Idaho Falls Idaho FamilySearch Center/Research

Commonly Asked Questions

I want to get my family started in family history. Is there a good starting point for us to focus on? For some simple suggestions, CLICK HERE.

FamilySearch Research Assistance

Schedule LOCAL One-on-One Support With One of Our Staff Members      If you would like some one-on-one help from one of our staff members, we can get you scheduled either at the local center or via Zoom if you are comfortable with that option. Click Here to Request Help

FamilySearch Community      This is a great resource to explore. There is a knowledgeable community of folks out there that can provide you with help and resources in your research efforts. For access to the Community, CLICK HERE.

FamilySearch Wiki      The FamilySearch Research Wiki is a free, online genealogical guide created and maintained by FamilySearch. 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. For access to the FamilySearch Wiki page, CLICK HERE.

FamilySearch Partnership Databases      With so many different databases to search, which ones do we use? While FamilySearch has an ever increasing vast database of different types of record sources, they by no means have access to all of them. This is where the partnerships with outside institutions are vitally important. If you are a church member, access to the FamilySearch partnership databases is free. To sign up for these free partnership databases, CLICK HERE. If you are not a member, then come to our local FamilySearch Center and utilize the Premium Services Portal for free. Some of the more common ones include the following:

* Ancestry.com: Although there is some overlap in content with FamilySearch (like Census records, etc), they have different collections of imaged and indexed records, as well as their public family member trees to search through. Another interesting finding, such as with US Census records, the quality of the Census image may be such that it is more readable and may have been indexed differently, therefore making finding your ancestor easier. Ancestry.com also has a large collection of DNA contributors, along with a system to match DNA participants with each other. Ancestry has a searchable newspaper collection as well as Fold3, although these are paid upgrades.

* MyHeritage: Their database and search tools generally focus more of the European areas of the world. Their public member trees however, also cover USA as well. Their are also some interesting photo enhancement tools available on their website as well. DNA along with DNA match notification are also a feature for MyHeritage. They also have a searchable newspaper collection.

* Findmypast: Their database collection includes much of England, Ireland, Scotland, and closely surrounding areas. Although they will save your family tree, and provide record hints, they do not have their public family member trees. They have a partnership with Living DNA to provide DNA testing and matching.

* Filae.com: If your heritage comes from the mostly France region, then this would be a database collection you would want to search as well.

Resources Available Locally at Our Center

<p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:20px; text-align:left; color:#87b940;">ScanPro 3000 Digital Microfilm/Fiche Reader <p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:18px; text-align:left; margin-left:25px; margin-top:-10px;">     While many of the microfilm and fiche records are available for review on FamilySearch, there are still some records not yet available there. We have a new scanner unit to help you access these records. While it is generally not frequently used, it is best to call just before you come to ensure that it is not currently being used. You do not have to schedule for this.

<p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:20px; text-align:left; color:#87b940;">Premium Portal Services <p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:18px; text-align:left; margin-left:25px; margin-top:-10px;">     There are several family history tools available through this free to access portal available on each of our center computers. Ancesty Insitution, Newspapers.com, ArchivDigital, Fold3, and Puzzilla are a few of the databases offered.

<p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:20px; text-align:left; color:#87b940;">Church Membership Records <p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:18px; text-align:left; margin-left:25px; margin-top:-10px;">     Our center has a large collection of LDS Church membership records on microfilm. These films, arranged by Ward, are not available in digital format, but the films are available for viewing. Due to privacy reasons, you may print information only for direct ancestors and those born 95 years ago. All other information must be crossed out. Additional LDS Church records are also available on film, with various use restrictions.

<p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:20px; text-align:left; color:#87b940;">Indexing Support <p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:18px; text-align:left; margin-left:25px; margin-top:-10px;">     We have great indexing support every Wednesday in our computer lab with a highly experienced missionary couple to answer your questions and help you with your indexing efforts.

<p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:20px; text-align:left; color:#87b940;">Idaho Falls & Surrounding Area Obituary Collection <p style="font-family:proxima nova; font-weight:normal; font-size:18px; text-align:left; margin-left:25px; margin-top:-10px;">     Most all the digital images from our obituary collection have been submitted to FamilySearch. The collection of digital images is still available at our center stored in a simple to access file folder system sorted by lastname.