jensen, Derek P. (March 7, 2012), "Mormon church blocks whistle-blower's access to baptism data", The Salt Lake Tribune, archived from the original on October 21, 2013
  38. ^ "FamilySearch completes project to allow same-sex family trees". Deseret News. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  39. ^ "FamilySearch Volunteers Have Indexed Over 500 Million Records". FamilySearch Blog. February 1, 2011.
  40. ^ Connolly, Courtney (April 22, 2013). "Thanks A Billion". FamilySearch Blog.
  41. ^ "FamilySearch Wiki:Non-English versions of the wiki". FamilySearch Research Wiki. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  42. ^ "Statistics". FamilySearch Research Wiki. Retrieved August 3, 2019.

External links[edit]

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