FamilySearch Full Text Search: Why aren’t you using it?

Key points and insights

In the Webinar Short “FamilySearch Full-Text Search: Why Aren’t You Using It?”, genealogy librarian Brent Trout introduces viewers to a powerful, underutilized feature on the FamilySearch platform—its full-text search capability. Released in beta form, this feature uses advanced AI and machine learning technologies to make historical records fully searchable, significantly expanding research possibilities for genealogists. Trout emphasizes that this tool is not a replacement for traditional research methods, but an enhancement that can unlock new paths of discovery by making unindexed records searchable by keywords, names, places, and more.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• Harness the Power of AI for Genealogical Research: Full-text search on FamilySearch utilizes handwritten text recognition and large language models to interpret and search across millions of digitized historical records. This AI-driven approach allows users to uncover records that traditional name indexing might miss, particularly those hidden within rich contextual documents like land deeds and pension files.
• Master Effective Search Strategies: Trout provides practical search techniques to maximize results, including the use of wildcards, quotation marks for exact phrases, plus signs for keyword combinations, and the strategic application of filters. He highlights common OCR (Optical Character Recognition) errors and handwriting quirks—such as the confusion between “S” and “F” or variations like “Gasper” versus “Casper”—to help researchers refine their queries and avoid missing key records.
• Real-World Application and Case Study Insights: Demonstrating the tool’s effectiveness, Trout shares a personal case study where he successfully connected family members across generations using the full-text search. By leveraging modifiers, filters, and creative keyword combinations, he uncovered deed records and witness signatures that traditional indexed searches would have overlooked—ultimately proving a familial link that had remained elusive.

This Webinar Short is a must-watch for genealogists ready to level up their research strategies with cutting-edge tools. By viewing the full session, researchers will gain step-by-step guidance on how to navigate FamilySearch’s full-text search feature, unlocking a deeper and broader spectrum of historical records.

To further enhance your research experience, explore the accompanying webinar resources and syllabus, which provide helpful search tips and detailed examples. Don’t miss the opportunity to incorporate this transformative tool into your genealogy toolbox—maximize your research efficiency and uncover stories waiting to be found in the hidden corners of historical documents.