Dec 2011
To: Priesthood Leaders, Family History Consultants, Family History Center Directors, Enthusiasts and Indexers
Thought: "We are here to participate in the work of salvation. That's who we are, that's why we're here on the earth. . ." Elder David A. Bednar
"To Turn the Hearts" - Leaders Guide to Temple and Family History Work
This long-awaited Guide, along with the DVD, will soon be]distributed to Stake presidents and Bishops! The Bishop will received copies for himself, the High Priests Group Leader, Ward mission Leader, Relief Society President, and Elders Quorum President.
The responsibilities of the leaders who are involved in implementing Temple and Family History are listed below. The page referenced to their responsibilities are:
1. Stake president (pages 1-6)
2. High Councilor assigned to Temple and Family History Work (pages 1-11)
3. Bishop (pages 1-5, 12-18)
4. Ward Council Members (pages 15, 12-18)
5. High Priests Group Leaders (pages 1-5, 12-21)
6. Family History Consultants (pages 12-21)
7. Area Family History Advisers (pages 22-23)
For all others, the Leader's Guide and accompanying DVD are available online at
https://www.familysearch.org/serve/
Family History Classes in your ward
As a new year approaches, plans should be made for beginning (or continuing) Family History classes. They can be held during Sunday School or at other times of the week. The classes are under the direction of the Bishop and High Priests Group Leader. You who are Consultants are encouraged to meet with these brethren to work out details. (Remember that a Family History Class taught during Sunday School is not under the Sunday School President, but under the direction of the Bishop.)
Need help? There are many on-line resources available to assist you in your teaching. Click on https://www.familysearch.org/serve/
The important thing that you need to consider is the needs of your class members -- then plan accordingly.
Some ideas from an interesting video called, "Principles for Successful Family History class." One ward in Bountiful tells how they had sucess once they moved from a lecture-type approach to a hands-on approach. View the video at http://broadcast.lds.org/elearning/fhd/Local_Support/Priesthood/SS-class/En/videos.html?v=ss-class.
Another way to find the video is by clicking https://www.familysearch.org/consultant/training. Sign in. Under Additional Training--Priesthood Leaders, choose See the whole list (9). Then select Principles for Successful Family History Classes.
1940 Census - Vintage Video
Learn more about the forthcoming 1940 census at
10 min Video This 10-minute movie was created by the Government in 1939 or 1940 and was designed for training of census takers. It is typical of the newsreels of that time, which makes it rather interesting! You can learn much about the contents of the 1940 census. The census will become available to the public on April 2, 2012. (Indexers, here we come!)
What's New in New FamilySearch:
FAN CHART This is not a feature of New FamilySearch, but something new, exciting, and colorful that you can do with New FamilySearch! "Discover a quick and easy way for you to see what already exists in your family tree." To see a demo, click here: Fan Chart
What's New in FamilySearch -
(1) Feature Changes as of 23 November 2011 -- includes "some powerful new search capabilities. . ."
(2) Using the New FamilySearch Historical Records Search Form - "Most users will find this new form simpler to use, more intuitive to interact with and more powerful than the older forms. . ."
(3) A Hugh Wallis Alternative: Using Filtering Features to Customize Your Searchers in FamilySearch.org. - This article is for you who like to use Extraction Batch Numbers of vital and parish records of births/christenings and marriages. It "may prove to be as, or even more, helpful when searching historical records for a single place or parish."
5 Minute Genealogy - Here is the link if you need a handy reference to the 17 episodes: (Scroll towards bottom.)
FamilySearch Research Wiki
"Learn More" on the Research Wiki by Caroline M. Pointer- at
"Learn More"
"FamilySearch.org has over 2.5 billion records online, but did you know that by clicking the Learn More button featured with each record set, you can connect to additional information about the record sets on the FamilySearch Research Wiki? By clicking on this button you are instantly accessing a wealth of information on Research Wiki that can add depth and insight to the records you are using.
INDEXING
Prisoners Rescuing Prisoners: Indexing at Utah State Prison
This is a short article in the Church News of November 28. Click on Prisoners Rescuing Prisoners
"They are not forgotten - Family history brings stake together" - Family history brings stake together This interesting article from the Church News of November 19th tells about a stake who set an indexing goal of one million names. Many blessings came to those who indexed. Stake President John McKinney said, "This is a great way for you to be able to have a family history experience in your life."
A few of the many tips submitted last month from Techtips that may be of interest to you-
(1) "Using your Smartphone for Genealogy", and "Be Prepared for Genealogical Research with your Smartphone" by Ron Tanner
(2) "What can I do to preserve or restore an old book?" by Mollie Shutt. "The key in both preservation and restoration is to not make the condition of the book worse than when the work began. . ."
(3) "Shoebox by 1000 Memories" - by Mollie Shutt. Read about her claim to "the fastest way to scan and share your old photos."
Three Great Family History Web Sites for Children and Youth
(1) Youth - don't miss viewing this excellent website to inspire and instill excitement for famly history in youth. If you teach classes for youth, this is a must-see web site! (It may also help us who are included in the older generation, too!)
(2) "Children love to learn about the world they live in as well as the family they belong to. The following links, charts, and exercises [that are given] will provide some helpful ways to help teach your children all about their current and extended family."
(3) "Involve Children and Youth in Family History."-- A family history lesson series called "Involve Children and Youth in Family History."
Forthcoming Genealogical Conference - Rootstech
February 2-4, 2012 - Salt Palace. This conference is a "healthy mix of genealogy and technology" and "has something for everyone, whether you are a software developer, a genealogist, a society member, technologist or a genealogy hobbyist." We, the Walkers, attended last year, and we highly recommend it! Learn more at http://rootstech.familysearch.org/. (If you don't plan to attend, you may want to attend the fabulous exhibits in the Expo Hall. It is free and well worth attending!)
Family History Library - No classes during December! Watch for January's schedule at https://www.familysearch.org/locations/library_class_schedule
Riverton FamilySearch Library -
https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Riverton_FamilySearch_Library/Class_Schedule
No classes or 3rd Saturday seminar this month! But you may want to get preview their January's classes now!
MISSIONARY OPPORTUNITIES - The Gift of Service
Many opportunities exist for all who are interested in family history missionary work! Meet with your Priesthood leader if you are interested.
FAMILY SEARCH MISSIONARIES - who serve in their homes assisting patrons with New FamilySearch, Research or a related area. (Coordinator: at 1-800-453-3860 ext. 20850, or local at 801-240-0850).
FAMILY HISTORY and CHURCH HISTORY DEPARTMENTS - full-time missions serving in Salt Lake City. (Coordinator: Elder Robert Bertagna, 1-800-453-3860 ext 2-5892)
FAMILY HISTORY SUPPORT - full-time or part-time, at home or abroad. (Coordinator: Karma Tomlinson 1-800 453-3860)
FAMILY HISTORY RECORDS PRESERVATION - full time at home or abroad (Coordinator: Karma Tomlinson 1-800-453-3860)
YOUNG SINGLE ADULTS SERVICE MISSION OPPORTUNITY
The Family History Department is looking for young single adults who either are unable to serve a full-time mission or who have a desire to serve as a Church-service missionary before or after a full-time mission. Let your stake president know of this opportunity so they can invite those individuals who could benefit from this service. Have him contact Mark Mitchell at [email protected], or call 1-801-2409 who is the Young Church Service Missionary Administrator at the Family History Department. He is also available to present a fireside to any group of young single adults.
Eldon and Dorothy Walker, Judy and Russ Tolman, Larry and Gloria Simpson
Area Family History Advisers for the Salt Lake City Area
We welcome items that you think may interest others!
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Thanks for all you do and for sharing your great ideas to save others time and effort! You are the greatest!
Please forward this newsletter to anyone who may benefit from the ideas shared. The more that people know and understand about temple and family history work, the more interested and supportive they will be. "Get the water to the end of the row!"
Eldon and Dorothy Walker
Area Family History Advisers
[email protected] or [email protected]
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