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Los Angeles California FamilySearch Center/Online Classes

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Due to technical difficulties all of our classes will be accessed through our "Live Help Now" link until February 1st. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Click here for our Monthly Class Schedule

Class Registration

You can register for one of our classes by clicking on the Open Details link to the right of any of the classes, then clicking on the registration link for the date and time you wish to attend. Here you will also find a class description and class handouts.

  • If you are having trouble locating a particular class, press control + F (command + F for MacOS) and type a keyword for the class that you are looking for. For example, if you were looking for classes about using Ancestry, simply type "ancestry" in the search field and it will take you to that class. Click here to see an animated guide.

*We recommend joining classes 5-10 minutes before they start to resolve any connection issues.

Classes will be hosted through Zoom. Please be sure to create an account before your class at the website zoom.us. Your confirmation email from the registered class will include a zoom link to join your class. The day of the registered class click on the zoom link and be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled class. Also, please meet requested prerequisites.

For help with Zoom, select one of the links below.

Instructions for Zoom Partication Registration.pdf
Zoom Classroom video
Zoom Classroom.pdf
Zoom for FamilySearch Classes Video
Zoom Para FamilySearch.pdf

FAMILYSEARCH BEGINNING CLASSES

Navigating FamilySearch - Debbie Armstrong

Are you interested in discovering your family heritage? A beginning class in researching your family history will be taught online by the Los Angeles FamilySearch Library. The class is free, and will be taught using Zoom.

Class Handouts
Intro to FamilySearch pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates



Blue Box Hints - Leslie Hackney

What are those blue boxes? Where can I find them? Can I trust them? Let FamilySearch’s computer system do some of your research for you. It’s painless and only takes a few minutes. This is a 20 minute class for FamilySearch beginners.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Descendancy Charts - Cindy Mills

Learn how to use the FS Descendancy features to systematically locate and/or verify members of your ancestor's families. There will be a specific emphasis on looking for missing family members. We will seek to accomplish this by searching in FS databases and those of other family history websites for vital records and other ancestral documents.

Class Handouts
Descendancy Charts

Upcoming Dates



Memories App - Roy Sherman

This class focuses on adding memories using the Memories app. Participants will learn to add photos, add details and learn to add audio to make their photos more interesting.

Class Handouts
Memories App Handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


Using the Family Tree App - Roy Sherman

Learn all about how to use the Family Tree app on your phone. FamilySearch has made using the app simple and convenient.

Class Handouts
How to use FamilySearch Mobile Apps pdf 2021
Using the FamilySearch Tree Smart Phone Mobile App pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


FAMILYSEARCH INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED CLASSES

Finding Original Records - Debbie Armstrong

Sometimes an image to an original record is not attached to the indexed information. In this class you will learn how to find the original record. The following class, “Saving Documents as Sources” will teach you how to create a source for the original record you have found.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Saving Records as Sources - Debbie Armstrong

This class will help you learn to add scanned documents as sources. We will fill out the Sources window with the important information about a person contained in the document and then attach it to that person. We will also learn how to attach records in the Source Box to people. Please come prepared with a couple of scanned documents that you would like to attach to someone.

Class Handouts
Saving Documents as Sources pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


Source Box - Leslie Hackney

Everything you needed to know about the Source Box and maybe some things that you never knew you needed to know.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates

  • Friday, January 21, 2pm



Adding Records Using the Source Linker - Cindy Mills

We will model and practice two ways to locate FS indexed records… finding selected Record Hints (those little blue squares) and exploring Search Records in FamilySearch. A "Steps with Pictures" handout will guide us through the process including how to attach records to our ancestors made easy by the specially designed Source Linker program.  Importantly, you will have the opportunity to practice with a consultant attaching records to your ancestors.  Due to the hands-on nature of this class, the duration is 1½ hours.

Class Handouts
Attaching Family Records to FT using the Source Linker

Upcoming Dates



Merging/Unmerging Duplicates - Cindy Mills

In this class we tackle the challenges of Merging and Unmerging Duplicates in a made-up family where we can practice the STEPS without doing harm to our own family in Family Tree. We refer to fictitious SOURCES to help us make merging decisions. Both STEPS and SOURCE handouts are provided ahead of class. Unmerging may be more difficult than merging, so there will be direction and practice in that. Due to the hands-on nature of this class, the duration is 1½ hours.

Class Handouts
Merging & Unmerging Exercise
Sources for Merging

Upcoming Dates


3 Ways to Merge - Janis Chandler

You have a duplicate. Three ways on FamilySearch to merge. We will show you how to merge by ID, merging using the source linker and merging by breaking a relationship.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates



Fixing Relationships - Belinda Hanks

When you find your family tree a little mixed up, don't be alarmed, it can be fixed.  You will have the opportunity to practice the steps that can straighten out your tree as you attend the class on "Fixing Relationships in FamilySearch."

Class Handouts
How to Edit and Fix Relationships in FamilySearch

Upcoming Dates


Puzzilla - Lara Turner

You think that all the work has been done, but what about cousins, 2nd cousins once removed? Puzzilla can help you find these ancestors.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Adding Memories to FamilySearch - Debbie Armstrong

Learn how to add photos, documents and stories to the Memories section on FamilySearch. Come prepared with a photo ready to upload into FamilySearch.

Class Handouts
Memories Handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


RESEARCH TOOLS

BEGINNING

The Research Process/Gather Known Information - Debbie Armstrong

In this class you will learn what information to gather about your family, how to fill out a pedigree chart and family group record sheet, and how to organize the genealogical material you have gathered.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates


The Research Process/Choose a Research Goal - Debbie Armstrong

In this class we will learn how to use special tools in FamilySearch to analyze what we already know about an ancestor and form research questions based on that analysis. Then we will write a research goal and divide that goal into smaller steps that can be recorded in the FamilySearch To-Do List.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Wiki Intro - Leslie Hackney

In 20 minutes you can learn how to filter out what you don't need, so that you can successfully focus on the tools and sources that will help you get started on searching for your ancestors, wherever they came from.

Class Handouts
Wiki Intro handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


US Census Records - Marlene Lee

Learn how to explore the Federal Census records to seek out your ancestors. Federal Census Records, from 1790 to 1940, are available online and contain valuable information about members of your family tree. Join us for an hour of instruction and then you can have one on one help to get you started.

Class Handouts
US Census Record handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


Vital Records - Debbie Armstrong

Civil records, church records, vital records. Birth, marriage and death records have different names depending on who created or retained them, and frequently contain information about family relationships that is extremely helpful to researchers. This class will discuss where to find these types of records, depending on time period, location and religion.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


INTERMEDIATE

Advanced Wiki - Cindy Mills

Explore the Power of the Research Wiki - FamilySearch’s online family history encyclopedia. Learn how Locality pages, Record Type pages and more can help you do your family history research and how the new Guided Research links can take you to key birth, marriage, and death databases to find those precious vital records. You will have an opportunity to work with a consultant to see what is available to help you research your ancestor. Because this class includes hands-on guided research, the duration will be 1½ hours.

Class Handouts
Research Wiki Handout pdf
FS Research Wiki Exercise 1-28 2021 png

Upcoming Dates


Newspapers & Obituaries - Janis Chandler

Learn how to explore the Federal Census records to seek out your ancestors. Federal Census Records, from 1790 to 1940, are available online and contain valuable information about members of your family tree. Join us for an hour of instruction and then you can have one on one help to get you started.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


The Research Process/Find New Information - Debbie Armstrong

Learn basic tips for searching for records for your ancestors. Using the search tab, search for FamilySearch Records, Images, and Catalog.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


ADVANCED

DNA Part I - Ralph Armstrong

Learn about at/mt/yDNA testing and strategy on which tests to take. Basic DNA vocabulary will be discussed and misconceptions about taking the tests.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Immigration and Naturalization

This class will help you find your immigrant ancestor, by not only the ships lists and naturalization records but more.

Class Handouts
Immigration Worklist pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates

  • This is a pre-recorded presentation by Yvonne Sorenson, AG Course title: Immigration - Crossing the Pond, part 1: Collecting Records

Description: In order to search for your ancestor in the records in Europe, you need to know the town of origin. If you do not know the town of origin, you need to start searching in United States records. This lesson will teach you what U.S. records you can collect to help you find where your ancestor came from before arriving in the United States. Click here to view this pre-recorded presentation.

Crossing the Pond, part 2: U.S. Passenger Lists Part 2 will teach you about U.S. Passenger Lists, and what information you can find to help discover where your ancestor came from before arriving in the United States. Click here to view this pre-recorded presentation.
Crossing the Pond, part 3: European Sources Part 3 will teach you what European records are available to help you determine where your ancestor came from in Europe. Click here to view this pre-recorded presentation.


Russian/Jewish Research - Roy Sherman

A review of how I found my Russian, Jewish ancestors. Using the tools that assist in research and status of Russian records.

Class Handouts
Russian Research pdf

Upcoming Dates



Swedish Research - Leslie Hackney

Sweden's Church records are amazingly detailed, and navigating them is easy on Ancestry.com. Research strategies and helps will also be covered.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates



Italian Research - Lynnette Kelly

This class will show you how to find birth, marriage, and death records in Italy by using the research wiki. You will also learn some tools and strategies in your search for Italian records.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates



CLASES DE ESPAÑOL

Reseña de FamilySearch - Sister Salazar

Una introducción a FamilySearch. Pautas para comenzar tu propio Árbol Familiar. Regístrate GRATIS.

Class Handouts
Reseña de FamilySearch Handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates



Búsquedas Eficaces - Margarita Salazar

Estrategias para encontrar y adjuntar registros originales a tus antepasados en FamilySearch. Regístrate GRATIS.

Class Handouts
Búsquedas Eficaces Handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


La aplicación ‘Recuerdos’ en iPhone/Android - Salazar/Kelly C

Utilizando la aplicación Memories App para adjuntar fotos y documentos en FamilySearch. Regístrate GRATIS.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


ANCESTRY.COM

Syncing your FamilySearch and Ancestry Trees - Leslie Hackney

Did you know that there’s a shortcut for transferring information and sources between FamilySearch and Ancestry.com? This tool requires a Church of Jesus Christ Membership Ancestry account (AKA a partnership account.) In 20 minutes you can learn how to save yourself hours of work with a few clicks of the mouse.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Ancestry.com Making it Work for You! 3 Classes - Jackie Ireland

Ancestry I: Overview- Jackie Ireland

Take advantage of the power that is Ancestry. Prime focus is on understanding the power of public trees in Ancestry. On-line learning opportunities are also explored. Become familiar with the subscription types available to you.

Class Handouts

Ancestry.com Making it Work for You! Part 1 pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates



Ancestry II - Effective Searching on Ancestry Jackie Ireland

Be aware of three important things to consider prior to beginning your search. Explore in depth the places we generally begin our search – Tree Hints and their companion Suggested Records and the general All Records search. Learn the value of also beginning a search in the Ancestry Card Catalog.


Class Handouts

Ancestry.com Making it Work for You! pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


Ancestry III: Effective Searching-Jackie Ireland

Increase your familiarity with searching within Ancestry Specific Categories and Special Collections. Become conversant with the variety of options available to you as you decide what data elements to include in your searches.

Class Handouts

Ancestry.com Making it Work for You! Part III pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates



INDEXING

Beginner's Indexing - Janis Chandler

It is so exciting to find a hint for that dear ancestor. Indexing is the process of taking information from historical records images and putting it into a digital format. Indexing turns the records into searchable sources, allowing researchers to find and attach them to ancestors in their family tree in FamilySearch, i.e. HINTS! Your help is needed! No matter your experience, a refresher course is always helpful and you might just learn new tricks. This class is also helpful for beginners.


Class Handouts
How do I use FamilySearch Indexing pdf 2021

Other Sources:
Indexing Icons

Upcoming Dates


Intermediate Indexing - Janis Chandler

Indexing is the process of taking information from historical records images and putting it into a digital format. Indexing turns the records into searchable sources, allowing researchers to find and attach them to ancestors in their family tree in FamilySearch. Your help is needed.

Class Handouts
How do I use FamilySearch Indexing pdf 2021

Other Sources:
Indexing Icons

Upcoming Dates



Advanced Indexing - Janis Chandler

Indexing helps all people find their ancestors. Indexing is the process of digitizing records and we hope to give you some ideas of how to improve. Come and see how your help is needed!

Class Handouts
How do I use FamilySearch Indexing pdf 2021

Other Sources:
Indexing Icons

Upcoming Dates



Indexing and Handwriting Tips - Janis Chandler

This class will help you find resources to help read handwriting from different eras as well as different countries. This is a helpful introduction for anyone who has needed to read records from another country.

Class Handouts
How do I use FamilySearch Indexing pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates



SPECIALTIES

AFRICAN-AMERICAN RESEARCH

African American Research Classes - Jackie Ireland

African American Research Part I - Jackie Ireland

Inasmuch as African American research post-1870 is the same as United States research, focus is upon the two best websites for US research. Therefore, this class explores African American research on Family Search.org and Ancestry.com, the best free and paid subscription websites respectively for family history research.

Class Handouts

African American Research part 1 pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates

African American Research Part II - Jackie Ireland

African-American-specific family history websites are the focus of this class. Included are well-known sites, such as Afrigeneas, as well as outstanding sites selected annually as a part of the 101 best genealogy websites featured in Family Tree Magazine. Major websites that feature African American collections are also included.

Class Handouts

African American Research part 2 pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates



African America History Research using Pre and Post 1870 Resources - Dr Edna Briggs

Check here for more updates!

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


MEXICAN AND GERMAN RESEARCH WITH JOHN SCHMAL

German Geography and History

Many people know that they have German ancestors, but they know and understand very little about German history. This presentation explores Germany’s history over the centuries, utilizing several maps. There will also be a discussion of the factors that led so many Germans to come to America during the Nineteenth Century. In addition, profiles of the primary states will be discussed.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates


Tracing Your German Roots

This presentation will discuss certain research techniques for locating your German ancestors. John will discuss certain tools for LOCATING A PLACE OF ORIGIN (which is essential to even beginning your search). He will also show the attendees how to use some of the German databases available on the web. Handouts will be included.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates


Tracing Your California Roots Through FamilySearch

This presentation discusses how you can do research on your California roots, utilizing the FamilySearch catalog. Many people don’t realize how valuable the catalog is, but sample searches will show people how to utilize the catalog to find the records you are looking for.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates

  • March 20 (Link coming soon)

Indigenous Guanajuato and Michoacán

This presentation will explore the history of the indigenous groups of these two Mexican states. Both Guanajuato and Michoacán were conquered by the Spaniards in the Sixteenth Century, but many Americans are curious about the history of their distant indigenous ancestors, including the Purépecha (Tarascans), Otomies, Guamares and Pames.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates

  • April 16 (Link coming soon)

Indigenous Mexico: An Introduction to Mexico’s Remarkable Diversity

John Schmal’s presentation “Indigenous Mexico: An Introduction to Mexico’s Remarkable Diversity” is a PowerPoint Presentation that discusses many aspects of Mexico’s indigenous people from the pre-colonial days to the most recent censuses. This lecture will help the attendees to understand that Mexico’s indigenous peoples thrived in every corner of Mexico. While many of the original native groups have disappeared as “distinguishable cultural entities,” many others still survive today in many parts of the today’s Mexican Republic. And although most Mexicans do not speak indigenous languages, recent census data indicates that many do recognize their indigenous roots, thanks to the “autoadscripción indígena” (indigenous self-identification) policy utilized by the Mexican census since 2000.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates

  • May 21 (Link coming soon)

Finding Your Roots in Mexico

If your ancestors came from Mexico, you have a unique opportunity that is not available to many other ethnic groups. Many Mexican church records going back over 300 years are filled with details that are lacking in many other countries. Some Mexican records even go back to the 1500s and 1600s and many of them are available to you in the comfort of your home. Veteran genealogist John Schmal will show attendees how to access the records of their Mexican ancestors online and give them pointers about how to use that information once you have located it.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates

  • June 25 (Link coming soon)

Online Class Offerings

Oakland FamilySearch Library
Sacramento FamilySearch Library
Orange County FamilySearch Library
St. George FamilySearch Center
Ogden FamilySearch Center
Layton FamilySearch Center
Riverton FamilySearch Library
Lehi FamilySearch Classes
Classes in the Learning Center
BYU Webinars

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