The Future of FamilySearch

There are changes ahead!  – and we want to help you be prepared!   We have been fortunate to have attended training sessions and presentations where information on the changes has been given.  We thought, however, that perhaps the best way to summarize the changes was to share with you a handout used by Ron Tanner, project manager at FamilySearch, at the recent FH Expo in SLC.

Please:  1.  Familiarize yourself with the new version of familysearch.org (currently accessible from labs.familysearch.org or directly through http://beta.familysearch.org/ ).  Use it as much as you can.   Watch it develop.

2.  Note that the article states that nFS will become the Family Tree within the Familysearch.org web site – I have heard this term used but the name change has not been officially announced so maybe the new name for nFS has not been finalized.

3.  The section on Future Enhancements refers to changes to what we currently call nFS.

FamilySearch 2010 and Beyond

Presented by Ron Tanner

at FH Expo in SLC 27 August 2010

Overview

Sometimes doing genealogical research can be confusing. Unfortunately there are times when the software and services intended to help researchers end up adding to the confusion. FamilySearch is in the process of a major initiative to replace the existing FamilySearch.org website with new and improved software and hardware while at the same time integrating the different FamilySearch services into one, easy to use website. This presentation discusses the replacement of http://www.FamilySearch.org, the integration of the various FamilySearch services into one easy to use site, and near and long-term enhancements to the services.

3 Steps to an Integrated FamilySearch

The effort to replace http://www.FamilySearch.org with an integrated site is monumental. Because of the size and complexity of the task, it will happen in multiple steps. These steps are described below.

Step 1: Integrate

The first step is to integrate most of the FamilySearch services into one easy to use site. You can see our progress on this by looking at the FamilySearch beta located at beta.FamilySearch.org. The FamilySearch services being integrated are:

• Forums
• Wiki
• Indexing
• Record Search

Step 2: Replace http://www.FamilySearch.org

Once the initial set of services mentioned above are integrated, the FamilySearch beta will replace http://www.FamilySearch.org. At this point, all of the integrated services will be available at one website, http://www.FamilySearch.org.

Step 3: new FamilySearch becomes the Family Tree

Shortly after the FamilySearch beta replaces http://www.FamilySearch.org, we will integrate new FamilySearch into the http://www.FamilySearch.org web site. New FamilySearch will then be renamed Family Tree and simply be a service of http://www.FamilySearch.org.

Features of the Replacement Site

While the replacement site will have Forums, Wiki, Indexing, and Record Search all integrated into one easy to use site, it will also have additional services and capabilities. A brief description of all the planned features for the FamilySearch beta follows. These features are added to the beta website as they are built so depending on when you look at the FamilySearch beta, they may not all be incorporated yet. They will all be in place before the FamilySearch beta replaces http://www.FamilySearch.org later this year.

• Search. One of the biggest enhancements being developed concerns the way in which FamilySearch can help you find information. It is easy to do a simple or advanced search from the home page. The search allows you to search for and access digital images and transcriptions of historical records (all of the records that are in Record Search and more), family trees (records in Pedigree Resource File and Ancestral File), Learning (articles from the wiki and online classes from the Family History Library and other sources), Catalog (the Family History Library Catalog). You can also find a family history center near you.
• Getting Started. Getting started makes it easy for new users to get going with their family history. New users can explore rich information about famous ancestors, start their own tree or get step-by-step instruction through videos and other resources to help them start their family history.
• Learn. The learn section of the site provides access to all of the learning articles in the research wiki, research forums and a course catalog of online classes on a variety of family history topics from getting started to German handwriting.
• Library. The library section of the site provides information about the family history library and helpful tips for using the library. It also provides access to the Family History Library Catalog and the Family History Center Locator.
• Indexing. The indexing portion of the site allows users to volunteer to index historical records so the records can be found by the historical record search feature. It also provides information about what record sets are being indexed and the progress of volunteers to index them.
• Blog. Users can keep in touch with the latest and greatest information from FamilySearch about product offerings, research strategies, industry news and more by following the blog.
• Help. Users that need help or support on FamilySearch products can use the help features to get the support they need.

Features on the Near Horizon

In addition to the great features of the FamilySearch beta, we will also be releasing some new features for new FamilySearch. These features are described below.

• Single Sign-on. With single sign-on you can use the same user name and password for all of the different FamilySearch services. Members of the LDS Church can also use the same user name and password for other LDS Church web sites.
• Ancestor Discussions. Every ancestor in new FamilySearch will have a discussion page. Users can create and respond to discussions about their ancestors. This feature makes it much easier to collaborate with other users of the system.
• Invite Friends and Family. The initial roll out of new FamilySearch has been limited to members of the LDS Church. We plan to slowly start letting registered users of new FamilySearch start inviting their friends and family members regardless of religious affiliation to use new FamilySearch.

Future Enhancements

FamilySearch is also in the process of adding some other high-value features to the website.

• Change Log. The change log will track all changes to ancestors in family trees and allow users to undo changes when needed.
• Ancestor Pages. Ancestor pages provide a much richer and easier to use interface to how ancestors are viewed in family trees.
• Photos, Records and Stories. Users will be able to add photographs, historical records and stories to ancestor pages. Adding these artifacts adds richness to the ancestor and puts the evidence and sources into the forefront of the experience.

Conclusion

At FamilySearch we are working hard to deliver an easy to use set of services to support people working on their family history. The first steps toward this new world are the integration different FamilySearch services into one site and then the replacement of http://www.FamilySearch.org with this integrated set of services. At the same time, FamilySearch continues to add high-value features and move toward a world where users can fix any wrong data, undo bad changes, add artifacts and communicate with each other. We want to get the help of millions to find billions and build the human family tree.

Read Full Post »

Area FH Newsletter August 2010

1. Online film ordering This went live in Canada on August 19. What does this mean? You order and pay for microfilms and fiche online and then go to the FHC to view them – less paperwork and less money for the FHC to handle. The United States will be next to move to online film ordering (before the end of the year hopefully). Go to https://film.familysearch.org . Contact your local FHC for implementation details. This new web site does not use an lds account nor a familysearch account for the sign in. FHCs have the opportunity to upload inventory and other information from Inventory Manager to the new system. There is an Admin side to the web site for FHC directors. The new system will replace Inventory Manager. Please be extra kind and patient with everyone working in FHCs until they learn the new system.
2. nFS Update We hope that you noticed the update to nFS on 9 August (click on the News and Updates link on the sign in page for nFS to get to the What’s New document). These What’s New documents are good to save to your computer (they are pdf files) or print if you wish. A couple of problems have become apparent since the update and the engineers are working on resolving the issues asap – so don’t call to report either of these problems: 1. Some recently completed temple ordinances are not appearing in nFS in a timely fashion, 2. Russian & Italian FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) is blank.
3. Discussions in nFS. Please teach people to use the discussions tab in nFS but not to discuss or share ordinance information. The public will be able to see those items being discussed when it goes worldwide.
4. Community Volunteers As part of the preparations for making nFS public, community volunteers who have public/familysearch accounts no longer have access to temple ordinances. They can still help members with temple questions if they wish to by sitting beside a member who is signed in.
5. Beta FamilySearch.org Please check out http://fsbeta.familysearch.org/ , get familiar with the new version of familysearch.org and share it with people in your ward. Remember that not all the data has been migrated to the new site yet.
6. Griffiths Valuation online For those interested in Irish research an important resource has become available online. “The Primary Valuation was the first full-scale valuation of property in Ireland. It was overseen by Richard Griffith and published between 1847 and 1864. It is one of the most important surviving 19th century genealogical sources.” It is available at http://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml
7. Calgary Temple Construction workers are on the Calgary Temple site. An unofficial web site http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/calgary/ has construction photographs.
8. Family Insight will work with more programs. There is exciting news coming from Family Insight. This is a quote from the Summer 2010 issue 38 edition of Ohana Insights: “. . . almost 2 years ago, we changed the name of our product from PAF Insight to FamilyInsight. . . . Today, we are announcing our latest major update. You may now use PAF and Family Tree Maker 2010 files with FamilyInsight without the need of a GEDCOM file. We will be compatible with 2011 when that version of Family Tree Maker is released very soon. Ancestral Quest and RootsMagic users can join us in beta testing FamilyInsight for that program. Legacy users, please don’t loose heart, the ability to read a Legacy file is under development. We hope to develop the ability to work with other programs, too. If you are interested in helping us with our beta testing, please send an email to beta@ohanasoftware.com telling us which program you use and would like to help test with. To use these additional program files in FamilyInsight, you will simply open FamilyInsight from the desktop icon and select your Family Tree Maker (.ftm), Ancestral Quest (.aq), RootsMagic (.rmg) or Legacy (.fbd) file.” http://www.ohanasoftware.com/ We are blessed to have so many fine programs to choose from. I know the choices can seem like a burden at times but they really are a great blessing. PAF, PAF with Family Insight or Ancestral Quest, Rootsmagic, Ancestral Quest or Legacy or Family Tree Maker are all great choices. Be kind to those who make different choices from you. Neither of you is wrong!
9. Temple Policies. We previously recommended that you go to the Help Centre in nFS and search for Temple Policies to find a comprehensive knowledge document on Temple Policies. They have now renumbered that help document! The new number is 110136. Access this either by using the search term Temple policies or by searching for 110136. I added this to my favourites in the Help Centre. This is an important document for FH Consultants, Priesthood leaders and all members doing FH work. It is a good source of material to teach.
10. FH Blog Continue to encourage all family history consultants that you know to either read our FH blog (preferably weekly) or subscribe (on the blog page midway down on the right) to receive new articles by email. We publish at about 3 a.m. each Sunday morning. The address for the blog is http://peterfh.wordpress.com/
11. FH Consultants still need to register. All FH Consultants should go to consultant.familysearch.org to register with the FamilySearch. Interested Priesthood leaders should register at priesthood.familysearch.org. This puts you on the FamilySearch email list for occasional news items and gives you access to additional training materials through the help center at nFS.

Thank you for all that you do!

Upcoming blog articles:
1. The future of FamilySearch
2. Notes from devotional and key note presentations at the BYU FH Conference.
3. The Future of FH Centres – this will be a multi part article!
4. More Google for Genealogists
Plus any articles you would like to write or topics you would like to suggest.
Please contribute and read comments!

Read Full Post »

Division numbers in standardized Prairie place names in nFS

This is a follow up to the article on July 25. I am grateful to the people in the FH Dept in SLC who helped me find information on this question.
Let me express my appreciation and admiration for those working on the list of standardized place names. What a monumental project – and remember this is also a global project. Place names change over time. I think all of us as genealogist realize the importance of using the correct place name for the time of the event we are documenting.
The Division numbers that were appearing in Prairie place names in nFS were census division numbers. After the census created and used them, other administrative functions found them useful for voting and tax purposes. This is helpful information, and if we were citing information from the census it would be very important to know the census division number.
For examples of the census division number do a search in Wikipedia for say Calgary and in the information box on the right you will see the census division number.
Is a census division number part of a place name? I don’t know anyone who includes a census division number as part of a place name. I have been told that they will be removed from place names in nFS in the next update to the standardized names list.
I was assured that “Standards maintained by the Church follow the philosophy of representing what the world regards as proper for modern and historical context; following geographic, governmental, religious, cartographical norms, not just genealogical usage norms.”
The census division information may be used in the update to Record Search and in other FamilySearch products.
It is important that we help the good people working on these projects. Their work is important and they deserve our help, so please send in Feedback any time you see something that needs to be changed or if you have a suggestion for an improvement.

Read Full Post »

Summer Catch up

1. We hope that you are having a wonderful summer. One of the nice things about the blog is that I can pre-arrange to have articles posted automatically when I am not here! After family reunions, and a trip to Utah for the Annual Area Adviser Training session and BYU FH Conference I am back home for a while. We have lots to share after the sessions in Utah and we will offer these to you over the next few weeks.
2. The training site will be down until about August 15 for upgrading. We have told you (we hope!) about training.familysearch.org which is a training system for the new FamilySearch web site. This system contains fictitious names, dates and localities. Here you can learn how to add, edit, combine and submit names for temple ordinances without the fear of making mistakes with real data. Sometimes this is called the “sandbox.” It is a great place to learn! Just don’t try to use it until after August 15! They are updating the website to include the new features in nFS.
3. New software certified to work with nFS is available. We noticed some interesting new products in the link on the sign in page to nFS (lower right link under More Great Products) – we know there is a lot there so just let us suggest three:
a. MacFamilyTree version 6. This is the first full data management package for the mac we have seen certified. We have no idea what integration with nFS is available. Perhaps some mac user can let us know? Mobile Family Tree (not to be confused with MobileTree) for the ipod/iphone/ipad is a companion product to MacFamilyTree. We hope mac users will also remember the pending release of Family Tree Maker for the mac!
b. Family Photoloom. This is free web site that links nFS data to your photos. We haven’t tried it yet and would appreciate your comments.
c. Gaia Family Tree. This software, which helps you build your family tree, has a 14 day free trial and then costs CAD$9.95 for the full version. The maker is Lulu Software which is a Quebec based company! Again we would appreciate you sharing your comments!
It is impossible for each of us to try all of these products but if each of us tried one and shared a comment it would help all of us.
4. The beta testing for the next update to nFS (version 0.992) ended on August 5, so watch for the update which should be happening shortly (remember to check the News and Updates link on the sign in page for the latest What’s new document). The list of changes in this update is not long. Much of it deals with adding the remaining 5 Asian Temples.
5. Among the highlights of the BYU Family History Conferences were the morning devotionals on each of the first 3 days. The first devotional was given by Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander – “It Is More than About Names”. There is information on all 3 devotionals at http://ce.byu.edu/cw/cwgen/keynote.cfm . There is also a link on that page to the full text of Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander’s talk (it says it is 13 pages but the last page is blank). I hope you will enjoy reading this! I was particularly moved by the section starting in the middle of page 10 (I suppose that this might be a logical place to stop, . . . ) to the end of 12. The other 2 devotionals were excellent, but you will have to depend on my notes in a future blog to learn about those!

Next week’s blog article will answer the question ”What does the division number in Prairie place names mean?” (a follow-up to the article posted on July 25). The following week we have a guest author, Lianne Kruger, who has kindly written a two part article for us on Google for Genealogists.

Read Full Post »

Errors in Standardized Names on new FamilySearch

Have you noticed that there are new errors in Canadian standardized places names in nFS since the last update? Most of the ones I have been able to find come from the 3 Prairie Provinces, but other parts of Canada have errors too! You will remember that an update to Standardized Place Names was one of the changes in the last update to nFS.
This problem was brought to my attention by Bill who of course sent feedback notifying nFS of the problem. The following are comments on this topic made on this blog and in a discussion group for FH Centre Directors called FHCNET. One of the comments is by Ron Tanner the project manager for nFS telling you what to do if you believe the standardized place name is incorrect.
Bill made the following comment on our blog after the release of the last update:
“There is a problem with the standardized place names, that I have reported to FamilySearch Support and FHCNET. Place names in western Canada have a non-existent “Division” number added where a county name would appear in some other localities, (like we see in the addresses of the FHCs).”
So Red Deer Alberta becomes “Red Deer, Division No. 8, Alberta, Canada”, Edmonton is “Edmonton, Division No. 11, Alberta, Canada,” and Calgary is “Calgary, Division No. 6, Alberta, Canada” . . . and so on.
Posted by: Ron Tanner
Thu Jul 1, 2010
Everyone,
There have been some issues in the past that have restricted us from taking updates of the standards catalog into nFS. The last time that a standardize place catalog was updated was several years ago. And although your feedback on standardized places have been taken and the catalog updated, you never saw the fix because of this problem.

The release that was put out in June has been updated with the latest catalog that diligent engineers have been working to improve for years. We also have changed the way that standardized places are chosen and have more strongly separated the place you enter from the standardized place.

Now you can enter a place and it will pop-up with suggestions from the database, but if there are none you believe are close enough to select so you don’t have to keep typing, then just don’t select any from the drop-down. Then the system will attempt to match what you entered and fill in the standardized version of the place. If you don’t believe the standardized place is close enough, then click on the arrow next to the standardized place and pick the closest one. By doing this we keep your original place data but also have the closest standardized place.

If entries were made by the system or others that have a poor choice for a standardized place, then just enter another opinion and correct it with the technique above and then make sure your entry is selected in the summary.

We have now corrected the issues with taking the standards catalog and expect to have more regular updates as we take your feedback and correct the errors.

Thanks,
Ron

Perhaps you would join us in sending Feedback through nFS asking them to correct our Canadian place names!

Read Full Post »

I know the work is done but it doesn’t show on nFS

We received the following from Ellen who wanted to share her experience and solution:

In nFS I discovered a relative whose ordinances were ready to do – yet, I knew they had already been done. However, I did not have the specific dates and places information. Instead of having those ordinances redone unnecessarily, I reserved them and set about gathering that information from family sources. It took 6 months, but finally I had enough information to clear this matter up.
As you know, ordinance information cannot be entered by users of the system. In a call to family search support, I learned the only way to solve this was to find the person in the system and combine the 2 or more records, which would have the ordinance data. The theory being that if ordinances were completed then they would be in the nFS system. I spent close to a month, rewording the name, checking other close date possibilities to find the ‘other’ record(s). No luck.
In desperation, I wrote in Feedback and created a case. I submitted very detailed information, so that family search support could ‘see’ and understand my problem. Within 24 hours they replied. They did locate the record with the ordinance information. I never would have found it…he was in the system as LIVING. As they requested, I was then able to send proof of his death and by the 3rd day, his ordinance information was attached to his file in nFS!

Thank you for sharing, Ellen

Read Full Post »

It’s that time again . . .

 . .  .  To look for the next update to new FanilySearch.
The document “What’s New in the New FamilySearch Web Site – New Features as of June 2010″ has 4 new features and then 5 pages of significant changes to the User Guide.

What changed?
1.  discussion boards for each deceased individual in the system to help with collaboration and correcting of information.
2.  Exact search option for names, event dates and places 
3.  Improved standardized place names.
4.  Some records from Asian temples have been added

Want the details?  Then you will have to get yourself a copy of the What’s New document for June 2010!
How do you do that? Click on the News link on the sign in page.  You know the update has happened when the document you see is dated June (last update was March)
  

Read Full Post »

Software News

Please don’t interpret the following comments to be our endorsement of a particular software package! As far as we are concerned there are many good ones and each of us should select the one(s) that we like the best and that we find easiest to use.
This is being shared because: 1. We often hear from Macintosh users wanting to know about FH software for the Mac that will work with nFS, and 2. This is important information for users of several FamilySearch Affiliate products.
1. Around the time of the the SLC Conferences, Ancestry.com announced that a version of their Family Tree Maker software would be made for the Macintosh. When? The Family Tree Maker web site says “later in 2010.”
2. The following is condensed from the April 2010 newsletter from Ohana Software the makers of FamilyInsight regarding Adding New File Formats. Ohana are:
- Beta testing a version that will work with Family Tree Maker 2010 and Ancestral Quest file formats.
- Developing versions that will work directly with RootsMagic and Legacy files.
- What does this mean? Do I need to stop using PAF? This means that you can use the program that works best for your needs and still have access to FamilyInsight. If PAF is your favorite program then by all means keep using PAF 5. If you like one of the other programs then you can choose the program that is best for you.
- Family Tree Maker has announced that they will be releasing a Mac Version and we will work with that program when it is released. We are also pursuing other Mac options to work with.
- Now that Get My Ancestors is in the Tools menu of FamilyInsight, you will be able to save your Get My Ancestors file in any of the formats that FamilyInsight saves to. This is only applicable to the version that is in the tools menu of FamilyInsight.
- The Get My Ancestors stand alone program will only save to a PAF file.
( Follow this link for the full newsletter article: http://www.ohanasoftware.com/files_documents/newsletter/Apr2010.pdf )

What does this mean?
1. Good news for Mac users – they will have another choice for FH software – and will be able to work more easily with nFS data once Family Tree Maker for Mac becomes available.
2. Those using PAF and other FH programs will also be able to use Family Insight if they wish.
3. The free Get My Ancestors program allows you to download information from nFS to help someone create or add to their FH file – but only in PAF format. The Get My Ancestors link from within Family Insight allows you to use Get My Ancestors to create files in the other formats supported by Family Insight.
Always remember to periodically check in the link to the lower right of the sign in page for nFS to see the growing list of Affiliate Products. Click on some of the links – try some of the products at least the ones that are free!

Footnote:
What is affiliate software? “FamilySearch Certified Affiliates are third-party companies and organizations that provide products and services with features that are compatible with FamilySearch programs. Certification indicates the affiliate’s declaration of compliance with FamilySearch requirements. Note that these products and services are independently developed and supported by their respective organizations, not by FamilySearch.” (from nFS website).
What does this mean? Among the features of affiliate software are the ability to move data in and out of nFS without re-typing anything, and being able to see the nFS data in different formats.

Read Full Post »

What Does the Lord Expect of Me in Family History & Temple Work?

By Ralph and Linda Miller, Area FH Advisers in northern New England

With all the resources available, and in light of other responsibilities (family, work, etc.), exactly what does the Lord expect of us regarding temple and family history work. Here are some thoughts.
There never has been a time of greater opportunity and responsibility for offering temple ordinances to your ancestors. With 130 temples, regular temple attendance has gone from a multi-day bus excursion to something that can be scheduled weekly or monthly for most of us.
Living in the information age brings archive resources and collected genealogical information to your home computer – you can do genealogy in your pajamas when the kids are in bed.
However, other responsibilities call for our time and attention – your occupation, meals to fix, work to do, family to transport to various activities, church assignments and callings, recreational and entertainment activities – the list goes on. There are so many of these that sometimes it seems impossible find time for the temple and informational resources now available to us.
So just what does the Lord expect? Do we need to quit our job or wait until the kids are grown (they may never leave home) before we can focus on this?
Here are our thoughts.
First, what the Lord does not expect you to do:
• Become an expert genealogist
• Quit your job
• Ditch your family
• Abandon your other responsibilities.

What we believe He does expect:
• Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves
• Use the resources that are easily available to you
• Attend the temple regularly
• Be a tool in the Lord’s hands to help your kindred dead.

What does this mean? You aren’t on your own in this – you just need to be a willing partner. The Lord and your kindred in the spirit world will help things happen.
Go to new.familysearch.org. Use new.familysearch.org to access information already gathered that connects to your family. See if ordinances are needed. While new.familysearch.org includes people who have temple ordinances, it also includes many people who need them. Some of those probably are connected to your family. As you climb your family tree, don’t forget to check in-laws and their families – spouses of uncles and aunts, cousins, etc. Your responsibility includes these, not just direct great-grandparents.
Use information gathered by non-members. While most members of the church do not do a lot of research, there are thousands of non-members who are dedicating their lives to genealogical research. Many of these people are related to you – perhaps distantly and perhaps closely. Talk with your extended family (especially the non-LDS ones) to find out who has done genealogical research in your family. Contact them and ask if they would share the information they have gathered. Offer to provide them information on your own family, children, spouse’s parents and other information that might be of interest to them. Be sensitive about demanding that someone give you everything they have spent a lifetime gathering. Treat it as a treasure – it is! Show sincere interest and respect for their hard work.
Use information posted on genealogical internet sites. Without being an expert genealogist, you can tap into research others have done by using internet sources. In addition to http://www.ancestry.com, there are free sources such as worldconnect.rootsweb.com, where people have posted information about their relatives. No need to re-invent the wheel – use information that already has been gathered by others (perhaps by inspiration).
How reliable are compiled genealogies? As we tell our children, just because something is on the internet doesn’t mean it is true. However, internet information is helpful in pointing the way. If someone posts a lot of family information, complete with dates and places, that connects with your family, try verifying at least part of it it by checking census records. See if some family members show up in other records, such as new.familysearch.org or http://www.familysearch.org. If other independent sources confirm what is posted, it points to reliability.
While information should be as accurate as possible, it is not necessary to verify each piece of data before using it – especially if the researcher has given sources. But do check as much as you can.
But this might cost me money! Yes, subscriptions, gas to the temple, etc., require financial resources as well as time. The Lord does not expect you to bankrupt yourself doing this work. If your budget is tight, prayerfully consider your discretionary expenditures – entertainment, recreation, cable TV subscriptions, eating out, vacations, etc. Could you replace some temporal pleasures with eternal investments? We have found that when we include family history and temple work in our budget, things somehow work out amazingly.
Pray and seek guidance from the Lord. This is the best source of direction of all. Prayerfully ask the Lord how you can serve – in your current circumstances. Follow promptings and take advantage of opportunities. They come to you for a reason.

Thank you to Brother and Sister Miller for allowing us to use this article.

Read Full Post »

What Errors Make Ordinances Invalid?

By Ralph and Linda Miller, Area FH Advisers in the northern part of New England

New FamilySearch brings together all the information that anyone has submitted about their ancestors.  Combining duplicate individuals is an important part of the process, to avoid duplicate, unnecessary ordinances.  When you combine, other people’s submissions (and any wrong information they contain) will not go away – the information is combined and people looking at the detail file can see all the different variations.

This can be a good thing – but it also can be a bad thing if we don’t understand correctly.  If your ancestor was entered by someone else – and temple ordinances done – with an approximate birth date (which may be 20 years off) and only part of their full name, and perhaps the wrong or inexact place, it may be upsetting to you.  You have better information.  It is important to you that the person receive temple ordinances based on exact and correct information – which you have, although the ordinances already were performed with vague or wrong information.

So what should you do?  Are the ordinances valid?  Is it best to re-do them so the ancestor hears his correct name, sees his correct date, and knows you really care enough to make the record exactly right?

Answers:

1. Enter the correct information, using the Summary view – the original wrong one does not go away, but you will have the right information there, and by entering the source, people will understand where you got the information.  The ordinance does NOT need to be redone.

1. Ordinances do NOT need to be redone to correct spellings or inaccuracies. Repetition of ordinances to “correct” inaccuracies is exactly what the church is trying to avoid.

If you have specific questions, check the Help Center in nFS or call Support (1-866-406-1830).

What mistakes require ordinances to be redone?  (from nFS Help Center) Ordinances need to be redone only under a few circumstances:

1. Wrong gender.
2. Proxy ordinances were erroneously performed while an individual was alive.
3. Individuals were sealed to the wrong spouse or parents.

In each of these cases, contact support@familysearch.org and they will help you.  They will need identifying information about you and about the person in question.

Thank you to Brother and Sister Miller for allowing us to use this article.

Read Full Post »