Los Angeles California FamilySearch Center/Online Classes

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  • Classes are hosted through Zoom.
  • Please be sure to create a zoom account before your class begins at zoom.us.
    • Click here if you need help setting up Zoom.
  • We recommend joining classes 5-10 minutes early to resolve any connection issues.


FAMILYSEARCH CLASSES

BEGINNING

FamilySearch Home Page - Teresa Carter

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

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Person Page - Teresa Carter

In this class you will learn how to navigate the person page. You will learn how to add and edit information, how to add family members, and how to personalize the layout of your page. You will be shown how to do a basic search.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Get Involved Button on FamilySearch - Janis Chandler

Learn how you can contribute by using the Get Involved Button on FamilySearch. You can help lost people get found, by reviewing names and fixing mistakes. Even a few minutes a day from your phone can make a difference. FamilySearch is free, this is one way you can give back. Learn how to GET INVOLVED.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


FamilySearch Research Help - Tana Jenkins

Learn how to use the FamilySearch “Research Help” feature to identify data problems, possible duplicate identities, historical records that may pertain to your ancestor, dates and locations that should be standardized and other research suggestions to improve your ancestor’s profile.

Class Handoutshttps://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/what-are-research-helps-in-family-tree

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 - Clark Jenkins

In this class we will cover how the Family History Guide works, what is available and how it can help you as you learn to use FamilySearch and this will enhance your Family History journey.

Class Handouts
Memories Handout pdf 2021

Upcoming Dates


Fan Chart - Teresa Carter

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 - Joan Purdy

The class focus will be on using the Memories phone app to add photos, documents, stories and audio. You will also learn how to add audio to your photos enhancing your memory experience. Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Using the Family Tree Phone App - Joan Purdy

This class teaches all about how to use the Family Tree app on your phone. FamilySearch has made the Family Tree app simple and convenient. The FamilySearch app makes your FamilySearch experience a very mobile ‘on the go’ experience. You will be able to work on your family history anywhere, access your pictures and stories and share them wherever you are. Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Beginning Wiki Research by Tana Jenkins

Have you ever heard of Wiki? This class will go through the basic and easy way to use the FamilySearch Wiki. Wiki is a genealogical guide that contains links to genealogy databases, websites, other resources, research strategies, and genealogical guidance to assist in the search for your ancestors. Articles included are locality pages for countries around the world and topic pages that include pertinent genealogy record types explaining how to use the record, what it contains, and how to find it.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Saving Sources from Indexed FamilySearch Records - Bill Anderson

Learn to save sources from FamilySearch's millions of historical indexed records to your ancestor's source page. We'll learn about the difference between indexed and unindexed records.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Did You Know? by various Staff Members

These are classes designed to share quick tips that will help in your Family History journey. They are 15 minute classes that will cover different subjects each week, from computer hacks, to phone app, to building your own story, discovering your families stories, adding pictures from your phone camera to the tree, activities you can do, and many other tips to learn in 15 minutes that will show you ways to enhance your Family History experiences.



INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED

Saving Sources from Outside Databases - Clark Jenkins

Did you know that you can save sources from your own paper documents, digitized images or other online databases to your ancestor in FamilySearch's Family Tree? Learn how in this 30 minute class.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates
Click here to join class.


Using the FamilySearch Catalog - Clark Jenkins

Learn how to search the entire FamilySearch database using the Catalog. This will include searching indexed and unindexed records, book titles and authors, and keyword searches. Learn how to navigate through unindexed record collections to find digitized original records.

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 (PowerPoint)
Attaching FS Records to Family Tree using the Source Linker (PDF)

Upcoming Dates


Merging Duplicates - Cindy Mills

In this class, we tackle the challenges of Merging Duplicates in a made-up family (in beta.familysearch) by following a specific EXERCISE handout. We refer to fictitious SOURCES to help us make merging decisions. Thus, we can practice these processes without doing harm to our own family in Family Tree. Handouts can be printed from the links below. Class Handouts
Merging Exercise page 1
Merging Exercise page 2
Sources for Merging

Upcoming Dates


Unmerging Duplicates - Cindy Mills

Unmerging may be a great class to piggyback onto the merging class. Sometimes we find that merges have taken place that should not have taken place so we must perform an unmerge. We will show you how to unmerge in this class and you will be able to practice in this 1/2 hour class. We will use the same made up family as used in the merging class (in beta.familysearch). By following a specific EXERCISE handout you will beable to reverse the process and learn how to unmerge with our doing harm to our own tree in familysearch. Handouts can be printed and are linked below.

Class Handouts
Unmerging Exercise page 1
Unmerging Exercise page 2

Upcoming Dates


3 Ways to Merge - Janis Chandler

You have a duplicate. Three ways in 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 learn the steps to take to 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


Fun with Puzzilla - Annette Hurst

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


FamilySearch Search Tab - Tana Jenkins

In this class you will learn about the kind of searches you can do using the search drop down tab in FamilySearch. This is a basic informational class. Learn why and how to use the search tab, search for FamilySearch Records, Images, and items in the Catalog. Very basic class to give you information about what is available.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


The Research Process/Evaluate - Shauna Longstaff

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

BEGINNING

Vital Records - Shauna Longstaff

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 Handout 2023

Upcoming Dates


US Census Records - Bill Anderson

In this class you will learn about census records, why we have them and how to use them in your research. Every census has different information that can help in your search. In the class we will go over each census record and point out information that is not on other censuses. When you look at the whole line left to right you will find hidden treasures.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


British Census Records - Judy Anderson

This class will be very similar to the US Census Records class. We will examine the British Census Records, one by one and share the information on each census that will help you discover more about your family from the British Isles.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Gather Known Information - Shauna Longstaff

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


Choose a Research Goal (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


Probate and Land Records - Shauna Longstaff

This class will cover a brief history of the United States land record, discuss what they can tell you and how they can extend your family tree. You will learn how to find them using the FamilySearch wiki and catalog, and BLM GLO records. The class will focus on using websites to find land records. Handouts will provide sources for further study of probate and land records.

Class Handouts
Probate and Land Records Handout 2023

Upcoming Dates


Immigration and Naturalization Records - Shauna Longstaff

This class will cover a brief history of the United States immigration and naturalization records, how they can help you extend your family tree, especially in the country of origin, and how to find and access the records. The class will focus on finding ancestors in immigration and naturalization records in online sources. Handouts will share online resources that discuss immigration and naturalization history and records in more detail.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


INTERMEDIATE

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


Brickwall Busters by Sheri Mora-Bass

Each month Sherri will share a new technique that she has learned and used to help break through those pesky brick walls we all have in our family trees. Join us each month on the 2nd Wednesday at 2:00 to learn a new technique.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Using Ancestry - Mark Richardson

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

Upcoming Dates


ADVANCED

DNA - Shauna Longstaff

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. Learn strategies and available tools in finding missing ancestors and identifying relationships. Strategies include using various data banks and tools provided by DTC DNA testing companies.

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)


Brick Walls - Best Way to Break 'Em Down - Cindy Mills

In this advanced class you will learn how to copy multiple census pages for a particular location and quickly transfer the data to a spreadsheet, where it can be easily evaluated. This powerful process allows you to gather, sort. and filter information electronically for many individuals. This process increases your ability to see important details that are readily missed in a normal page by page search. YOU MUST HAVE ACCESS TO:

  • Access to Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel,
  • A computer with a keyboard,
  • Access to Ancestry census records (preferred) OR FamilySearch

Please open the following links to handouts and print a copy before class. Class Handouts

Note:Using Excel for Census Transfer Handout
Upcoming Dates


AULAS EM PORTUGUÊS

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


CLASES DE ESPAÑOL

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)



INDEXING

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

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 Flyer
German Geography and History January 2024

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Surname Research Techniques and Websites

John P. Schmal will discuss surname databases for the various countries of Europe and the United States. Surname distribution maps and databases can be used to determine where your surname originated in a given country. They can be especially useful for unusual and rare surnames. There will also be a discussion of techniques for how to better understand your results.

Class Flyer

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

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 PowerPoint presentation, 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, and Spanish land grants, many of which can be accessed through FamilySearch.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


The History of the Indians of Northeast Mexico by John Schmal

Learn about the ancestors of the Tejanos.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Resources for New Mexico Genealogical Research by John Schmal

This is a lecture to assist people with their research into New Mexico’s genealogical records. Using a PowerPoint presentation and at least a dozen pages of handouts, genealogist John Schmal will discuss many of the resources for New Mexico Genealogical Research, including FamilySearch.org.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Finding Your Indigenous Roots in Mexico

Lecture: This is a lecture to help people learn about doing genealogical research for their Indian roots in Mexico. Using a PowerPoint presentation, genealogist John Schmal will show examples of Indian baptisms and marriages from various parts of the country. He will also discuss the issue of tribal identity and the use of the generic term "indio" in Catholic Church records as early as the 1600s. Some of the challenges of tracing indigenous families beyond several generations will be discussed.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


Researching Your Indian Ancestors in Jalisco

This is a lecture to help people research their indigenous roots in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Using a PowerPoint presentation, genealogist John Schmal will show examples of Indian baptisms and marriages from the colonial period in Jalisco. He will also discuss the issue of tribal identity. Several maps will show tribal territories in Jalisco during the Sixteenth Century.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


ONLINE CLASS OFFERINGS

Oakland California FamilySearch Center Classes
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Layton Utah FamilySearch Center Classes
Riverton Utah FamilySearch Center Classes
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Classes in the Learning Center
BYU Webinars

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