@ Central: Genealogy Group - Beyond the Index: Exploring FamilySearch's New Frontier

About this event

Beyond the Index: Exploring FamilySearch's New Frontier Friday, August 28, 2026 | 10–11 AM Eastern | Zoom Presented by Kate Kisselstein, Librarian, Local History & Genealogy Dept., OCPL Central Library For years, genealogists have relied on traditional name indexes to locate historical records—but what if the record you need was never indexed in the first place? Join librarian Kate Kisselstein for an introduction to FamilySearch's new full-text search capabilities, which are transforming how researchers discover historical records. Learn how these tools differ from traditional indexes, how to search using names, places, dates, and keywords, and why reviewing original record images remains an essential part of the research process. Through practical demonstrations, we'll explore how full-text searching can uncover records and details that might otherwise remain hidden, while also discussing its current limitations, including transcription errors, false matches, and the importance of verifying every discovery. Whether you're new to FamilySearch or an experienced researcher, you'll leave with practical strategies for exploring this exciting new frontier in genealogy. Please register online to receive the Zoom link and any participant handouts.