Los Angeles California FamilySearch Center/Online Classes

 See Monthly Class Schedule Here

Advanced Registration is not required at this time.
 * Classes are hosted through Zoom.
 * Please be sure to create an 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.

CONSULTANT TRAINING CLASSES (Sunday Afternoon)  Planning for an Effective FamilySearch Consultation

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

 FamilySearch Center Portal Sites - Syncing Ancestry & Family Search by Leslie Hackney

Learn how to use tools that easily allow partner access Ancestry.com accounts to sync with FamilySearch. Library patrons are 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
 * Sunday, April 30th, 4pm Click here to join meeting on April 30, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

 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
 * Sunday, April 16th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

 Using the Family Tree App - Bob Hurst Learn all about how to use the Family Tree app on your phone. FamilySearch has made the Family Tree app simple and convenient.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates
 * Sunday, May 7th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

FAMILYSEARCH CLASSES BEGINNING  Navigating FamilySearch 1/Home Page - Tana Jenkins

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


 * Wednesday, May 3rd, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

 Navigating FamilySearch 2/Person Page - Tana Jenkins

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.

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates


 * Tuesdasy, April 25th, 4pm Registration required. Click here to register.
 * Wednesday, May 17th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

 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


 * Tuesday, May 30th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

 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


 * Thursday, May 11th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

 Adding Memories to FamilySearch - Clark Jenkins

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


 * Tuesday, May 9th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

 Fan Chart - Clark Jenkins

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


 * Saturday April 29th, 11am Registration required. Click here to register.
 * Tuesday, May 16th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

 Using the Family Tree Phone App - Bob Hurst

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


 * Sunday, May 7th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED

 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


 * Tuesday, May 2nd, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

 Saving Sources - Leslie Hackney

In this class, we will learn how to add sources in 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


 * Thursday, April 27th, 7pm Registration required. Click here to register.
 * Tuesday, May 23rd, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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


 * Thursday, May 4th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> Merging/Unmerging Duplicates - Cindy Mills

ATTENTION: Space in this hands-on Merging/Unmerging Duplicates class is limited. To actively participate you need to register and enter 20 minutes before class starts. At that time you will receive an essential “Clara ______” PID code and directions to print both Merging Exercise and Merging Sources handouts.

In this 1½ hour class, we tackle the challenges of Merging and, equally important, Unmerging 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 lafsl.org / Online Classes / FamilySearch Classes / 2.2 Intermediate and Advanced / Merging/Unmerging Duplicates Class Handouts.

Class Handouts Merging/Unmerging Intro ppt 2022 Merging & Unmerging Exercise Sources for Merging

Upcoming Dates


 * Thursday, May 25th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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
 * Wednesday, May 10th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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


 * Thursday, May 18th, 11am Click here to join meeting.

RESEARCH TOOLS BEGINNING <div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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

INTERMEDIATE <div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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


 * Thursday, April 27th, 4pm Registration required. Click here to register.
 * Thursday, May 18th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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


 * Wednesday, May 24th, 4pm Click here to join meeting.

ADVANCED <div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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 is required. NEED HELP: Come to Zoom Class or Library Class 15 minutes early to receive help in registering for a Google account.

Class Handouts
 * Using Google Sheets for Census Data Transfer and Analysis


 * Sample Census File

Upcoming Dates
 * TBD

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> Brick Walls Pt 2 - Best Way To Break 'Em Down! - Cindy Mills

' This process requires google sheets and a keyboard (not a touch screen). Neither a tablet nor a mobile phone will function properly. Print the Google Sheets handout (below) before coming to class. '

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 a Google sheet (spreadsheet) 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. It will be available in person or via Zoom. This class requires access to Google Sheets (1A) or Microsoft Excel (1B) and a computer and keyboard. Please open the following links to handouts and print a copy before class.

Class Handouts
 * Using Google Sheets for Census Transfer & Analysis
 * Using Excel for Census Transfer and Analysis
 * Snow, George 1880 Census and Transfer to Google Sheets
 * How to Create a Google Account

Upcoming Dates


 * Saturday, April 29th, 1pm Registration required. Click here to register.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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)

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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)

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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)

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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)

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> Ancestry.com Making it Work for You! 3 Classes - Jackie Ireland

Ancestry 1: Overview- Jackie Ireland Take advantage of the power that is Ancestry. The prime focus is on understanding the power of public trees in Ancestry. Online learning opportunities are also explored. Become familiar with the subscription types available to you.

Class Handouts Upcoming Dates
 * Ancestry 1 Part 1 2023
 * Ancestry 1 Part 2 2023

Ancestry 2 - Effective Searching on Ancestry Jackie Ireland
 * Thursday, May 25th, 2pm Click here to join meeting.

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 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W-f4uHUxPziam9VbVB89Zp1m2WNV7e0v/view?usp=sharing Ancestry.com Making it Work for You! pdf 2021] Upcoming Dates
 * Thursday, April 27th, 2pm Click here to join meeting.

<p style= " font-size:16px"> 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 [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UHKlY3QvhklrZkiziOuJ9xmjeNamCdvO/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109913356409435193825&rtpof=true&sd=true Ancestry.com Making it Work for You! Part III pdf 2022]

Upcoming Dates


 * Thursday, May 11th, 2pm Click here to register.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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 <div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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)

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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)

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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)

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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 <div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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
 * Tracing Your German Roots July 16 2022

Upcoming Dates

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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
 * Tracing Your California Roots Through FamilySearch pdf 2022
 * California Research Links pdf 2022

Upcoming Dates

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> Finding Your Roots in Germany

Class Handouts

Upcoming Dates

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> 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
 * Handout

Upcoming Dates

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" data-expandtext="" data-collapsetext="" style="width:100%; overflow:auto;"> The History of the Indians of Northeast Mexico by John Schmal

Learn about the ancestors of the Tejanos.

Class Handouts
 * Northeast Mexico Handout 2023

Upcoming Dates
 * Saturday, May 6th, 1pm Click here to join class.

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