TIP OF THE WEEK – Get a FamilySearch Account Now

As of December 13, 2017, patrons visiting FamilySearch.org are asked to log into their account, and if they do not have one, they are asked to open one. Not to worry; registering is a very simple process, and it is free.

I have had an account with FamilySearch.org for years and will vouch for them. They will not try to sell you anything and they will not bombard you with email. They promise not to pass your name and information to a third party without your consent.

If you had been using FamilySearch.org without logging in, you may not realize you were missing out on much of what FamilySearch.org had to offer. Without an account, you only had access to a small portion of their world class records.

Why is this login change necessary? FamilySearch is rapidly working toward their goal of getting all family history data into digital format, to be available online. Remember much of it was available only on microfiche and on paper in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. With these changes, many of their data partners are asking for a more controlled environment and an authentication process, and with some providers, it is a contractual issue.

For over 100 years, FamilySearch, historically known as the Genealogical Society of Utah, has been dedicated to preserving the records of the family of mankind. Their purpose, to help people connect with their ancestors through easy access to historical records.

Signing in is a small price to pay for access to so much free, quality data. If you haven’t been to FamilySearch.org for awhile, be sure to visit soon.

Watch the upcoming eNews! issue for a tip on local FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries. There are a few you probably didn’t know about.  Possibly, there is one near you.