Issue 30.09
The St. George Temple had the computer systems upgraded on June 23, marking an important step in preparing to introduce the new.familysearch.org web site in the St. George Temple District. Family History Consultants and priesthood leaders over family history now have access to new.familysearch.org. Currently Family History Center directors and consultants can help members to use the new.familysearch.org web site by signing in as a helper for them.
The next step will be when the system is made available to all members. Since I have been using the system for a couple of years now, I will give you a heads up on what to expect and how to prepare.
To use the Family Tree project, which is redesigning the look of the new FamilySearch Web site to make it easier to use, your computer needs to meet certain requirements:
850 MHz RIII processor
At least 512 MB of RAM
Windows XP or higher
Adobe Flash Player 9.0 or higher
High Speed Internet access
In order to register to use new.familysearch.org once it is available to the general membership of the LDS Church, you will need to get your membership record number and confirmation date from your ward clerk. Membership records are also on temple recommends, so if you have one and know your confirmation date, you wouldn’t need to go to the ward clerk.
The new FamilySearch could eliminate the need for storing genealogy data on home computers for the casual user. Others (myself included) may find it more convenient and accurate to store and track their genealogy on their home computer and then synchronize with the new FamilySearch. Either way, you need to get your records in order so that you will be prepared to compare your data with the data that will be already included in the new FamilySearch.
New FamilySearch will already contain LDS membership records, the IGI or all completed temple work, Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File submissions and other submissions made during the rollout process.
Shanna Sullivan Jones is a professional genealogist now accepting new clients. For additional information, Shanna can be reached at (435) 628-4900 or shannasjones@msn.com.