FamilySearch Wiki:FamilySearch Research Wiki
What is the FamilySearch Research Wiki?
The FamilySearch Research Wiki is a free, online genealogical guide created and maintained by FamilySearch, a non-profit organization. It 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. MediaWiki software is used to house this information.
Purpose of the FamilySearch Research Wiki
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors the FamilySearch Research Wiki. The Research Wiki is a private resource offered as a public service.
It was created to:
- Promote the activities of collecting, compiling, maintaining genealogical research for the use and benefit of everyone
- Offer educational resources by sharing information about genealogical methodology and records
- Assist in fulfilling the genealogical responsibilities of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Complete List of Purpose, Policies, and Procedures of the Research Wiki
Intended Wiki Audience
All are welcome to use the Wiki, however, the Research Wiki:
- Is written by and for genealogists.
- Is not written for beginners who are just getting started, nor is it written to entice individuals to become interested in genealogy.
- Though beginners may find helpful information, the Wiki is not intended for their skill level.
- Is designed for users that have previous genealogical experience.
Search Places and Topics, Not People
The Wiki does not contain specific individuals but instead lists genealogical resources that may list an individual. When searching the Research Wiki, search for the place your ancestor was born, lived, and died. If your ancestor, Robert Palmer Jones was born in Sussex, England, type in Sussex in the search field. The Sussex, England page will contain links to online databases and have Sussex topic pages regarding genealogical records pertaining to Sussex.
Searching the Wiki
- Browse the Wiki by country - List of all Country pages in the Wiki
- Browse the Wiki by content - Categories listing Wiki pages
Additional Research Help
Contributing to the Wiki - Changes Coming March 31, 2024
Contributors Expectations
In addition to FamilySearch Terms of Use, we require contributors not to use the Wiki as a forum for conjecture, gossip, or debate about the priorities, motives, processes, policies, or competence of FamilySearch or its personnel. These activities fall outside of the scope and use of this site and may result in loss of contributor privileges.
Final determination about the appropriateness of contributed content rests with FamilySearch.
How to Contribute to the Wiki
***UPDATE*** As of February 1, 2024, only FamilySearch Center personnel and FamilySearch affiliate library personnel will receive editing rights on the English Wiki. All other requests will be suspended until new training can be provided. Training will be available coming summer 2024. Until that time, community members who wish to add or change something on Wiki pages, can use the Submit Wiki Content/Report a problem form. FamilySearch Staff will review the requests and edit the Wiki accordingly.
Research Help
Current Community Contributors
***UPDATE*** On March 31, 2024, editing rights on the English Wiki will be suspended for current community contributors until training is released in summer 2024. Once training has been taken community contributors, editing rights may be granted. For more information. Exceptions: FamilySearch Center personnel and FamilySearch affiliate library personnel will continue to edit the English Wiki until July 1, 2024. Community members who wish to add or change something on Wiki pages, can use the Submit Wiki Content/Report a problem form. FamilySearch Staff will review the requests and edit the Wiki accordingly.
Guidelines for Adding Content to the Wiki
Notifications from the Wiki
Please note that you may receive email notifications from the FamilySearch Research Wiki concerning watched pages, messages left on your user talk page, and when your Wiki role changes. Use the instructions found on the Notifications Wiki page to change your notification preferences.