Issue 13.12
FamilySearch recently announced an upgrade to the www.familysearch.org website. As they implement this updated version they are excited to share the powerful new features and benefits with their users. As always, the website is free to the public. The site includes more than 2.5 billion, yes billion, historical records, with millions more added each week.
The updated version of the FamilySearch website gives you a richer family history experience by putting all FamilySearch content, services, and products on the same site. Even the data now found at new.familysearch.org will be moved to familysearch.org sometime in 2012 and listed under Family Trees. Some of the reasons for the change and the benefits you will enjoy include:
1-More indexes, records, and documents…all published more frequently. These are the records that are being indexed by the volunteers using indexing.familysearch.org.
2-An improved search experience that scans more content and gives more accurate results.
3-A thriving genealogical community where you can give and receive help.
4-A single user name and password for all FamilySearch products and services.
5-Responsive, reliable, and scalable hardware and software on which the site can grow and improve.
FamilySearch will be closing the old website classic.familysearch.org in the next few months to focus their efforts on the future. Records and indexes on the old site have already been transferred to the new site, along with additional new collections and new enhanced features. People usually don’t like change and it is a learning curve, but in the long run it will make the site much more user friendly and productive for us all.
Searching historical records and databases can now be done from a single page. You can customize your search in many new and exciting ways. In addition, finding local family history centers is easy with a revised look that lets you find a location using a world map. There are also a host of new information resources available in the all new Learn section. One of my favorite parts is the Learning Center found at https://www.familysearch.org/learningcenter/home.html . This is where you will find the lessons, 5 Minute Genealogy Episodes, Genealogy Boot Camp, the getting started information, doing descendancy research, etc.
For more information, contact Shanna Jones shannasjones@msn.com (435) 628-4900.
I am a professional genealogist. The change IS NOT beneficial. The new site IS NOT more user friendy – far from it. The old site is much easier to use! This new site and these changes were a huge mistake and will hinder research efforts.