Los Angeles California FamilySearch Center/Online Classes

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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

CONSULTANT TRAINING CLASSES

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FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - Ancestry Institution by Leslie Hackney

Our FamilySearch Center Portal sites provide free access to websites that would normally require a subscription. The Portal sites can only be used at the Los Angeles FamilySearch Center or other local FamilySearch Centers. This class will show Family History Consultants how to use Ancestry Institution. Library patrons are also welcome.

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - Find My Past/Irish Ancestors by Debbie Armstrong

Our FamilySearch Center Portal sites provide free access to websites that would normally require a subscription. The Portal sites can only be used at the Los Angeles FamilySearch Center or other local FamilySearch Centers. This class will show Family History Consultants how to use Find My Past and a brand new portal site called Irish Ancestors. Library patrons are also welcome.

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - My Heritage/Geneanet by Debbie Armstrong

Our FamilySearch Center Portal sites provide free access to websites that would normally require a subscription. The Portal sites can only be used at the Los Angeles FamilySearch Center or other local FamilySearch Centers. This class will show Family History Consultants how to use My Heritage (European) and Geneanet (French). Library patrons are also welcome.

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - Newspaper Sites by Debbie Armstrong

Our FamilySearch Center Portal sites provide free access to websites that would normally require a subscription. The Portal sites can only be used at the Los Angeles FamilySearch Center or other local FamilySearch Centers. This class will show Family History Consultants how to use 19th Century British Library Newspapers, British Newspaper Archive, and Newspaper Archive. Library patrons are also welcome

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - Puzzilla by Randy Hemingway

Our FamilySearch Center Portal sites provide free access to websites that would normally require a subscription. The Portal sites can only be used at the Los Angeles FamilySearch Center or other local FamilySearch Centers. This class will show Family History Consultants how to use Puzzilla, a tool that will improve the quality of your tree and increase the effectiveness of your research efforts. Library patrons are also welcome.

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - Fold3 by Debbie Armstrong

Our FamilySearch Center Portal sites provide free access to websites that would normally require a subscription. The Portal sites can only be used at the Los Angeles FamilySearch Center or other local FamilySearch Centers. This class will show Family History Consultants how to use Fold3, a military records site. Library patrons are also welcome.

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - American Ancestors by Ralph Armstrong

Our FamilySearch Center Portal sites provide free access to websites that would normally require a subscription. The Portal sites can only be used at the Los Angeles FamilySearch Center or other local FamilySearch Centers. This class will show Family History Consultants how to use American Ancestors, a New England Historic Genealogy Society record research site. Library patrons are also welcome.

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - Arkiv Digital vs Ancestry by Leslie Hackney

Our FamilySearch Center Portal sites provide free access to websites that would normally require a subscription. The Portal sites can only be used at the Los Angeles FamilySearch Center or other local FamilySearch Centers. This class will provide Family History Consultants with a comparison between Arkiv Digital and Ancestry for Swedish research. Library patrons are also welcome.

Upcoming Dates


Planning for an Effective FamilySearch Consultation by Randy Hemingway

We’ll discuss how to have an effective and successful initial consultation with a new FamilySearch learner. FamilySearch allows a consultant direct access to any user’s family tree. In addition, the Consultant Planner tool can assist in developing a simple and concise lesson plan that will empower the new learner.

Upcoming Dates


Research 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 12-8-22 pdf
FS Research Wiki Exercise 1-28 2021 png

Upcoming Dates



FAMILYSEARCH CLASSES

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BEGINNING

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Navigating FamilySearch - Randy Hemingway

New to FamilySearch? Come and learn how to set up a free FamilySearch account. You will learn how to navigate FamilySearch/Family Tree, how to build your family tree, and how to take advantage of the fun and powerful tools FamilySearch has to offer.

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 ppt 2022

Upcoming Dates


Adding Memories to FamilySearch - Randy Hemingway

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


Fan Chart - Janette Hemingway

This class will teach you about six different tools you can use while viewing the fan chart and how to access them. We will also look at the person details page and basic tools in FamilySearch.

Upcoming Dates


Memories Phone App - Debbie Armstrong (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


Using the Family Tree Phone App - Debbie Armstrong (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED

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Using the FamilySearch Catalog - Debbie Armstrong

Learn advanced tips for finding records about your ancestors. Using the search tab, search for FamilySearch Records, Images, and Catalog.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Find Original Records/Save as Sources - Debbie Armstrong

Sometimes an image to an original record is not linked to the indexed information. In this class you will learn how to find original records and add scanned documents as sources. We will fill out the source form with a citation, web address, and important information from the document, and then attach it to that person. We will also learn how to attach records from the Source Box to individual people. Please come prepared with some scanned, digitized documents that you would like to attach to Family Tree.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Source Box - Leslie Hackney

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

Class Handouts
Source Box Presentation pdf

Upcoming Dates


Source Box 2 - Leslie Hackney

In this class we will learn how to add sources three different ways. We will fill out the source form with a citation, web address, and important information from the document, and then attach it to a person page. We will also learn how to attach a memory source to a person's sources and records from the Source Box to individual people.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates



Attaching 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 ppt
Attaching Family Records to FT using the Source Linker (PowerPoint)
Attaching FS Records using the Source Linker pdf
Attaching FS Records using the Source Linker (PDF)

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 Intro ppt 2022
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 - Randy Hemingway

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


The Research Process/Find New Information - Debbie Armstrong

Learn advanced tips for finding records about your ancestors. Using the search tab, search for FamilySearch Records, Images, and Catalog.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


The Research Process/Evaluate - Debbie Armstrong

Learn how to evaluate records for accuracy and reliability, how to gather and organize information found on records, and identify what questions to consider when new or conflicting information is found on a record.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


RESEARCH TOOLS

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BEGINNING

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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
(Available for groups upon request)


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
Vital Records 2022

Upcoming Dates


Gather Known Information - Debbie Armstrong (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


Choose a Research Goal - Debbie Armstrong (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


US Census Records - Marlene Lee (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


INTERMEDIATE

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Research 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
Wiki Exercise
PowerPoint Slides

Upcoming Dates


Newspapers and Obituaries - Janis Chandler

This class looks at NewspaperArchive.com as a resource for finding information about your ancestor(s). There are millions of newspaper pages available at the site and they are adding over 2 million pages per month. Often there are obituaries that can give information not only about the ancestor but also the entire family which is a great resource when building your family tree.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


ADVANCED

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Brick Walls Pt 1 - Tools of Destruction - Cindy Mills

Using cluster research to help solve difficult problems. Learn how to copy and paste information on census records into an excel sheet and filter the results so the computer is doing all the work for you. Due to the hands-on nature of this class, the duration is 2 hours.

PREPARATION NOTICE: (Download the Excel or Google Sheets Handout) ZOOM Class: Access to Excel or Google Sheets required. LIBRARY Class: Access to Google Sheets required. NEED HELP: Come to Zoom Class or Library Class 15 minutes early to receive help in registering for a google account.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates

  • TBD

Brick Walls Pt 2 - Best Way To Break 'Em Down! - Cindy Mills

Do you have a difficult problem to solve? Use cluster research to help you. Learn how to copy and paste information on census records into an excel sheet and filter the results so the computer is doing all the work for you. Due to the hands-on nature of this class, the duration is 2 hours.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


DNA Part 1 - 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


DNA Part 2 - Ralph Armstrong

Review DNA vocabulary and discuss markers used for matches. Learn strategies for using test results in genealogical research. Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Brazilian Research/FamilySearch Catalog - Adriana Gehr and Karol Arimateyah

Learn how to search for original records in the FamilySearch catalog. Records are organized geographically first and then chronologically by date. In order to search the records, a name, date, place, and event is necessary. We will show you how to find records in both indexed and unindexed record books.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Russian/Caucasian Research - Armen Wood (Available for groups upon request)

This class will provide useful information and tips to do research for your Russian, Armenian, and Georgian ancestors.

Class Handouts
Russian/Caucasian Research ppt 2022

Upcoming Dates
(Available for groups upon request)


Swedish Research - Leslie Hackney (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


Italian Research - Lynnette Kelly (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


CLASES DE ESPAÑOL

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Reseña de FamilySearch - Margarita Salazar (Available for groups upon request)

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

Class Handouts
Reseña de FamilySearch Handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates
(Available for groups upon request)


Búsquedas Eficaces - Margarita Salazar (Available for groups upon request)

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

Class Handouts
Búsquedas Eficaces Handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates
(Available for groups upon request)


La aplicación ‘Recuerdos’ en iPhone/Android - Margarita Salazar (Available for groups upon request)

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

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates
(Available for groups upon request)


ANCESTRY.COM

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

Ancestry 1: 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

Upcoming Dates




Ancestry 2 - 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 3: 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 2022

Upcoming Dates


Syncing your FamilySearch and Ancestry Trees - Leslie Hackney (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


INDEXING

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Beginning Indexing - Janis Chandler (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


Intermediate Indexing - Janis Chandler (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


Advanced Indexing - Janis Chandler (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


Indexing and Handwriting Tips - Janis Chandler (Available for groups upon request)

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
(Available for groups upon request)


SPECIALTIES

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MEXICAN AND GERMAN RESEARCH WITH JOHN SCHMAL

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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



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
Finding Your Roots in Mexico November 2022

Upcoming Dates

  • Saturday, April 15, time TBA Registration required. (link coming soon)

Finding Your Roots in Germany

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


The History of Indigenous Veracruz and Puebla by John P. Schmal

The present-day states of Veracruz and Puebla were both conquered by the Aztecs and, a century later, they were conquered by the Spaniards. In spite of this turmoil, both states have maintained significant indigenous populations up to the present day. In fact, in the 2010 census, Puebla and Veracruz contained more than half of all the Náhuatl speakers in Mexico. Using a PowerPointpresentation, genealogist John Schmal will discuss the indigenous people that inhabited both states from 1500 to the present day.

Class Handouts


Upcoming Dates


Tracing Your Pre-1848 California Roots by John P. Schmal

John P. Schmal will discuss the many dimensions of exploring your pre-1848 California Roots (Indigenous, Mexican, and Spanish). After a short discussion of California's diversity at the time of the Spanish contact, John will discuss the many techniques and resources available for exploring your California roots. These will include Mission Records, the California Early Population Project, land records, court records, Spanish land grants, many of which can be accessed through FamilySearch.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


ONLINE CLASS OFFERINGS

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Oakland California FamilySearch Center
Sacramento California FamilySearch Center
Orange County California FamilySearch Center
George Utah FamilySearch Center/Classes St. George FamilySearch Center
Ogden FamilySearch Center
Layton FamilySearch Center
Utah FamilySearch Center/Online_Classes Riverton Utah FamilySearch Center
Lehi FamilySearch Classes
Classes in the Learning Center
BYU Webinars

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