Author name: Ruth Blair

This news release was received from FamilySearch.

FamilySearch recruits 100,000 to save the world’s records

Worldwide genealogy event unites volunteers in making historical records discoverable online

SALT LAKE CITY (July 11, 2016) — On July 15, FamilySearch International will launch the world’s largest indexing event with a goal of bringing more than 100,000 people from around the globe together online during a 72-hour period to save the world’s records by making them searchable to the public.

“FamilySearch believes everyone deserves to be remembered,” said Shipley Munson, FamilySearch International’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “All should have the opportunity to find their ancestors, and we provide a simple way for people to make those family connections.”

During the 72-hour indexing period, volunteers participate by downloading the FamilySearch software, a program that stores scanned copies of a variety of old records. Volunteers can then complete as many records as they would like by retyping the information from the scanned images into the program. Anyone with a computer and internet connection can join.

“Family history discoveries online are driven by indexed records. Volunteer indexers make those personal discoveries happen. Without them, much of what we do would not be possible,” Munson said. “We invite everyone to join in this important cause to preserve history.”

Volunteers have made over one billion historic records searchable online since FamilySearch introduced online indexing in 2006. The demand for volunteers continues to grow as millions of historical records worldwide are added online every year and as more people take interest in making personal family discoveries.

To join over 100,000 teammates in saving the world’s records, visit the FamilySearch World Records website.

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. It is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,921 family history centers in 129 countries.