FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject Iowa Tasks - Vital Records Intro

WikiProject Iowa Wiki Project Iowa Tasks - Vital Records Intro

Description
The purpose of this task is to add the introduction to vital records on Iowa county pages.

This task is beginner task and requires basic experience with copying and pasting in wikitext.

New to the wiki?


 * See Help to request individual mentoring or to join community discussions.
 * See Editing Help – Online Video Demonstration.
 * See Editing Articles – Online Class.
 * Call FamilySearch at 866-406-1830 in North America for live help.
 * M–F 8–5, except Thurs 11–5 (All times Mountain Time)

Questions about editing this project?


 * See Wiki Project Iowa Objectives and Guiding Principles.
 * See Wiki Project Iowa Style and Guidelines.

'''You may wish to print these instructions before you begin editing. ''' To Print:


 * Go to the top right-hand corner of the page within the the white area.
 * Locate the word Print or the icon of a printer. Click on the icon.
 * Print.

Instructions
1. Check the Assignment Chart below to choose a county to edit.

2. Sign up on the Assignment Chart to accept the task. Sign-up instructions are posted with the Assignment Chart below.

3. For each county, you will add information to the county page by editing in wikitext. Read the general instructions then follow the wikitext link to continued task directions about using wikitext to edit this project.


 * If you have questions about editing, go to wiki help links under the heading Description.

4. Mark the Assignment Chart below to indicate you have finished the task.

5. Also, report your finished task on the Iowa FamilySearch Completed Task Google Form. Follow the instructions on the Google form. This step is important for documenting completed wiki volunteer work. Thank you!

Wikitext Editing Instructions
1. Click on your chosen county name in the Assignment Chart. This will take you to your county page.

2. Login to the FamilySearch wiki using your FamilySearch login name and password. Find the sign-in area in the top right-hand corner of the page.

3. Scroll to the heading Vital Records.

4. Open the Vital Records heading for editing by clicking on the pen in square on the right-hand side of the page, opposite the heading title.

5. Click on the word wikitext in the toolbox at the top left of the edit box.

6. Place your cursor immediately after the heading Vital Records and strike the enter key on your keyboard.

7. While in wiki text, copy and paste the following template under the heading Vital Records:



8. Save the page.

9. Click on the blue links you just added.


 * a. Iowa Vital Records
 * b. [Your county name] Probate Court (twice)
 * c. Iowa Department of Health
 * d. Iowa Historical Society
 * e. [Your county name] Clerk of Courts

10. If any of these links do not work, please contact FamilySearch at the number listed in Description above.

11. Save the page and exit. The task is complete.

Example of Completed Heading
See Iowa Vital Records for more information about Vital records in Iowa.

Vital records consist of birth, death, marriage and divorce records. The Iowa vital records system began July 1, 1880 when the State Board of Health was established by legislation. A few counties, prior to 1880, recorded some events, but little information is found. Between 1880 and 1921 approximately 50 percent of births and deaths were recorded.

Original marriage records are held at the office of the Mahoning County Probate Court. with divorce records located with the Mahoning County Clerk of Courts.

Example of a Completed Section
See Monona County, Iowa Vital Records

Assignment Chart
If you are accepting this task:


 * 1. Sign in to the wiki at the upper right-hand corner of this page. Use your FamilySearch account username and password.
 * 2. Open the Assignment Chart for editing by clicking on the check mark in the box at the right opposite the Assignment Table heading.
 * 3. Place your cursor in the box under the heading Name/Date Task Accepted and opposite your county of choice.
 * 4. Not all counties are included in the chart below. If your county is not listed, this task is not needed for your county.
 * 5. Type 4 tildes (~). This symbol is located on the upper left-hand part of your keyboard, next to the number 1. The ~ is an electronic signature and will leave your user name and date when you signed.
 * 6. Scroll nearly to the bottom of the page. Add a summary sentence in the Summary box saying something like, "Selected Monona County for adding Family History Center".
 * 7. Click on the box "Save Page".
 * 8. You are now signed up to complete this task.

Return to Top of Page If you are completing this task:


 * Follow the same instructions as accepting the task, except place your cursor in the correct county box under the heading Date Completed. Change your summary sentence to something like, "Completed Monona County for societies."


 * Also, report your finished task on the Iowa FamilySearch Completed Task Google Form. Follow the instructions on the Google form. This step is important for documenting completed wiki volunteer work. Thank you!

