Lesson 1: Intro to
Family Search
Read:
In this course we will focus
on three steps for family history research.
1. Make goals
2. Find family history information
3. Edit your family tree
1. Make goals
Read:
“Over the years, I
have observed that those who accomplish the most in this world are those with a
vision for their lives, with goals to keep them focused on their vision and
tactical plans for how to achieve them…
Goal setting is essentially beginning with the end in mind.
And planning is devising a way to get to that end. A key to happiness lies in
understanding what destinations truly matter—and then spending our time,
effort, and attention on the things that constitute a sure way to arrive there.”
(Return and receive M Russel Ballard April 2017)
Activity:
Identify some of your family history goals and write them
down below. Begin a plan to achieve them by listing three steps you think will
be necessary for you to succeed.
Goal
|
Plan
|
2. Find family history information
Read:
There are many places to find family history information.
Below is a list some available resources.
Family members
Ancestor’s journals
Family history websites
Government offices
Books
Libraries
Genealogical societies
Graveyards
Discuss:
Which of these sources do you think will be most valuable to
you? Why? Can you think of any other sources that you may be able to use?
Read:
If you are interested in submitting names for the temple,
you will need a Family Search account. Family Search is one of the biggest family
history websites and it is completely free.
Watch:
Commit:
If you have not already, sign up for an account on
FamilySearch.org sometime this week. If you have a membership record number
attach it to your account so you can submit names for the temple. Your
membership record number is available from your ward clerk or on your two-year
temple recommend if you have one. If you are using a smartphone or tablet in
class, download the FamilySearch app and sign in to your account. Take some
time to familiarize yourself with the website and app.
Baptized members of the Church over the age of 13 are also
eligible for free accounts on Family Search partner sites. After you sign up
for Family Search you can access your partner accounts at
familysearch.org/partneraccess. This week sign up for any partner sites you
think may be useful to you.
3. Edit your family tree
Read:
There may already be several versions of your tree available
to you through family members or online. You may have created a tree using
paper, a computer software program (like PAF), or on a family history website.
In this course we will focus on the tree you will create and maintain on Family
Search. Watch the video to learn how to start your family tree on Family
Search.
Watch:
Read:
Many family history websites allow you to upload a tree to
which you can edit and make public if you wish. Family Search is unique in that
users’ family trees link together to create one tree that all users have the
ability to edit. It is important to have only one record of each unique
individual on Family Search so that temple ordinances are not performed for
that person more than once.
Discuss:
What are the benefits and challenges of a “master” family
tree like the one available on Family Search?
Read:
Family Search was created by merging together many different
genealogies and there may have been mistakes in the merging process. Also,
other users may have added incorrect information to your ancestor’s records or
even accidentally replaced your ancestor with someone else. You will need to do
your own research to verify that the tree you find on Family Search is
accurate. Start with your closest ancestors and work backwards.
Commit:
If you haven’t already, start your family tree on Family
Search. You will need to talk to family members, if possible, to verify the
first four generations of your tree as it appears on Family Search. Edit your
ancestors’ details based on your family records as needed.
Homework:
Sign up for Family Search and partner sites you think you
will use.
Complete and check the first four generations of your tree
if possible.
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