Contents of FamilySearch Web Site

Our web site contains a small fraction of the original records and information available to researchers. FamilySearch consists of three types of records:

1. Information submitted to us by patrons: This includes such records as the Ancestral File and the  Pedigree Resource File.

a. The Ancestral File was our first attempt to create a way for families to submit family history information. Then, with other submitted family information, link their ancestors to other family groups, finding common ancestors. The Ancestral File was discontinued in 2003. b. The Pedigree Resource File began in 1999. The information in this file cannot be changed. Updates and new family information can be added to this file by sending a new submission through the “share” process.

2. Information extracted from civil and church records. a. Civil records of many types have been extracted from a wide variety of areas (state, county, city). b. The International Genealogical Index (IGI) is a database that contains primarily births/ christenings, although in a few cases, deaths or other events appear on the records. c. Many religions have allowed us to extract records from their holdings. These records usually pre-date civil records.

3. United States Government records. a. Federal Census records have been and are being extracted. b. The Social Security Death Index (SSDI). This index is updated with the latest information by FamilySearch approximately twice a year. This database contains vital record information for more recent family member deaths. If your family does not appear on our Web site it is because: 1. No one has submitted your family information to us. 2. Your ancestors did not live in an area where the records have been extracted. 3. Your family members are still living. Living people do not appear on our site.