Secrets for Success: How to Harness the Power of FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search
Julia A. Anderson, MA, AG®, AGL™
Content
About this webinar
About the speaker
Key points and insights
In a dynamic and forward-looking genealogy webinar hosted by Legacy Family Tree Webinars, genealogist Julia Anderson introduced the transformative potential of FamilySearch's Full-Text Search tool. Designed for both budding and seasoned researchers, this session demonstrated how cutting-edge technology is eliminating traditional research barriers, making it easier than ever to access, analyze, and attach historical records. With computer-aided indexing and OCR at its core, this tool is reshaping how genealogists engage with records from the 18th century to the early 20th century and beyond.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar:- Revolutionary Access to Unindexed Records: Full-Text Search opens the door to more than a billion document images that were previously unindexed and virtually inaccessible. This includes court documents, land and probate records, and manuscript collections, many of which were time-prohibitive to search manually.
- Smart Search Techniques That Deliver Results: Anderson shared expert tips on narrowing down results effectively using advanced search techniques—such as quotation marks for exact matches, wildcards for name variations, and strategic keyword filtering. These approaches allow researchers to dramatically reduce millions of potential matches into manageable, high-quality results.
- Seamless Integration with FamilySearch Family Tree: Beyond locating records, Full-Text Search empowers users to attach sources directly to individuals in the Family Tree, including enslaved persons previously absent from digital histories. The tool supports source citation, AI-generated summaries, and robust filtering, enabling thoughtful and collaborative family history building.
For anyone serious about uncovering hidden ancestors and breaking through long-standing research brick walls, watching the full webinar is essential. Julia Anderson’s thorough demonstrations, real-life case studies, and advanced tips will equip genealogists with the tools needed to make meaningful discoveries. Access to this webinar is free thanks to FamilySearch sponsorship—no membership required.
Be sure to explore the free, comprehensive seven-page syllabus accompanying the session, filled with direct links, best practices, and further reading. This resource-rich guide complements the webinar and provides genealogists with everything they need to maximize Full-Text Search in their own family research.
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Comments (184)
Fam Search Labs is wonderful! I just sorted out a family that I and several others gave up on in the 1980s because we didn't have access to all these records I can now see from home. (Thank goodness I saved all those old hand-written, PO mailed letters to use with Labs.)\n\nThanks for this intro how to use it. I have new things to try!
Wow!! This really explained the "full text search" I've been hearing so much about!! Thank you!! I've been hearing so much about it, but I didn't understand how it would be helpful. After watching, I picked a random ancestor and bam! I found his naturalization papers within 5 minutes and learned exactly when he came to US and where he landed! \n\nI could listen to Julia speak all day!! \n\nThanks again for this fabulous presentation!!!
I've known about this feature for a little while, but only tried it out once. After this webinar made things so much clearer, I spent several hours with it. Found an unknown brother to my wife's gg-grandfather. Edward's estate mentioned Guyler (the gg-grandfather) as a brother, and Jennie as his niece. We already knew Jennie was Hiram's daughter from previous research, so that confirms Hiram as another brother. One step closer to breaking down the 30+ year brick wall of those brothers' parents!
Fantastic thank you, have never used this before. Will be now, a great presentation.
I had been using for some time, but the additional hints have improved my searches immensely. Thank you.
Good, clear instructions; reinforced with ad hoc practice questions.
Is 5 as far as we can go? I'm one of the 48% who hasn't tried this yet. Mind blown!! Not only for Julia's presentation--which was so thorough and fascinating, but we got a "Watch Jeff Live" too! Thank you both for a great webinar.
I really appreciated all the tips on how to search effectively. I am so grateful for FamilySearch developing this system and for the presenter giving us tips on its use.