2.2 FamilySearch.org

The world’s largest online family tree is located on FamilySearch.org. FamilySearch Family Tree is a collaborative family tree, which means that anyone with a FamilySearch account can add information and make changes. Each person added to FamilySearch Family Tree receives a unique identifier made up of letters and numbers. Generally, people who are listed on the tree but are still living can only be viewed by the person who contributed their information. When the individual represented by that ID passes away, the information then becomes publicly available to all FamilySearch Family Tree users. Picture a mother with a growing family who creates a person page to document each new child. She can view the information about her living children, but the general public cannot access those profiles on FamilySearch Family Tree. If tragedy struck, and one of her children passes away, once the death information is entered, others will be able to see all the information the mother entered about that child. This includes facts, events, sources, and files like photographs or documents found on the child’s memories page.

This tree is helpful because of the size and the number of people who are working on expanding it. The size and number of people working on it are also liabilities because something added to FamilySearch Family Tree today can be changed tomorrow by someone with different sources or even just a different opinion. Within FamilySearch Family Tree, each individual who is added by a FamilySearch user has a "details" or person page where documents, photographs, audio files, and other memories can be stored. Other people listed in FamilySearch Family Tree may be tagged when uploading files so the information can appear on as many person pages as there are individuals listed on the record. The person page shows the details of one life, but it also maps out how that person is connected to ancestors and progeny. While FamilySearch Family Tree is an important element of FamilySearch, it is far from the only feature of the website.

Another vital section of the website is the “Search” feature. Besides searching the many FamilySearch record collections, researchers may search images, datasets, indexes, books, genealogies, and more. Located under the “Search” menu, one of the most helpful parts of FamilySearch is the FamilySearch Wiki. This is a collection of information searchable by place or topic that guides family historians to the most useful record collections and describes strategies and practices related to that area or topic. If a researcher was interested in learning how to start researching ancestors from Syria, the wiki could guide them through those steps and recommend the most used record collections. Another researcher might have questions about the history of English probate, or what years a census was taken in England. These are questions easily answered by searching the FamilySearch Wiki.

Another important element of the “Search” menu is providing access to the FamilySearch Catalog. When searching on the FamilySearch Wiki page or the FamilySearch Catalog, results should be thoroughly examined for each location connected to every research project.

The “Memories” menu of FamilySearch.org allows researchers to organize and maintain documents, photographs, audio clips, stories, and other items they have contributed to FamilySearch Family Tree. Besides being accessible from a user’s gallery under the “Memories” menu, items tagged to a certain individual can also be viewed from the person page by clicking the memories tab connected to that person. It may be confusing that there are two elements of the website titled “Memories,” so keep in mind one is a selection on the site’s main menu and the other is a personal memory page attached to each individual recorded in FamilySearch Family Tree.

“Get involved” is the section of the FamilySearch website that provides volunteer opportunities to assist in making records available and to participate in other aspects of family history. There is general information about how to support family history and specific opportunities for volunteering.

The “Activities” section helps researchers interact with different aspects of their family tree and reach out to others by sharing information and teaching skills. Specific instructions about promoting games, planning events, and encouraging interactions based on genealogical topics are outlined. There are ideas for all ages and adaptations for cultures and different demographics. Most use technology and interact with FamilySearch Family Tree but there are also ideas for printable keepsakes and looking at family tree data in innovative ways.

FamilySearch Family Tree is the largest community tree and FamilySearch.org is the largest free genealogy website. There is no cost for membership. Anyone can make an account and access the resources there. With a little bit of training, it is appropriate for children and teens, and there are mobile apps that integrate with different portions of the website to make research and sharing information convenient. Be aware that the FamilySearch.org website does not work well on tablets. Laptop or desktop computers are best for utilizing all the features of the website. Instead of trying to use the website on a tablet, the FamilySearch Tree app, FamilySearch Memories app, and FamilySearch Get Involved app are better choices for phones and smaller devices. These apps are available free of charge to download.