FamilySearch Catalog: The Sears Christmas Catalog for Genealogists

Lianne Kruger
Apr 4, 2025
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Content

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Welcome
1m 02s
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Introduction
7m 37s
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Search Surnames
4m 50s
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Search Keywords
8m 28s
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Why Log In
5m 24s
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Adjust Image
9m 37s
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Print List
5m 08s
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Announcements / prize
1m 16s
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Questions / answers
5m 00s

About this webinar

Did you mark your wish list in the Sears Christmas catalog as a child? FamilySearch Catalog lists everything available in the FamilySearch Library. Many of these items are also available online, at FamilySearch Centers and Affiliated Libraries. Items include books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications. This session will go through the steps on how to search by location, surname, title, author, subject, or keywords, and combinations of these. Learn to find where the items are located and what type of media they are stored in. Search online in film images, and adjust their image or zoom in and out. When you find records for your research, mark each to view later in a to-do list of items which may be printed to the library when you got in person. See how the FamilySearch Wiki will help find records for an area anywhere. Just like the Christmas Catalog had something for every member of the family, this catalog has something for everyone, no matter where you are researching.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Lianne Kruger is a professional genealogist and speaker specializing in Canada, homesteading for U.S. and Canada, video recording family history, and using technology in all aspects of genealogy such as Google Maps, Google Drive and Evernote. She
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Key points and insights

In her engaging and highly practical webinar, “FamilySearch Catalog: The Sears Christmas Catalog for Genealogists,” professional genealogist Lianne Kruger drew a fun and fitting comparison between the joy of flipping through childhood toy catalogs and the powerful discovery potential of the FamilySearch Catalog. Delivered during the 24-Hour Genealogy Marathon, this session demystified the newly updated catalog interface and provided attendees with expert tips for navigating its vast holdings. Kruger, who specializes in Canadian and homesteading records, turned a complex tool into an accessible, indispensable resource for genealogists of all skill levels.

Key Takeaways:

  • Search Smarter Using Multiple Methods: Kruger demonstrated how to search by place, surname, title, author, subject, call number, and keywords. Each approach reveals different results—even when using the same terms—making it crucial to try multiple paths to uncover hidden gems.
  • Decode Access Icons and Restrictions: Viewers learned how to interpret key symbols—cameras (digital images), magnifying glasses (indexes), and camera icons with exclamation points (access restrictions). Logging into a free FamilySearch account often removes some restrictions, and Kruger showed how to find local FamilySearch Centers or affiliate libraries for broader access.
  • Create Custom To-Do and Print Lists: The new catalog allows users to add items to a print list, which doubles as a research to-do list. This feature saves time and ensures nothing is forgotten—especially useful when planning research trips to Salt Lake City or affiliated facilities.

This session is perfect for anyone ready to make the most of FamilySearch’s unmatched collection of global genealogical records. To explore the full power of this essential tool, watch the complete webinar at FamilyTreeWebinars.com, and discover how to turn catalog searches into research breakthroughs.

Don’t miss the syllabus included with this session—it’s packed with links, screenshots, and step-by-step guidance. Whether building a family tree from scratch or chasing down elusive ancestors, Kruger’s techniques will help you search confidently and efficiently.

Comments (37)

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  1. AW
    Allison Willis
    5 days ago

    Another very good webinar, good information

    Reply
  2. KM
    Kendra Marasco
    5 days ago

    Very helpful! Answered a lot of questions I had. Using the site will be easier and, I am sure, more rewarding now. Thank you

    Reply
  3. CL
    Cliff LANHAM
    5 days ago

    Outstanding guidance on using the catalog. This a fantastic block of instruction for new AND OLDER USERS OF FS

    Reply
  4. LB
    Laurel Brown
    5 days ago

    Very informative. Even as a regular FamilySearch user I learned some new tricks and tips.

    Reply
  5. DC
    Don Clarke
    5 days ago

    Great information and hints! Thank you.

    Reply
  6. KB
    Kyla Bayang
    5 days ago

    Great information and tips, learned alot!

    Reply
  7. MA
    Mary Ann Millman
    5 days ago

    Wish I’d had this overview prior to RootsTech and my first visit to the FHL :).

    Reply
  8. BB
    Brian Boneham
    5 days ago

    Great webinar which will help me with my South African searches.

    Reply

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