Family Search Full Text Search

FamilySearch has recently introduced Full-Text Search, a powerful new tool to find ancestors in previously unindexed historical documents. Instead of searching only names that have been manually indexed, this tool allows you to search the actual text of millions of digitised records — including wills, deeds, court papers and correspondence. This means people mentioned as witnesses, neighbours, spouses, children or associates (often invisible in traditional indexes) can now be discovered, opening up entirely new research pathways and making it especially valuable for FAN (friends, associates, neighbours) and cluster research.

Full-Text Search is particularly useful for members researching under-documented families, women, colonial and overseas records, and complex migration stories. While it doesn’t replace careful reading or original record analysis, it dramatically improves access to material that was previously browse-only or effectively hidden.

Members will have two opportunities to see FamilySearch Full-Text Search in action:

• India SIG – 7 February, with examples relevant to Indian and colonial records
• AI in Genealogy SIG – 17 February, focusing on how this technology works and how to search it effectively

Both sessions will include live demonstrations and practical tips for getting the most out of this new tool.  Members log on now and reserve your place for either or both special interest groups.