There are plenty of reasons why FamilySearch is one of the most popular genealogy websites. The website is constantly adding new records and helpful information about genealogy techniques, resources, and terminology. It also helps that all genealogists can use FamilySearch for free! Here are some of the new things going on at FamilySearch this week.
FamilySearch is still working hard on indexing the 1940 United States Census. Every time they update, they post a blog called “1940 Census Indexing Progress Report”. Four more states have been added to FamilySearch. They now have a total of 18 states that are completely indexed and searchable. This means that volunteers have indexed around 52.25% of the census.
They now have 77,629,066 names indexed and arbitrated. A total of 18 states have published searchable indexes. Those states are: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming. A total of 126,716 indexers have signed up to index the 1940 US Census.
Are you someone who enjoys taking pictures? FamilySearch is asking for people to share their photos. They want to be able to use the submitted photos on the FamilySearch website and in various FamilySearch newsletters. They have a list of specific types of photo that they are looking for right now.
FamilySearch recently unveiled their new Mobile App. It is a mobile indexing application. Volunteers can use the app on their smartphone or tablet computers and do their indexing through the app. There is a series of frequently asked questions about this app that they have answered on their blog.
Recently, FamilySearch asked the people who were doing indexing or arbitration to comment about their experiences. They have put together a series of commonly asked questions, followed by their answers, on their blog. From what I have been reading, it appears that there is a heated discussion going on about which group is doing things correctly, or better, than the other. Indexers are frustrated when the arbitrators change something they submitted. Arbitrators are upset when the indexers complain about the changes, and attempt to challenge them.
If you happen to be one of the frustrated indexers, you should read over a blog on the FamilySearch site called Genealogists Say “Thank You” to Indexing Volunteers. It has some personal comments from genealogists who very much appreciate your hard work!
Image by Taz on Flickr