Ten great LDS family history databases: Difference between revisions

Databases are some of the best places to store genealogical content. Electronic information is widely distributed and easy to search. There are literally millions of databases on the Internet but few that relate to LDS family history. This session will discuss 10 LDS family history databases and how to find relevant family history information.  

A database is just a bunch of information that has been collected, like a phone book. The following principle will help: in most cases, an electronic document or Web page is already indexed. Try Ctrl+F to locate keywords, such as a surname. If you have several fields to fill, start broad, and then refine with first names and dates. Remember to try alternate spellings.

'''Description:''' FamilySearch.org is the largest collection of free family history, family tree, and genealogy records in the world. Record Search is the publishing site for FamilySearch indexing, the largest volunteer extraction program of its kind.  

There is also a new site on the FamilySearch Research Wiki that is extremely helpful: [[Tracing LDS Ancestors]]

'''Description:''' In addition to a great online library catalog, this particular library has many books and collections of interest to those doing LDS research. This building houses the largest family history library in the world.  

'''Offline Resources:'''  

*Early Church Information File (ECIF): The Early Church Information File begins with film #1,750,655 (Aabbost, Ellen – Allen, Joseph W) and goes to film #1,750,729 (Young, Brigham – Zysling, Kornelisk)  

*Early Endowment House Records: Special Collections

'''How do I start?''' Go to [http://www.familysearch.org FamilySearch.org], click on [https://familysearch.org/#form=catalog Library Catalog] for the online catalog or head to Salt Lake City, 25 North West Temple Street.  

'''Description:''' Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.  

'''How do I start?''' Go to the Web site, learn about the products, and start searching.  

'''Description:''' This Web site is home to the LDS Church History Library and Archives. (Note: Portions of this database are not online.)  

'''How do I start?''' Start by searching online. Then take a trip to downtown Salt Lake City (15 East North Temple Street) to view the other collections and the library.  

Description: '''Brigham Young University has a great collection of LDS family history resources. These are just three sites that are worth visiting.'''   

'''How do I start?''' Go to a Web site, and start searching.

'''Description:''' There is information here if your ancestor came to the Utah Territory or State of Deseret; died crossing the plains; or was born in the Utah Territory or the State of Deseret before May 10, 1869, which was the coming of the railroad.  

'''How do I start?''' Start by searching online. Then take a trip to downtown Salt Lake City, Utah (300 North Main) to request copies. For more information, feel free to visit the Sons of Utah Pioneers: http://www.sonsofutahpioneers.org/about_sup.htm  

*[http://www.footnote.com/documents/27343636/utah-territorial-case-files?xid=47 Utah Territorial Case Files]  

'''How do I start?''' Go to the Web site, and start searching.  

'''Description:''' Ancestry.com has several databases specific to LDS genealogy.  

'''How do I start?''' Go to the home page, scroll to the bottom, and click S'''ee all databases'''. Then scroll down and enter'''lds''' under Database Title. (Note: Portions of this Web site may require a fee.)  

'''Description:''' World Vital Records also has several LDS family history collections.  

'''How do I start?''' Go to the home page, and click the View all databases tab. Then scroll down to Browse by Collection, and select LDS Collection. (Note: Portions of this Web site may require a fee.)  

'''Description:''' There are many sites that will allow you to publish genealogical information.