Trainings at Family Search

Family History enthusiasts are strange people, or so I've been told. One of my favorite things has been to attend family history conventions and workshops. It is so fun to be able to attend classes and visit with people who share a common "addiction". But classes and conventions tend to be rather expense and involve a lot of travel. The Church has come up with a fantastic solution. Classes and trainings online! Of course, you miss the fun of visiting with other researchers, but the classes are very good and best of all, they are free!!!!!

For those who are overwhelmed by new family search, there are several short tutorials on every aspect of the website. You can watch one clip and then practice until you become comfortable with it, and then watch the next clip. That way you don't feel overwhelmed with having to remember everything all at once.

Go to www.new.familysearch.org. Your sign in and password are for your LDS account if you are a member of the church. The LDS account is the same one you use to sign in to the stake/ward website, order from the catalog, etc. Those who are not members of the LDS Church and want to access new family search can set up a general account. It is easy to register. Just click on Register and follow the directions. If you have problems, contact one of the ward consultants or visit the family history center on Thursdays. Don't forget to write down your user name and password! You can always have them sent to you, but it is much easier to just have it written down!

Once you sign in, click on "How to Use New Family Search". It's that easy. You will see eleven tutorials and nine (at this count) guides that will take you through every step you need to become comfortable using the new family search website.
Take your time becoming at ease with the website and you will find it to be a wonderful resource.

The home page also has a "Help Center" link. It has been updated and contains answers to questions, a way for you to ask questions, and more videos and trainings. There is a link for those who want to learn how to index as well.

A "help" button is included on each page of new family search if you get lost. Those putting together the website are prepared for even the most computer illiterate among us! They are determined to help us be successful!!!!!!!!!!

For those who are comfortable with new family search and want to learn how to do actual research, go to www.familysearch.org. Click on "Learn". You will see a link to wiki family search, a link to classes and courses, and a link to the website for the Family History Library Catalog. You can learn how to use all of these websites at the help center on new.familysearch.org.

For the cost of a pair of earphones or speaker, you can access hundreds of videos and trainings. Check it out! It's almost as good as a Family History Workshop!