Online Webinars from the United States/Canada Research Team

Learn from experienced genealogists. The genealogical research specialists from the United States and Canada Research Team at the Family History Library now offer online webinars you can view from the comfort of your home. Learn the best research skills, techniques, record sources, and background knowledge as experts teach you to find those elusive ancestors faster and better. The only requirement is that you have access a computer with an Internet connection, and an audio system.

Webinar Schedule




May 2015


 * Thur 14 May 6:00 p.m. MDT, FamilySearch Catalog, presenter David Dilts, AG®
 * Thur 28 May 6:00 p.m. MDT, Using Canadian Census Records, presenter Yvonne Sorenson, AG®

June 2015


 * Thur 11 Jun 6:00 p.m. MDT, Beginning American Indian Research, presenter Joan Healey, AG®
 * Thur 25 Jun 6:00 p.m. MDT, African-American Research: Using Plantation Records, presenter Joan Healey, AG®

July 2015


 * Thur 9th July 6:00 p.m. MDT United States Naturalization, presenter Danielle Batson,AG®
 * Thur 23rd July 6:00 p.m. MDT Beginning LDS Research, presenter Joni Kesler,AG®

August 2015


 * Thur 13th August 6:00 p.m. MDT Planning a Research Trip, presenter Tim Bingaman
 * Thur 27th August 6:00 p.m. MDT Immigration Into the United States, presenter David Dilts, MA, AG®

How To Join a Live Webinar

 * Opening WebEx.  To join a class, click on the name of the class on the "Webinar Schedule" above. This will open the meet.lds.org page. Then follow these steps:


 * Enter your name and email address and click on Join.
 * You will then see this screen prompting you to install the WebEx Meetings Plug-In. The quickest option is to click on the words Run a temporary application.
 * Click on Save File. A new dialog box will open asking where to save the file.
 * Choose where to save the file or just leave it in the Downloads folder. Be sure to remember the name of the file.
 * You will next need to open the file to run the application. Go to the folder where the file is saved and double click on it to run the temporary application. You can also access the file from your browser’s downloads folder.
 * Once you’ve double clicked on the application in the Downloads list you will be admitted into the meeting.
 * You may now configure your audio. Instructions for configuring audio can be found below. If you have a video camera, you can choose to disable it by clicking on the words Not Now.


 * Configuring the audio.  Once in the WebEx meeting room you can choose how to connect your audio. Click on the three small dots which will change to the word More when you hover over them. They are found just below the icon Call Using Computer. You will then see the following options.


 * There are three options for connecting to the audio of the meeting.


 * Option 1. The Call Me option allows you to enter a phone number and WebEx will call you directly. There is no charge to use this service but if you are using a cell phone, it will require the use of your cell phone minutes. Just enter your phone number along with country and area code to allow the system to call you. When your phone rings, you will be prompted to press 1 to enter the meeting.


 * Option 2. I Will Call In allows you to call in directly to the meeting. If you choose this option, click on the I Will Call In option and the system will display the number you should call along with the access code. Follow the prompts to enter the access codes.


 * Option 3. Call Using Computer uses the speakers and microphone of your computer to provide the audio of the meeting. If you choose this option, you will want to test your speakers and microphone to ensure they are functioning properly. Choose your speakers and microphone from the drop down menus. Click on the Test button alongside the drop down menu to test them.


 * Volume control options.  You may adjust the volume for your computer using the Volume Control Options located in the lower right corner on your screen. Right click on the speaker icon and click on Sounds. Once open, choose Playback to choose and/or configure your speakers. Choose Recording to configure your microphone.


 * Connect with a mobile device.  If you would like to connect to the webinar using your mobile phone or a tablet, please visit the App store for your device and download the free WebEx app. If you want to attend with your mobile device, please allow sufficient time to download the app before the start of the webinar.

When Signing In
Please include your first given name AND the name of the state or nation from which you are watching. If you are watching as a group, please include the number of people viewing the class together in your sign-in name. For example:  If your name is Barbara  and you were watching from England  with 4 other friends at the local Family History Center, your sign-in name might look like this: Barbara England 4. Another example  would be Terry Ohio 7.

Download the Handouts
February 2015


 * Thur 26 Feb Using FamilySearch's Historical Records Collection

March 2015


 * Thur 26 Mar United States Newspaper Research

April 2015


 * Thur 23 Apr Navigating FamilySearch

May 2015


 * Thur 28 May Using Canadian Census Records

US/Canada Instructors
For images and information about our instructors, see Meet the United States/Canada Team