Family Search seminar at Robson Ranch
Marilyn Simleness, presenter
Pat Sand
The Ropin’ In Yer Relatives Genealogy Club held a free seminar on Oct. 22 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for Robson Ranch residents. Genealogist Marilyn Simleness presented a step-by-step guide on using the FamilySearch online genealogy tool to about 30 attendees.
Marilyn began her presentation with a history of the FamilySearchFamily History Library. The library, in Salt Lake City, Utah, was created by the Church of the Latter-day Saints in 1894 for the purpose of meeting the church’s basic belief that all souls need to be baptized in order to be saved, even those who have passed. Thus the LDS Church began genealogical research to determine who needed to be baptized. Their platform is one family tree for all.
The library offers information on more than 3 billion ancestors from around the world. Microfiched and digital records as well as help from research specialists and trained volunteers is available. The library is open to the public and free of charge. Additionally there are affiliate branches, like the LDS Church in Casa Grande, that allow record access.
After her introduction, Marilyn demonstrated how to navigate the familysearch.org tool. For some fun at the break, she suggested we download the FamilySearch app. Once downloaded, we signed in and followed the menu to “Find Relatives Near Me.” The app lists all relatives within 100 feet. Many of us were surprised at how many people in the room to whom we were related. Some were 9th and 10th cousins!
At the end of the session, Marilyn took questions. Several people stayed after the seminar to speak with her directly. She also offered her contact information should people have further questions.
Ropin’ In Yer Relatives Genealogy Club meets the first and third Tuesday of every month from November through March. To join the club, attend any meeting or contact Dan Wheeler, president, at [email protected]. Membership is $20 or $25/couple.